[ Case of James Hodges et al / Proceedings of the Old Bailey ]
The Old Bailey (properly known as The Central Criminal Court of England and Wales) was the principal criminal court in London in the 18th and 19th centuries (and remains in use to this day). The records of trials held at the Old Bailey have been digitized and made freely available online (oldbaileyonline.org).
This particular case (reference number t18330103-83) was heard on 3 January 1833 and involved charges of assault and robbery against James Hodges, William Biggs, and Thomas George.
The man they were accused of assaulting and robbing, Benjamin New, had his Newfoundland with him when he was set upon. The principal witness provided the following account of what he saw:
. . . they dragged him [Benjamin New, the victim] right on the top of the bridge - New had a white and black Newfoundland dog with him; Biggs asked where the strap was - I cannot tell what strap he meant; Biggs had the dog in his hand - as I passed close to them on the bridge I went a little way; I then stood and listened, and heard New halloo out, "You are picking my pocket – you are robbing me. . . ."
The second reference to the Newfoundland comes in a statement by the victim, Benjamin New:
"I felt George's hand in my waistcoat pocket; I had a Newfoundland dog with me, and missed the dog all at once; I thought it was gone down to the water under the bridge to drink - I was dragged some distance before I was robbed."
Another witness to the crime also mentions the dog accompanying the victim:
"I saw a Newfoundland dog on the bridge with him. . . ."
Conflicting testimony from witnesses seems to be the reason a verdict of not guilty was handed down.