Saltley Reformatory Inmates


George Lawton

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No. in Admissions Register: 622
Age: 12
Whence received: Stafford Gaol
Description:
Complexion: Fresh
Hair colour: Light brown
Eyes colour: Grey
Visage: Round
Particular marks: -
State of health: Good
Able-bodied? Yes
Date of admission: 5 October 1878
Late residence: Newcastle under Lyme
Parish he belongs to: Newcastle under Lyme
Customary work and mode of life: Brickmaking
Whether illegitimate: No
State of education:
Reads: Not at all
Writes: Not at all
Offence: Stealing iron
Circumstances which may have led to it: -
Date of sentence, by whom and court: 5 August 1878; W Mallard and W Cartwright; Borough of Newcastle Petty Sessions
Where imprisoned: H M Prison Stafford
Sentence: 2 months in prison, 5 years at Saltley
Previous committals:
Number: 2
Length: fined 2s 6d or 7 days; fined 2s 6d or 7 days);(boy not sent to prison on avccount of his youth)
For what: Wilful damage; wilful damage
Father's name: George Lawton
Occupation: Sweep
Mother's name: Catherine Lawton
Occupation: -
Parents dead? Neither
Survivor married again? -
Parents' treatment of child: Good
Character of parents Indifferent. Health good
Parents' wages: 27s per week
Amount parents agree to pay: 2s 6d per week
Parents address: Goose Street, Newcastle. (3 February 1882 Church Street, Bird Lane, Talke, Staffordshire
Superintendent of police (to collect payments): Charlers Blyth, police officer, Newcastle
Person making this return: -

Notes:

Note at foot of Admissions Register: This boy has been the companion of a gang of boys who are frequently committing petty thefts

3 October 1877 There is a report of one of his previous offences in the Staffordshire Sentinel Wednesday 3 October 1877 p.3 col.4: THE STONE-THROWING NUISANCE. - Thomas Bowers, George Lawton, and James Lawton, small boys, were charged with doing wilful damage to a window belonging to Robert Mason, of Goose-street. - Complainant's wife stated that seven panes of glass were broken, and the damage was 10s. 6d. - P.C. Oliver proved finding the three defendants in the back yard of the complainant, and when questioned by him each of the boys laid it on one another. - Sarah Griffiths, living' next door to the complainant, said that she heard the window broken, and saw the boys within ten yards off. - They were each fined 2s. 6d., and ordered to pay 3s.6d each, the damage of the window.

6 August 1878 A report of the crime that sent hinm to Saltley is in the Staffordshire Sentinel Tuesday 7 August 1878 p.3 col.2: A Young Thief. - George Lawton, eleven years of age, was charged with having stolen two iron grids, of the value of 3s., the property of Miss Catherine Hall, Ashfield House. - The evidence showed that the grids were stolen from the carriage drive, on the 29th ult., and Richard Harding, Miss Hall's gardener, gave information to the police. - On the 2nd inst. prisoner offered the grids for sale at the marine store shop of Michael O'Brien. Having received information of the theft, O'Brien communicated with the police. - Superintendent Blyth said the prisoner was one of a gang of boys who had committed many depredations in the borough. The boy was much neglected by his parents and had been twice convicted. - The Bench thought the best thing that could be done for the lad was to commit him to gaol for two months, after which to go to a reformatory until he is sixteen years old.

2 July 1881 2 cuts upon the hand and 2 days in the cell upon bread and water diet

7 July 1881 6 strokes upon the hand for fighting

29 July 1881 Stealing soup from the kitchen and beans from the garden. 10 stripes upon the posterior with a cane and 3 days in the cell

29 August 1881 There is a brief report of his father being before the court for non-payment of maintenance in the Staffordshire Sentinel Monday 29 August 1881 p.3 col.5:INDUSRTIAL SCHOOL ARREARS. - George Lawton, sweep, was summoned to show cause why he should not contribute a weekly sum of 2s to the support of a boy of his who had been sent to an industrial school. Defendant pleaded poverty, but was ordered to pay all arrears forthwith.

29 October 1881 Absconded at 6 o'clock. Has been accused during the day of stealing a swede turnip

3 November 1881 Recaptured at Church Street, Butt Lane, ..teth(?) Hill, by Stoke on Trent

7 November 1881 Sentenced by Mr Kynnersley to 3 months hard labour in the House of Correction, Birmingham

6 February 1881 Re-admitted from H M P Birmingham

4 May 1882 Leaves this day by the doctor's orders. He will never be strong again, in fact the doctor says he will most likely die in 6 months. His parents now live at Church Street, Butts Lane, Stoke on Trent

29 May 1882 Dies whilst at home with parents (see Disposal and Discharge Book)

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