On This Day, 6 September 1917

Birmingham Mail

Thursday 6 September 1917

CHILDREN CHARGED.

A YOUTHFUL BIRMINGHAM HOUSEBREAKER

In the Birmingham Children’s Court, today, Edward Hopkins (15), labourer, back 360, Lichfield Road, and Arthur Fernihough (13), 380a, Lichfield Road, were charged with stealing £6 10s., belonging to Eliza Cade, 2, Minstead Road, Gravelly Hill.

During the absence of prosecutrix on Monday the boys entered the house and took the money from a bed room. They went to Coventry, and, being unable to obtain lodgings on Tuesday night, they spoke to a constable, and he detained them. On the boys being searched the sum of £4 15s. 6d. was found concealed in their stockings.

Hopkins was remanded for a week, and Fernihough placed on probation for six months.

George Henry Harrison (12), 5, Orchard Terrace, Orchard Road, was charged with breaking and entering the dwelling-house of Alfred Redden, 23 Orchard Road, and stealing from a drawer in the front sitting room a tin box containing 2 1/2d.

Mr. Redden’s house was entered about 11 a.m. on Tuesday, and on Harrison being charged by Police-constable Willis with the theft he replied, “I got over some boards and through the scullery window, and after ransacking the house I left by the back kitchen door.”

The officer said several complaints had been received by the police about the boy, one of which referred to a gold watch which had been stolen.

Harrison was placed on probation for twelve months.