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England (Counties as in 1851-1901) => England => Devon => Topic started by: alan w jones on Friday 31 October 14 09:25 GMT (UK)
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Hello I just noticed that the father of a lady I am researching was tried and convicted of a crime on 17th March 1849 and given 7 yrs sentence and transported . I cant seem to be able to see the crime he committed . His name was William Burnett in Devon of Knowstone .
Would appreciate a look up please
Thank you
Regards
Alan
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Hi Allan,
Looks like Sheep Stealing to me of which he had been Aquitted before.
If you look at the name directly above Williams Conviction that person was convicted of Sheep Stealing also.
It is "dittoed" as Williams B's Crime also and then added "before conv. of Felony"
This appears to be 1845 for the Felony Conviction.
Trish :)
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Thanks Trish , I could not see that as Ancestry kept telling me to upgrade . Was sheep stealing bad enough to be "transported " He left a wife and children to be transported to Australia it seems
Regards
Alan
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Sheep stealing [and less a crime] often brought transportation, stealing a horse sometimes attracted hanging.
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I think this is your William Burnett transported on a ship called Pyrenees arrived Western Australia 28th June 1851. Convicted Devon Assizes Exeter. Take Care Lynette
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Hi Lynette , thanks , I think he may have even died in 1851 too , although I cant access Australian deaths .
Regards
Alan
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Hello Alan here is a link to the records just type in Burnett www.fremantleprison.com.au/Pages/Convict.aspx Take Care Lynette
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Thank you Lynette , that was great , I see the 3 brothers all on the same ship for various offences . There is no mention of William death though .
Much appreciated
Regards
Alan
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hello Alan yes I noticed there was no death for him. I am not very good with the Western Australia death records. His poor wife was left with all those children to bring up on her own. Take Care Lynette
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Western Australian BDMs are free to search online:
http://www.bdm.dotag.wa.gov.au/_apps/pioneersindex/default.aspx
Australian Resources board:
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/australia-resources-offers/
Debra :D
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Thank you Debra , that is a great help .
Regards
Alan
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Was sheep stealing bad enough to be "transported " He left a wife and children to be transported to Australia it seems
Regards Alan
Sentencing depended on the value of the item stolen. An accused might be acquitted of a "minor" crime, such as petty theft or poaching, but if that person was tried a second time, even for something "minor", the sentence would be harsh.
You might like to read this:
https://www.oldbaileyonline.org/static/Punishment.jsp#transportation