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criminal/court records

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Victoria

Victoria Report 7 Jun 2005 19:02

Hi Does anyone know anything about old conviction/court records? I have just discovered that my Gt Grandfather was imprisoned in May 1908 for fraudulent trading as a bankrupt and was sentenced to 6 mths. In April 1908 he was first imprisoned as a debtor. (Information has come from an inquest report). I would like to find out more about his criminal activities - the only other thing I know is that he was sentenced 'in the second division'. I'd be grateful for any tips. Victoria

Unknown

Unknown Report 7 Jun 2005 19:32

Hi Victoria! Which area was your ancester from? The only good court cases I have come across, are the Old Bailey ones, in London! They cover about 3 hundred years, and make very interesting reading! (Google Old Bailey, and you should get it) I have found other cases on the website A2A (Access to Archives) Hope thats helpful!!

Unknown

Unknown Report 7 Jun 2005 19:36

Hi again!! Sorry the cases only go up to 1834 on the 'Old Bailey online website' (Just had a look!) Try Cyndis List xxx

Victoria

Victoria Report 7 Jun 2005 19:37

He was imprisoned in HM Prison Kingston in Portsmouth and had lived in Portsmouth since 1901 so I'm presuming Portsmouth courts.

Unknown

Unknown Report 7 Jun 2005 20:34

If he was tried at the magistrates' court details will be in the relevant county records office. If he was tried at an Assize (circuit judges) then you can get details about it from The National Archives, but the papers are usually in with lots of other stuff and there is no trial transcript. You can get further info from local/national newspapers reports of the cases. Local newspapers are on microfilm in records offices/larger libraries in the area. I know the London Met. Archives has a set of The Times on microfilm. For more info about assizes, see this online research guide; http://www.catalogue.nationalarchives.gov.uk/RdLeaflet.asp?sLeafletID=153 nell

Victoria

Victoria Report 7 Jun 2005 20:56

Thanks everyone for the hints - much appreciated. Sorry for digressing but any ideas about bankruptcy records? As my ancestor was imprisoned for fraudulent dealing while bankrupt I'm wondering if there are any records regarding the bankruptcy? Victoria

Jennifer

Jennifer Report 7 Jun 2005 22:41

1. Google for The Black Sheep Index and see if they have a newspaper report. 2. Try the Hampshire Record Office, their catalogue called CALM is on line, again Google will find it.