[Holly Lodge, Highgate]

UNION-HALL

Jonathan Plummer and Jonathan Oaks were charged with being concerned in the burglary that was committed about a fortnight ago at Holly Lodge, Highgate, the seat of the Duke of St. Alban's, from which the depredators carried off two large elegant cut-glass vases, with gold handles, and a timepiece supported by curiously worked glass pillars, The burglars effected an entrance from the lawn by breaking through one of the windows into the grand ball-room.

Mr. Harrison, the Duke's private Secretary, identified the property which was produced, as that stolen from Holly Lodge on the night of the 13th, or early in the morning of the 14th inst.; as did also Mr. Smart, of South Audley-street, Grosvenor-square, the private jeweller to the Duchess, and by whom the time-piece had been a short time back repaired. Curtis, the officer, stated, that from information he received concerning the robbery, and the manner in which it was effected, he went to Brentford on Wednesday, accompanied by the Duke's Secretary, and Mr. Smart. On inquiry at the shop of Mr. Butcher, a pawnbroker, near the Market-place, they ascertained that the clock and two vases in question were pledged there on the 20th instant, by the prisoner Kilsby, for 6l. Having ascertained Kilsby's address, which is in the same town, the officer immediately proceeded thither, and he at once admitted that he had pledged the articles at Butcher's shop; and in explanation of the manner in which they had come into his possession, said that the prisoner Plummer, with whom he had a slight acquaintance, knowing him to have formerly been a dealer in marine stores, came to him, and having communicated that he knew of a bargain of a dial and two vases, recommended the articles to him, adding that he knew where they were to be sold, and asking at the same time 2l. for his trouble in the business, if Kilsby became the purchaser of them. Kilsby then told the officer that he had purchased the lot for 5l., at a small shop in Gee's-court, Oxford-street, and thither Curtis insisted on being taken, and on his entrance into the place, the two other prisoners were pointed out by Kilsby as the parties with whom he had the transaction. Curtis immediately apprehended Oaks and Plummer.

Kilsby attended at the office, and produced a receipt, which was given to him by Oaks, who signed his name Langstone. Kilsby added, that he purchased the articles in a fair and open way of business. The clock was a good deal out of order when he made the purchase; and after having given Plummer 30s. for telling him of the bargain, he thought be had done no more than any other tradesman would under the circumstances.

Mr. Smart, the Duke's watch-maker, said the clock alone was worth 40 guineas, without the vases, which were also of a very expensive description.

Plummer, in his defence, said, that he had heard of the robbery at the Duke of St. Alban's, but declared that he had no concern in it. He was informed that Oaks had a clock and two vases to dispose of cheap, and knowing Kilsby to be a dealer, he mentioned it to him, and received 30s. from that person for the information.

Oaks said that the articles were left at his shop by a young man, from whom he was to have had a commission for selling them. He kept an old iron-shop, and exposed various articles for sale belonging to other parties, from whom, he received compensation if he sold their property to an advantage.

Mr. Swabey therefore withdrew his previous intention of taking bail, until the case was brought before him, again on Wednesday next.

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