A report of the 1853 burglary trial of Edward Tullidge, 14, described the prisoner as a very sharp little boy, exhibiting a hardened demeanour, gazing round the court with apathetic indifference. It was the 14th time he had been in custody on charges of this nature.
The judge described the 7 year transportation sentence as "nominal": "that is what your mother wishes to be done with you" and explained that Edward would in fact go to Parkhurst prison where the discipline would be very severe, but that if he was a good boy he would be released at 21 with a good character.
Taunton Courier & Western Advertiser, 20 July 1853
