MIDDLESEX SESSIONS. — Twelve Irishmen were on Thursday tried for a riot
in Cato-street on Christmas evening, the particulars of which were formerly noticed. .Seven of them were found guilty, and sentenced to three months imprisonment. During the trial of this case, Mr. Bodkin informed the Court that a gentleman who was waiting to give evidence had just had his pocket picked. Mr. Clarkson—" The constables allow so many people into the Court, that such a circumstance has of late become quite common." Mr. Phillips--d. Yes very common ; and since the late improvements (as they were called) in the Court, the thieves have found their way into our robing- room ; and it frequently happens that some learned gentleman finds himself minus a hat, coat, or waistcoat; but I suppose such robberies are owing to the 'march of intellect.' " (Great laughter.) The Chairman said, if possible, arrangements should be made that would prevent such thefts in future.
William Browning, who was described in the indictment to be of " St Luke's, Middlesex, gentleman," surrendered to take his trial for conspiring along with Sarah Sidmore, to seduce " divers young and inexperienced chil- dren." Six girls were examined to support the loathsome charge ; the youngest of whom was only nine years of age, and the eldest scarcely four- teen. The prisoner was found guilty ; and the Court sentenced him to one year's solitary imprisonment. Ile is said to be a man of independent fortune The woman Sidmore did not appear to take her trial.
Two men were yesterday found guilty on the charge of having stolen a dead body from St. James's, ClerkCnwell. The one was sentenced to be imprisoned six months, because he had before been guilty of a similar crime, and the other to be imprisoned four months.
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