Old Bailey.

The June session for London and Middlesex commenced on Thursday morning before Mr. Justice James Parke, Mr. Justice Gaselee, the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, &c.

James Coles, aged 20, was indicted for having uttered and forged a check for 100l. on Messrs Robarts and Curtis, the bankers.

Charles Courd, clerk in the house of Robarts and Co.—Smith and Son kept an account there, and drew checks; the check produced was presented on the 23d of May. On taking it from the prisoner's hand, witness perceived that the signature was not like the Messrs. Smith's, and inquired if he took it of them himself. Prisoner said that he had not, but had brought it from Messrs. Garnett's, in whose favour it was drawn. Witness consulted another clerk, and detained the prisoner till a messenger was sent to Messrs. Garnett's.

Cross-examined by Mr. Adolphus.—Prisoner remained in the outer office for about three minutes, while witness went into another office. He did not attempt to go away, although he might have done so.

Mr. Blundel, another clerk, went to Garnett and Co.'s house, and found they knew nothing of the prisoner.

Mr. John Garnett deposed that he knew nothing of the check or the prisoner.

Cope, the marshal, took the prisoner into custody, and searched him. Found a sheet of paper, containing four blank checks, in his coat-pocket. Prisoner had twelve sovereigns and some silver. Asked the prisoner how he could be so foolish; he answered that he was in great distress.

Verdict—Not Guilty of forging, but Guilty of uttering, knowing it to be forged.