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BRISTOL POLICE COURT.
MONDAY.—Before Mr C. J. THOMAS and Mr R. P. KING.
ALLEGED SWINDLE.
Sarah Westwood, otherwise Rose Douglas, a well-spoken female, was charged with obtaining 10s from Miss Nicholson, of Rodney Place, by a false representation. Mr Morgan Thomas, the keeper of the lodging-house in which Miss Nicholson resides, appeared and put in a written statement from that lady. He added that the facts having been communicated to him, he remembered that a female answering the description was in Clifton about twelve months ago, and called at his house and obtained a breakfast upon a false pretence, and he determined to follow defendant. He saw her upon the Down, but could not get a look at her countenance there, but ultimately she left the Down and accosted a lady by Pembroke Villas, where he succeeded in obtaining a full view of her countenance, and could make sure that she was the same person he had referred to; he then gave her into custody. Defendant said what she had told the lady was true. Mr Brice thought that this was not a case of obtaining money under false pretences, but a case of begging or obtaining charity. Defendant denied that she had asked the lady for anything. Mr King: If you go on in this way you will be brought here again. This is your second appearance here. However, as Miss Nicholson does not attend there is nothing against you, and you are discharged. Defendant: I have returned the money.
— Western Daily Press, Tuesday 07 October 1862 source