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I have been trying to compile as full an account as I can of the press accounts detailing Ostrog's career into chronological order. The results to date are below. I have not included multiple verbatim accounts of the same case, but I have included different versions of the same case where details in one are not included in others.
Some of the cases mentioned I do not have press accounts for. The main ones I am missing are:-
1864 - Cambridge
December 1864 - Exeter
January 1866 - acquittal at Gloucester
If anyone can fill any of these gaps I would be very grateful
Chris
Press Accounts of Michael Ostrog
Jackson's Oxford Journal
7 March 1863
OXFORDSHIRE
LENT ASSIZES
THE ROBBERIES AT ORIEL AND NEW COLLEGES
Max Grief Gosslar, alias Max Kaife Gosslar, 27, student, was indicted for stealing an opera glass and case at Oriel College, Oxford, in the month of February 1863, the property of Charles Levi.
To this indictment the prisoner pleaded guilty, through the medium of Mr Bertram as an interpreter.
He was sentenced to ten months imprisonment.
There was also a charge against the prisoner for stealing several articles at New College, the property of George Frederick Price, but as he had pleaded guilty to one charge, the other was not gone into.
Daily News
28 July 1866
ASSIZE INTELLIGENCE
HOMECIRCUIT - MAIDSTONE, JULY 27
(Before Mr Baron Channell)
Ashley Bertrand, alias Ashley Nabokoff, alias Count Sobieski, and who has also gone by several other aliases, was charged with stealing a gold cross, the property of Thomas White. He was also charged with stealing a gold watch, the property of Esther Carpenter; and there was a third indictment against him for stealing property from the Globe Hotel at Chatham.
Mr Barrow and Mr F.J. Smith conducted the prosecution. The prisoner, who is a Pole, claimed his right to be tried by a jury partly composed of foreigners, and he also applied to the court to assign him a counsel to defend him. The learned judge observed that it was not usual for the court to assign counsel to prisoners in such cases, but as the prisoner was a foreigner probably some gentleman at the bar would watch the case on his behalf; and upon this suggestion Mr Poland consented to do so.
The career of the prisoner appeared to have been a most extraordinary one, and the facts disclosed in the course of the inquiry left no doubt that he was a most accomplished swindler. The first that seemed to have been known of him was in 1863, when he made his appearance at Oxford, and afterwards at Cambridge, where he succeeded at both places in victimising hotel keepers and others to a considerable extent, but his proceedings were cut short by a conviction for swindling, and he was sentenced to imprisonment. After this he made his appearance at Tunbridge Wells, where he represented himself as Count Sobieski, a son of the late King of Poland, and that he had been exiled on account of his political opinions by the Russian government. His appearance was very much in his favour, being young and tall, and his expression of melancholy and the recital he made of his supposed wrongs and sufferings in the cause of his country procured him a great deal of sympathy. It was his custom to walk on the Parade, and get the Parade band to play the Polish national anthem, and he would wander about as though absorbed in his melancholy reflections. The consequence of these proceedings was that he ingratiated himself into the confidence of a good many respectable persons, from whom he succeeded in obtaining money and property, and he also appeared to have ingratiated himself very much with several young ladies. He professed to live by money transmitted to him from his Polish estates by his agent in that country, but the result showed that he got his living by swindling and fraud, and after a rather long visit at Tunbridge Wells he suddenly decamped, having victimised almost every one that came in his way. He then seemed to have made his way to Chatham, where he succeeded in inducing Dr Lawrence, a medical gentleman of great respectability, to whom he had introduced himself as a Polish exile, to take an interest him, and this gentleman introduced him to several respectable persons with whom he was acquainted, among whom was Mr White, a gentleman connected with the military staff at Chatham, and he constantly visited the latter, and was treated by him with great kindness. He took the opportunity upon one of those occasions to steal a gold cross, and this was one of the charges that were now preferred against him. At this time the prisoner was staying at the Globe Hotel, Chatham, and it appeared that previously to his going to that place he had formed an acquaintance with a female who turned out to be a married woman, who had made an appointment to meet him at Rochester, and they went to the Bull Hotel at that place. It was noticed that they had not brought any luggage, and the prisoner was asked if he had any, and he then sent a porter to the Globe for a portmanteau. The lady left the Bull Hotel on the following day, but the prisoner stayed on at the Hotel a day or two longer, when he also decamped, and on his portmanteau being examined, it was found to contain nothing but a shirt, a collar, and some other trifling articles, together with some property that had been stolen from the Globe. The lady, it appeared, subsequently paid the hotel bill at the Bull, and a day or two afterwards the prisoner was apprehended by Mr Everest, the superintendent of the county constabulary. As he was being conveyed to the police station, however, he succeeded in getting away, and was not captured until after a long chase, and he then made a most desperate resistance, and it was found necessary to strap him down to a stretcher before he could be conveyed to the police station. In addition to the two cases of robbery above alluded to, it appeared that the prisoner had gone to the residence of the Rev. Mr Carpenter at Maidstone, and inquired for the minister, and that he afterwards by some means or other succeeded in getting access to the bedroom of Mrs Carpenter, from whence he stole a gold watch and other articles, value £20.
The jury having returned a verdict of Guilty, three previous convictions for felony were formally brought up for judgment, and Baron Channell, addressing him, said that it appeared to him that he was a very dangerous person, and had evidently for a very long period been pursuing a course of crime. He therefore felt it his duty with a view to protect the public from persons of his class, to sentence him to be kept in penal servitude for seven years.
Birmingham Daily Post
2 October 1873
THE ROBBERY AT ETON COLLEGE
A CRIMINAL ROMANCE
Investigations made by the Bucks constabulary and the Windsor police have brought to light the fact that the robbery which was committed in the Foundationers' Chambers at the new building, Eton College, last Saturday evening, was the work of one of the most accomplished swindlers of the period. early in the present year a convict named Bertrand Ashley, alias Ostrog, was undergoing a sentence of seven years penal servitude at Chatham prison for the crime of felony. He was previously known as Count Sobieski, and has passed under other aliases. By the police he is described as a most desperate character. While previously in custody he twice attempted his own life. On the 23rd May, M. Ostrog was liberated from Chatham prison on a ticket of leave, and, from what has transpired, it is evident that he at once resumed his old career of crime. He is aged about forty, and is of gentlemanly foreign appearance. He seems to have found but little difficulty in entering the best society, and among his most recent acquaintances are officers, clergymen, and members of the learned professions. At Eton College he introduced himself to Mr Browning, one of the masters, as having taken a boy to school some eight years since. Having thus ingratiated himself he appears to have been treated in a most considerate manner, and he has repaid that gentleman's kindness by robbing him of a quantity of valuable books and other property. On Saturday Mr Superintendent Dunham traced this property to London, finding some in the house of another gentleman at the West End. Upon asking for Ostrog, it was represented that he was not there. Delay was thus occasioned, and in the meantime Ostrog escaped over the roof of the next house, in his waistcoat and trousers, armed with a loaded eight chamber revolver. On Sunday evening Ostrog revisited his once pleasant quarters at Eton College, and his knowledge of the manners and customs of the students helped him to effect the robbery in the Foundationers' chambers at the New Buildings. That it was Ostrog who purloined the students' effects there is no doubt, for the trousers left behind in the chambers were those in which he escaped from his friend's house in London and eluded the pursuit of the police. Worse remains to be told. Ostrog, while in London, appears to have paid frequent visits to the quiet village of West Drayton, on the Great Western line. Here he courted and won the affections of a most accomplished and handsome young lady, the daughter of a gentleman of position in the neighbourhood. Thanks to the efforts of the police, she has had a most fortunate escape from his attentions. It is believed by the police that considerable care will be required in his capture, armed as he is, and that, in order to avoid arrest, he will not hesitate at any crime.
Pall Mall Gazette
4 October 1873
It seems that the actual perpetrator of a crime is known by name to the police authorities. The gentleman who has thus been discovered, but not captured, is a Mr Bertrand Ashley, alias M. Ostrog, a ticket of leave man, who committed the robbery at Eton College the other evening. He appears, by all accounts, to be a most gifted and fascinating person, and quite an ornament to the class to which he belongs. Although he was only released from Chatham Prison in May last, he has since moved in "the best society," and was treated in the kindest manner possible by one of the Eton masters whom he made acquaintance with, and subsequently robbed. Had M. Ostrog been allowed to remain in peace after he had robber the Eton master, he probably would not have been provoked into committing any further robbery at the college; but, being traced by the police to a house in the West End of London on Saturday, he was compelled in self defence to escape over the roof of the adjoining house in a waistcoat and trousers with a loaded revolver in his hand, and, probably irritated at being thus bustled about, revisited the college on Sunday evening, and carried off all he could lay hands on from the Foundationers' chambers at the new buildings. He is now supposed to be en route for Russia, and we probably shall not see him again for some little time, but we owe him a debt of gratitude for having made quite a pleasant sensation by his escapades, all the more welcome at the present time when we are rather gloomy about the "Thames mystery," and really take a pleasure in hearing some news of our criminals' but M. Ostrog is, we feel sure, far too gentlemanlike to commit any more robberies at Eton College until the price of coals and butcher's meat has fallen. Neither the parents of the scholars nor the masters of the college are at present fair objects for robbery. They are both candidates for the sympathy of the public, owing to the pressure of the times, and that sympathy, we feel sure, will not be denied by M. Ostrog and his friends.
Daily News
9 October 1873
THE ROBBERIES AT ETON COLLEGE
Yesterday, at the Bucks Petty Sessions, held at Slough, before Mr E.C.T. Tompson and Captain Rudyerd, county magistrates, M. Ostrog, alias Bertrand Ashley, a ticket of leave man lately liberated from Chatham convict prison, but who has contrived to enter the best society as a Russian doctor of the Imperial Guard, was brought up for examination upon the charge of stealing from Eton College a silver cup valued £5, the property of Mr A.H. Cooke, one of the foundationers, and some books belonging to Mr Oscar Browning, assistant master of the same place. The prisoner during his conveyance from Burton on Trent by railway by Mr Superintendent Oswell was extremely violent. He had to be handcuffed to one of the most powerful men in the Staffordshire constabulary (Sergeant Wheaver) and thus closely watched arrived at Slough about half past seven o'clock on Monday evening, where his arrival created some excitement, as indeed it had at Birmingham and elsewhere. After his arrest by Mr Superintendent Oswell he refused to take any refreshment, and since Sunday afternoon Ostrog had not eaten anything. He is evidently trying to starve himself, and yesterday morning, previous to his examination, he tried to suffocate himself in a bucket of water. Since his incarceration at Slough, he has been watched day and night in his cell. in order that he might not commit suicide. The prisoner was ably defended by Mr Brunnel Smith, solicitor, of Windsor, and necessarily being very weak owing to his total abstinence from food, was allowed to have a chair in the dock. The court was crowded with the public, and among those present were Captain Sir W. McMahon, Major Ferguson, Captain Kendall, Lieutenant Toller, and Lieutenant Western, of the 2nd Life Guards, at whose barracks at Spital the prisoner had dined. Evidence was taken at considerable length, and the prisoner was remanded till next Wednesday. During the proceedings numbers of the Etonians after twelve went over to Slough, and eagerly thronged around the Court house. They clambered up the windows, grasping the iron bars, standing upon the sills, and as the sashes were down, contrived to get a sight of the prisoner, and even were able to hear a portion of the evidence. The greatest interest was evinced by every one as each witness tendered his deposition.
The Graphic
11 October 1873
On 23rd May last Bertrand Ashley, alias M. Ostrog, alias Count Sobiski, came out of Chatham Prison on a ticket of leave. Shortly after, he proceeded to Eton College, where he ingratiated himself with the masters, and then robbed one of them of several valuable books. Property and thief were traced to a house in London, but M. Ostrog managed to escape over a roof, half dressed, and armed with a revolver. He returned to Eton, and committed another robbery in the Foundationers' chambers. Since then, he has been captured at Burton on Trent, where he nearly shot the policeman who took him. In defiance of the humanitarian dictum to the contrary, we venture to think that the best use to put M. Ostrog to, would be to hang him.
Reynolds Newspaper
12 October 1873
CAPTURE OF A SUPPOSED BURGLAR
On Sunday afternoon Mr Superintendent Oswell, of the Staffordshire constabulary, arrested, at the Fox and Goose Inn, Burton on Trent, a foreigner, whose conduct excited the suspicion of the landlord's son (Mr John Taylor) as being the M. Ostrog who was wanted at Eton College and Windsor for various offences. He answered the description exactly as it appeared in the various papers, and when arrested strongly denied the imputation. Mr Superintendent Oswell joined him at dinner at his hotel, and after a long conversation on the Ashantee war, introduced himself as a superintendent of police. Superintendent Oswell produced different newspapers, and told him that he believed he was M. Ostrog as therein described. He became excited, said he was a Swede and that he was simply visiting the breweries. The prisoner was removed to the police station, and on entering there tried to escape, but was instantly seized, when he drew an eight chambered revolver, loaded and capped, when Mr Superintendent Oswell seized his hand and prevented him using it. He was conveyed from Burton on Trent by Mr Superintendent Oswell for identification by Mr Superintendent Dunham, of the Bucks constabulary, who holds the warrant for his apprehension.
Pall Mall Gazette
16 October 1873
At the Bucks Petty Sessions, held at Slough yesterday, M. Ostrog, alias Bertrand Ashley, who is charged with having committed a number of robberies at Eton College, Windsor, Woolwich, and elsewhere, was brought up for final examination. He had expressed his determination to starve himself, and during his detention at the Bucks county gaol he only took a tablespoonful of milk and arrowroot offered him on Sunday, and a cupful of coffee on Tuesday night. During the examination, which lasted fours hours and a half, the prisoner remained sitting in his chair in a state of apparent insensibility.
Birmingham Daily Post
17 October 1873
THE ROBBERIES AT ETON COLLEGE
At the Bucks Petty Sessions, held at Slough, M. Ostrog, alias Bertrand Ashley, was on Wednesday brought up for final examination.
After his examination on Wednesday week, the prisoner was removed to the County Gaol at Aylesbury. He had expressed his determination to starve himself, and during his detention at the prison he had only taken a tablespoonful of milk and arrowroot, offered him on Sunday, and a cupful of coffee on Tuesday night. He was removed from Aylesbury on Wednesday morning, and conveyed by Great Western Railway to Slough, where he arrived at 9.25 a.m. and was placed in one of the cells of the police station. He had hardly strength to speak to his solicitor.
As at the first hearing, the proceedings excited the greatest interest, the Court being crowded.
Ostrog, owing to his weak condition, was allowed a chair. He had to held up for recognition by Mr Watkins Robert O'Connor, a medical practitioner, who stated that he lived at 2 Osnaburgh Street, Portland Road, and knew the prisoner by the name of Orloff Ostrog, for about six weeks or two months. He called at his place to ask for Mr Baker Brown, his partner. Witness told him he was dead, and prisoner said he had met him in Russia. Prisoner added that Mr Brown was a friend of his, and thought he would help him, as he was in difficulties, and further stated that he was a surgeon in the Imperial Guard at St Petersburg; that having had a quarrel with one of his brother officers he fought a duel, in which he killed his opponent; that he would have got off had he gone before a court of honour composed of the officers, but as several of them did not like him he was afraid to trust to the chance, as the punishment would be twenty years in the mines of Siberia. He had plenty of money, but his servant had given him the wrong coat when he was leaving, in which he had none, and he did not discover his loss till he was on his way. Witness gave him a little money at the time and asked him to dine, which he did. He gave him money several times afterwards, and eventually allowed him to come and stay at his house. That was about three weeks ago, when prisoner said he had to leave, as the detectives were after him. Prisoner brought the silver cup (produced) about three weeks before he was arrested. Prisoner said he had won it at a boat race, and that he was fearful of the Russian detectives coming after him if he left the name on it. It was roughly scratched out as if with a file when witness first saw it. One day he got a letter from him, which he tore up, and in which he asked for money, and if he could not spare it to sell the cup for him. Witness accordingly sent his boy, William Shellan, to sell it, but afterwards told him to pawn it, as Mr Ostrog might not like to lose it. His boy brought back a pawn ticket. Witness sent a post office order for £2 to the prisoner at Uxbridge.
By Mr Brummell Smith: He lent the prisoner £4 the first day, and afterwards £10 to pay the hotel bill at London, in order that he might get rid of his expenses, and come and live with him.
Mr Frederick Smoothy, landlord of the South Western Railway Hotel, at Windsor, said the prisoner came to his house on the 7th of July. His hotel was about half a mile from Eton College. Prisoner remained till the 1st of September, with the exception of a few days.
The prisoner was then charged with stealing a number of valuable books, the property of Mr Oscar Browning, of Eton College.
Dr. O'Connor said the prisoner told him he was writing a work contrasting Russia with England. He brought several of the books in question to his house. Prisoner sold the books. He and witness took them to Mr Brown, a book seller, of Great Portland Street. Prisoner carried some and witness some. These were sold for £3, and the prisoner had the money.
He was then charged successively with stealing two silver cups and a great coat from John Henry Ellison, who stated that he was on the Foundation of Eton College; and a silver mounted glass soup dish, toothbrush dish, and other articles, to the value of £5, the properly of Captain Milner, of the Royal Artillery, from the Woolwich Barracks.
Evidence in these cases having been adduced, the prisoner, who reserved his defence, was formally committed to take his trial at the next Quarter Sessions at Aylesbury.
Birmingham Daily Post
6 January 1874
THE ETON COLLEGE ROBBERIES
At the Bucks Quarter Sessions at Aylesbury, yesterday, M. Ostrog, alias Bertrand Ashley, &c., &c., was brought up, charged with having committed several robberies at Eton College, and also a robbery at the barracks, Woolwich. The property stolen was of considerable value. The prisoner, who represented himself as a surgeon, late of the Russian navy, is a notorious thief and swindler. In 1863, under the name of Max Grief, alias Gosler, he was sentenced at the Oxford Assizes to ten months imprisonment for committing a robbery in one of the colleges. In 1864, under the name of Max Sobieski, he was convicted at Cambridge as a rogue and a vagabond, being found in the College for an unlawful purpose, and sentenced to three months imprisonment. In July, 1864, the prisoner took up his residence at Tunbridge Wells, and there passed himself off as Count Sobieski, he entered into good society, and succeeded in swindling a great number of people, tradesmen and others. He is next heard of at Exeter in December, 1864, when he was tried at the Quarter Sessions there for fraud and felony, and sentenced to eight months imprisonment. In January, 1866, he was again in custody, but was acquitted at the Gloucester Quarter Sessions for fraud. He was next apprehended on several charges of felony, at Chatham, when he, after a desperate resistance, escaped from the police, but was reapprehended after an exciting chase over several walls, &c. He was tried at Maidstone in July, 1866, on these charges, and sentenced to seven years penal servitude. He was released from Chatham Convict Prison, in May, 1873, when he again commenced a series of robberies, for which he was yesterday tried. Visiting Woolwich barracks, he managed to get access to the quarters of Captain Milner, of the Artillery, and stole several valuable articles of silver. He afterwards took up his residence at Windsor, where his plausible address and gentlemanly appearance got him introduced to several officers, with whom he frequently dined, they having little idea that their amiable foreign friend was a returned convict. He here, as he has frequently during his career, created a favourable impression amongst the ladies - indeed, he had already begun to pay his addresses to a lady of very considerable means. Fortunately, his exploits for a time have been stopped. Having committed several robberies from the students' apartments at Eton College, of silver cups, &c., he decamped, but was traced to Burton on Trent, where he was apprehended. He was sentenced to ten years penal servitude.
Proceedings of the Old Bailey
12 September 1887
CLAUDE CAYTON (39) , Stealing a metal tankard, the property of George Bigge. The prisoner did not speak when called upon to plead, and the COURT ordered a plea of NOT GUILTY to be entered for him.
MR. CARTER Prosecuted.
GEORGE BIGGE . In July I was a cadet at the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich-on 19th July I had sprained my ankle, and was lying on my bed about four p.m., when the prisoner came in and went to the mantelpiece, took this metal tankard, put it in his bag, and went out-I followed him and knocked him down-he left his bag and hat and went across the common-he had on India-rubber tennis shoes-he could not see me as my bed was behind the door-I did not know him before; he had nothing to do with the barracks.
JOHN FRANCIS FISHER . On 19th July I was a cadet at Woolwich-I saw the prisoner come down the steps of Mr. Bigge's house-Mr. Bigge pursued him and knocked him down, but was unable to pursue him on account of his ankle-I caught him-he said "Don't give me up to the police," but I did so.
FRANCIS MULVEY (Policeman R 209). On 19th July, about five p.m., I was on duty on Woolwich Common and saw the prisoner run across and some cadets going after him-I took up the chase, and after running about a mile I met him and some of the cadets coming back-I took him in custody-he said "I know I have made a mistake; I am a gentleman; don't press the charge on account of my family, not on account of myself"-he had cricketing shoes-he was quite sane then, but now he is putting it on-I found on him a silver watch, a brass chain, a pipe and case, two match boxes, and this eyeglass.
DR. HERBERT HILLIER . I was called to see the prisoner at the police-station-he showed no signs of insanity then-I saw him again a week afterwards and he was behaving the same as he is now-he is merely shamming.
(The prisoner when called upon for his defence did not speak.)
GUILTY .
He was further charged with a conviction of felony at Aylesbury in January, 1874, when he was sentenced to Ten Years' Penal Servitude, to which he made no answer , and the charge was not proceeded with.- Six Months' Hard Labour.
(There was another indictment against the prisoner for attempting to commit suicide.)
Daily News
18 April 1891
Bow Street - An Alleged Notorious Felon
A powerfully built man, of upright bearing, apparently about 60 years of age, with a sallow complexion, grizzled hair, dark moustache, and aquiline features was brought before Mr Lushington, charged with failing to report himself whilst under police supervision. He was charged under the name of Michael Ostrog, but was stated to be known by the aliases of Bertrand Ashley, Claude Clayton, M. Orloff, Dr Cooper, Charles McCarthy and Dr Grant. Evidence was given of his arrest in Stamford Street by Detective Sergeant Turrell and Detective Everett, and it was stated that he was convicted at Aylesbury in January 1874, for stealing books and sentenced to ten years penal servitude, and 7 years police supervision. He was released from Portland in August 1883, and went to Bedford, from whence he removed to London in September, when he failed to report. Nothing was heard of him till August 1887, when he was apprehended for larceny, and sentenced at the Central Criminal Court under the name of Claude Clayton to six months hard labour. He was released in March 1888, but has since failed to report. It was alleged that he is in the habit of feigning insanity when in custody. The prisoner was remanded.
Birmingham Daily Post
8 June 1894
CHARGES OF THEFT AND FALSE PRETENCES
Claude Clayton (63), a well dressed man, was remanded at Slough, yesterday, on charges of stealing a silver cup and a quantity of valuable books from Eton College, and obtaining three gold watches by representing himself to be Count Ostroy, and stating that the watches were for presentation to Prince Teck. The accused was apprehended in London on Wednesday.
Birmingham Daily Post
15 June 1894
CURIOUS STORY FROM ETON
Before the Buckinghamshire magistrates at Slough, yesterday, Michael Ostrog, alias Bertrand Ashley, a sinister looking elderly man, was charged with obtaining under false pretences three gold watches and chains, valued at about £50, and stealing the same from Mr G.W. Betzemann, a jeweller at Eton. The case was of an extraordinary character, and, owing to the audacity of the prisoner and his evident knowledge of Eton customs, has created considerable sensation at the college. In May 1889 Ostrog bought a tutor's "mortar board" at a shop in Eton, and, wearing this collegiate symbol of authority, proceeded to Mr Betzemann's shop, where he requested to be supplied with some gold English watches and chains, in order to select a gift for presentation to Prince Alexander of Teck, who was then at the college. Mr Rowell, the manager, accompanied Ostrog to the school library in the new buildings, where several boys, awed by the sudden irruption of the prisoner's "mortar board," got up and respectfully raised their hats to the supposed master. Ostrog politely asked the jeweller to take seat while he went to find his friend. Mr Rowell allowed him to have the goods, and the prisoner left, and did not return. In November last year the silver "Fives Challenge Cup," which bore the names of the annual winners of the trophy, was stolen from a colleger's room, and two schoolbooks were abstracted the same day from a house in Keate's Lane. The theft of these books was traced to Ostrog, and formed a second charge against him. The prisoner, who declared that he was in Banstead Lunatic Asylum when he was said to have been at Eton, was remanded.
Jackson's Oxford Journal
23 June 1894
THE ALLEGED JEWEL ROBBERY AT ETON
At the Slough (Bucks) Petty Sessions, on Wednesday, Michael Ostrog, alias Claud Clayton, who had described himself as a "count," a professor of bacteria, and a French Republican, was charged on remand with stealing three gold watches and chains at Eton, on May 13, 1889. Evidence had been adduced that the prisoner had been confined in a French lunatic asylum. He was committed for trial at the Aylesbury Assizes.
Illustrated Police News
30 June 1894
A "COUNT'S" CURIOUS CONDUCT
At the Slough (Bucks) Petty Sessions, on Wednesday, Michael Ostrog, alias Claud Clayton, who described himself as a "count," a professor of bacteria, and a French Republican, was charged, on remand, with stealing three gold watches and chains at Eton, on May 13th 1889. On the date in question the prisoner called at a jeweller's shop at Eton, and asked for some gold watches and chains, saying that he had been sent from Windsor Castle, and wanted to present one to Prince Adolphus of Teck. He was given jewellery to the value of between £50 and £60, and afterwards succeeded in stealing some books from the college by disguising himself as a tutor. Nothing more was seen of him until the 6th inst., when he was charged by Inspector Pearman, who found him detained at King's Cross Police Station. In answer to the charge he said, "I was not in Eton in 1889; I was in Banstead Lunatic Asylum. I have got eighty thousands of millions of money in the Bank of England."
Evidence was adduced that the prisoner had been confined in a French lunatic asylum. He was committed to take his trial at the Aylesbury Assizes.
Times
11 December 1900
At Thames, John Evest, 71, who was said to have been a doctor, was charged with stealing a microscope, valued at £20. Detective Sergeant J. Pullen stated that the instrument was the property of Colonel Mulrooney, of the Indian Medical Service, who was at present in India, and was stolen from the medical college of the London Hospital on August 20 last. As soon as the instrument was missed the matter was placed in the hands of the police, who ascertained that it had been pledged at the shop of Mr. John Shepherd Arnold, pawnbroker, Lewisham High road, for £3. On Saturday the accused tried to sell the ticket to a neighbouring chemist for £1, and while standing outside the shop was recognized by Mr. Arnold, who gave him into custody. Sergeant Pullen afterwards found the prisoner detained at Blackheath road station, and said to him, "You have been identified as the man who pawned a microscope in August last." Evest replied, "Quite right; I pawned it, and can give a satisfactory account of it, but I shall reserve my defence." The officer then, "What is your address?" and the prisoner replied, "I have no address here. I live in France, not in England, but I am an Englishman born." On the way to the station the prisoner said, "I bought the microscope from Dr. Barrow 18 months ago. He lived at Stoke Ferry, but is dead now. I gave him two pictures for it. I cannot see how any one can swear to it. That is impossible. How could I get it away from the London Hospital without being seen? I have not been to the London Hospital." Mr. James Smith, medical instrument maker, of Tottenham Court road, identified the microscope as the one supplied to the prosecutor, who at that time was studying at the London Hospital. The prisoner was known as an expert medical instrument thief. Evest was remanded.
Times
20 December 1900
London County Sessions - Before Mr. Loveland, Q.C., John Evest, 71, formerly a medical student, but who has served perms of penal servitude for thefts of medical instruments, was sentenced to five years' penal servitude on conviction for stealing a microscope, value £20, from the London Hospital.
(Before Mr. Loveland, Q.C., Deputy Chairman.)
John Evest, 71, described in the calendar as a doctor, was indicted for having stolen a microscope worth £20, the property of Colonel James Mulroney. The prosecutor, who was an officer in the Indian Medical Service, now serving in India, was in August last studying at the London Hospital. On August 20 the microscope was stolen in some unexplained manner from the hospital, and shortly afterwards it was pawned by the prisoner at the shop of Mr. Arnold, in Lewisham High road. Mr. Arnold, having learned from the police that the microscope was stolen property, afterwards met the prisoner in the street and gave him into custody. The prisoner alleged that he bought it 18 months ago. The jury convicted him. It was stated that the prisoner, who was partially paralysed, had once been a medical student. He, however, had been many times convicted of stealing medical instruments, and had undergone terms of seven and ten years' penal servitude. Mr. Loveland said that if his health was bad he would be well cared for in prison, and would not be set to any work he could not do. He was sentenced to five years' penal servitude.
Newcastle Weekly Courant
22 December 1900
At the County of London Sessions, Clerkenwell, on Wednesday, John Evest, aged 71. was sentenced to five years penal servitude for stealing a microscope from the London Hospital. Prisoner, who is now partially paralysed, was once a practising medical man, but since 1854 he had been many times sentenced for various robberies.
Lloyds Weekly
23 December 1900
PENAL SERVITUDE AT SEVENTY ONE
John Evest, 71, partially paralysed, was found Guilty of having stolen a microscope, value £20, the property of Colonel James Mulrooney. The prosecutor is now in India. In August last he was studying at the London Hospital, and his microscope was missed shortly after a visit of the prisoner's. He pawned it at Lewisham. It was said that Evest was once a practising medical man. Since 1854, however, Warder Cook, of Holloway Prison, proved he had been many times sentenced for various robberies.
The deputy chairman said the prisoner would be best off in gaol because he would then be looked after. He was ordered five years penal servitude.
Some of the cases mentioned I do not have press accounts for. The main ones I am missing are:-
1864 - Cambridge
December 1864 - Exeter
January 1866 - acquittal at Gloucester
If anyone can fill any of these gaps I would be very grateful
Chris
Press Accounts of Michael Ostrog
Jackson's Oxford Journal
7 March 1863
OXFORDSHIRE
LENT ASSIZES
THE ROBBERIES AT ORIEL AND NEW COLLEGES
Max Grief Gosslar, alias Max Kaife Gosslar, 27, student, was indicted for stealing an opera glass and case at Oriel College, Oxford, in the month of February 1863, the property of Charles Levi.
To this indictment the prisoner pleaded guilty, through the medium of Mr Bertram as an interpreter.
He was sentenced to ten months imprisonment.
There was also a charge against the prisoner for stealing several articles at New College, the property of George Frederick Price, but as he had pleaded guilty to one charge, the other was not gone into.
Daily News
28 July 1866
ASSIZE INTELLIGENCE
HOMECIRCUIT - MAIDSTONE, JULY 27
(Before Mr Baron Channell)
Ashley Bertrand, alias Ashley Nabokoff, alias Count Sobieski, and who has also gone by several other aliases, was charged with stealing a gold cross, the property of Thomas White. He was also charged with stealing a gold watch, the property of Esther Carpenter; and there was a third indictment against him for stealing property from the Globe Hotel at Chatham.
Mr Barrow and Mr F.J. Smith conducted the prosecution. The prisoner, who is a Pole, claimed his right to be tried by a jury partly composed of foreigners, and he also applied to the court to assign him a counsel to defend him. The learned judge observed that it was not usual for the court to assign counsel to prisoners in such cases, but as the prisoner was a foreigner probably some gentleman at the bar would watch the case on his behalf; and upon this suggestion Mr Poland consented to do so.
The career of the prisoner appeared to have been a most extraordinary one, and the facts disclosed in the course of the inquiry left no doubt that he was a most accomplished swindler. The first that seemed to have been known of him was in 1863, when he made his appearance at Oxford, and afterwards at Cambridge, where he succeeded at both places in victimising hotel keepers and others to a considerable extent, but his proceedings were cut short by a conviction for swindling, and he was sentenced to imprisonment. After this he made his appearance at Tunbridge Wells, where he represented himself as Count Sobieski, a son of the late King of Poland, and that he had been exiled on account of his political opinions by the Russian government. His appearance was very much in his favour, being young and tall, and his expression of melancholy and the recital he made of his supposed wrongs and sufferings in the cause of his country procured him a great deal of sympathy. It was his custom to walk on the Parade, and get the Parade band to play the Polish national anthem, and he would wander about as though absorbed in his melancholy reflections. The consequence of these proceedings was that he ingratiated himself into the confidence of a good many respectable persons, from whom he succeeded in obtaining money and property, and he also appeared to have ingratiated himself very much with several young ladies. He professed to live by money transmitted to him from his Polish estates by his agent in that country, but the result showed that he got his living by swindling and fraud, and after a rather long visit at Tunbridge Wells he suddenly decamped, having victimised almost every one that came in his way. He then seemed to have made his way to Chatham, where he succeeded in inducing Dr Lawrence, a medical gentleman of great respectability, to whom he had introduced himself as a Polish exile, to take an interest him, and this gentleman introduced him to several respectable persons with whom he was acquainted, among whom was Mr White, a gentleman connected with the military staff at Chatham, and he constantly visited the latter, and was treated by him with great kindness. He took the opportunity upon one of those occasions to steal a gold cross, and this was one of the charges that were now preferred against him. At this time the prisoner was staying at the Globe Hotel, Chatham, and it appeared that previously to his going to that place he had formed an acquaintance with a female who turned out to be a married woman, who had made an appointment to meet him at Rochester, and they went to the Bull Hotel at that place. It was noticed that they had not brought any luggage, and the prisoner was asked if he had any, and he then sent a porter to the Globe for a portmanteau. The lady left the Bull Hotel on the following day, but the prisoner stayed on at the Hotel a day or two longer, when he also decamped, and on his portmanteau being examined, it was found to contain nothing but a shirt, a collar, and some other trifling articles, together with some property that had been stolen from the Globe. The lady, it appeared, subsequently paid the hotel bill at the Bull, and a day or two afterwards the prisoner was apprehended by Mr Everest, the superintendent of the county constabulary. As he was being conveyed to the police station, however, he succeeded in getting away, and was not captured until after a long chase, and he then made a most desperate resistance, and it was found necessary to strap him down to a stretcher before he could be conveyed to the police station. In addition to the two cases of robbery above alluded to, it appeared that the prisoner had gone to the residence of the Rev. Mr Carpenter at Maidstone, and inquired for the minister, and that he afterwards by some means or other succeeded in getting access to the bedroom of Mrs Carpenter, from whence he stole a gold watch and other articles, value £20.
The jury having returned a verdict of Guilty, three previous convictions for felony were formally brought up for judgment, and Baron Channell, addressing him, said that it appeared to him that he was a very dangerous person, and had evidently for a very long period been pursuing a course of crime. He therefore felt it his duty with a view to protect the public from persons of his class, to sentence him to be kept in penal servitude for seven years.
Birmingham Daily Post
2 October 1873
THE ROBBERY AT ETON COLLEGE
A CRIMINAL ROMANCE
Investigations made by the Bucks constabulary and the Windsor police have brought to light the fact that the robbery which was committed in the Foundationers' Chambers at the new building, Eton College, last Saturday evening, was the work of one of the most accomplished swindlers of the period. early in the present year a convict named Bertrand Ashley, alias Ostrog, was undergoing a sentence of seven years penal servitude at Chatham prison for the crime of felony. He was previously known as Count Sobieski, and has passed under other aliases. By the police he is described as a most desperate character. While previously in custody he twice attempted his own life. On the 23rd May, M. Ostrog was liberated from Chatham prison on a ticket of leave, and, from what has transpired, it is evident that he at once resumed his old career of crime. He is aged about forty, and is of gentlemanly foreign appearance. He seems to have found but little difficulty in entering the best society, and among his most recent acquaintances are officers, clergymen, and members of the learned professions. At Eton College he introduced himself to Mr Browning, one of the masters, as having taken a boy to school some eight years since. Having thus ingratiated himself he appears to have been treated in a most considerate manner, and he has repaid that gentleman's kindness by robbing him of a quantity of valuable books and other property. On Saturday Mr Superintendent Dunham traced this property to London, finding some in the house of another gentleman at the West End. Upon asking for Ostrog, it was represented that he was not there. Delay was thus occasioned, and in the meantime Ostrog escaped over the roof of the next house, in his waistcoat and trousers, armed with a loaded eight chamber revolver. On Sunday evening Ostrog revisited his once pleasant quarters at Eton College, and his knowledge of the manners and customs of the students helped him to effect the robbery in the Foundationers' chambers at the New Buildings. That it was Ostrog who purloined the students' effects there is no doubt, for the trousers left behind in the chambers were those in which he escaped from his friend's house in London and eluded the pursuit of the police. Worse remains to be told. Ostrog, while in London, appears to have paid frequent visits to the quiet village of West Drayton, on the Great Western line. Here he courted and won the affections of a most accomplished and handsome young lady, the daughter of a gentleman of position in the neighbourhood. Thanks to the efforts of the police, she has had a most fortunate escape from his attentions. It is believed by the police that considerable care will be required in his capture, armed as he is, and that, in order to avoid arrest, he will not hesitate at any crime.
Pall Mall Gazette
4 October 1873
It seems that the actual perpetrator of a crime is known by name to the police authorities. The gentleman who has thus been discovered, but not captured, is a Mr Bertrand Ashley, alias M. Ostrog, a ticket of leave man, who committed the robbery at Eton College the other evening. He appears, by all accounts, to be a most gifted and fascinating person, and quite an ornament to the class to which he belongs. Although he was only released from Chatham Prison in May last, he has since moved in "the best society," and was treated in the kindest manner possible by one of the Eton masters whom he made acquaintance with, and subsequently robbed. Had M. Ostrog been allowed to remain in peace after he had robber the Eton master, he probably would not have been provoked into committing any further robbery at the college; but, being traced by the police to a house in the West End of London on Saturday, he was compelled in self defence to escape over the roof of the adjoining house in a waistcoat and trousers with a loaded revolver in his hand, and, probably irritated at being thus bustled about, revisited the college on Sunday evening, and carried off all he could lay hands on from the Foundationers' chambers at the new buildings. He is now supposed to be en route for Russia, and we probably shall not see him again for some little time, but we owe him a debt of gratitude for having made quite a pleasant sensation by his escapades, all the more welcome at the present time when we are rather gloomy about the "Thames mystery," and really take a pleasure in hearing some news of our criminals' but M. Ostrog is, we feel sure, far too gentlemanlike to commit any more robberies at Eton College until the price of coals and butcher's meat has fallen. Neither the parents of the scholars nor the masters of the college are at present fair objects for robbery. They are both candidates for the sympathy of the public, owing to the pressure of the times, and that sympathy, we feel sure, will not be denied by M. Ostrog and his friends.
Daily News
9 October 1873
THE ROBBERIES AT ETON COLLEGE
Yesterday, at the Bucks Petty Sessions, held at Slough, before Mr E.C.T. Tompson and Captain Rudyerd, county magistrates, M. Ostrog, alias Bertrand Ashley, a ticket of leave man lately liberated from Chatham convict prison, but who has contrived to enter the best society as a Russian doctor of the Imperial Guard, was brought up for examination upon the charge of stealing from Eton College a silver cup valued £5, the property of Mr A.H. Cooke, one of the foundationers, and some books belonging to Mr Oscar Browning, assistant master of the same place. The prisoner during his conveyance from Burton on Trent by railway by Mr Superintendent Oswell was extremely violent. He had to be handcuffed to one of the most powerful men in the Staffordshire constabulary (Sergeant Wheaver) and thus closely watched arrived at Slough about half past seven o'clock on Monday evening, where his arrival created some excitement, as indeed it had at Birmingham and elsewhere. After his arrest by Mr Superintendent Oswell he refused to take any refreshment, and since Sunday afternoon Ostrog had not eaten anything. He is evidently trying to starve himself, and yesterday morning, previous to his examination, he tried to suffocate himself in a bucket of water. Since his incarceration at Slough, he has been watched day and night in his cell. in order that he might not commit suicide. The prisoner was ably defended by Mr Brunnel Smith, solicitor, of Windsor, and necessarily being very weak owing to his total abstinence from food, was allowed to have a chair in the dock. The court was crowded with the public, and among those present were Captain Sir W. McMahon, Major Ferguson, Captain Kendall, Lieutenant Toller, and Lieutenant Western, of the 2nd Life Guards, at whose barracks at Spital the prisoner had dined. Evidence was taken at considerable length, and the prisoner was remanded till next Wednesday. During the proceedings numbers of the Etonians after twelve went over to Slough, and eagerly thronged around the Court house. They clambered up the windows, grasping the iron bars, standing upon the sills, and as the sashes were down, contrived to get a sight of the prisoner, and even were able to hear a portion of the evidence. The greatest interest was evinced by every one as each witness tendered his deposition.
The Graphic
11 October 1873
On 23rd May last Bertrand Ashley, alias M. Ostrog, alias Count Sobiski, came out of Chatham Prison on a ticket of leave. Shortly after, he proceeded to Eton College, where he ingratiated himself with the masters, and then robbed one of them of several valuable books. Property and thief were traced to a house in London, but M. Ostrog managed to escape over a roof, half dressed, and armed with a revolver. He returned to Eton, and committed another robbery in the Foundationers' chambers. Since then, he has been captured at Burton on Trent, where he nearly shot the policeman who took him. In defiance of the humanitarian dictum to the contrary, we venture to think that the best use to put M. Ostrog to, would be to hang him.
Reynolds Newspaper
12 October 1873
CAPTURE OF A SUPPOSED BURGLAR
On Sunday afternoon Mr Superintendent Oswell, of the Staffordshire constabulary, arrested, at the Fox and Goose Inn, Burton on Trent, a foreigner, whose conduct excited the suspicion of the landlord's son (Mr John Taylor) as being the M. Ostrog who was wanted at Eton College and Windsor for various offences. He answered the description exactly as it appeared in the various papers, and when arrested strongly denied the imputation. Mr Superintendent Oswell joined him at dinner at his hotel, and after a long conversation on the Ashantee war, introduced himself as a superintendent of police. Superintendent Oswell produced different newspapers, and told him that he believed he was M. Ostrog as therein described. He became excited, said he was a Swede and that he was simply visiting the breweries. The prisoner was removed to the police station, and on entering there tried to escape, but was instantly seized, when he drew an eight chambered revolver, loaded and capped, when Mr Superintendent Oswell seized his hand and prevented him using it. He was conveyed from Burton on Trent by Mr Superintendent Oswell for identification by Mr Superintendent Dunham, of the Bucks constabulary, who holds the warrant for his apprehension.
Pall Mall Gazette
16 October 1873
At the Bucks Petty Sessions, held at Slough yesterday, M. Ostrog, alias Bertrand Ashley, who is charged with having committed a number of robberies at Eton College, Windsor, Woolwich, and elsewhere, was brought up for final examination. He had expressed his determination to starve himself, and during his detention at the Bucks county gaol he only took a tablespoonful of milk and arrowroot offered him on Sunday, and a cupful of coffee on Tuesday night. During the examination, which lasted fours hours and a half, the prisoner remained sitting in his chair in a state of apparent insensibility.
Birmingham Daily Post
17 October 1873
THE ROBBERIES AT ETON COLLEGE
At the Bucks Petty Sessions, held at Slough, M. Ostrog, alias Bertrand Ashley, was on Wednesday brought up for final examination.
After his examination on Wednesday week, the prisoner was removed to the County Gaol at Aylesbury. He had expressed his determination to starve himself, and during his detention at the prison he had only taken a tablespoonful of milk and arrowroot, offered him on Sunday, and a cupful of coffee on Tuesday night. He was removed from Aylesbury on Wednesday morning, and conveyed by Great Western Railway to Slough, where he arrived at 9.25 a.m. and was placed in one of the cells of the police station. He had hardly strength to speak to his solicitor.
As at the first hearing, the proceedings excited the greatest interest, the Court being crowded.
Ostrog, owing to his weak condition, was allowed a chair. He had to held up for recognition by Mr Watkins Robert O'Connor, a medical practitioner, who stated that he lived at 2 Osnaburgh Street, Portland Road, and knew the prisoner by the name of Orloff Ostrog, for about six weeks or two months. He called at his place to ask for Mr Baker Brown, his partner. Witness told him he was dead, and prisoner said he had met him in Russia. Prisoner added that Mr Brown was a friend of his, and thought he would help him, as he was in difficulties, and further stated that he was a surgeon in the Imperial Guard at St Petersburg; that having had a quarrel with one of his brother officers he fought a duel, in which he killed his opponent; that he would have got off had he gone before a court of honour composed of the officers, but as several of them did not like him he was afraid to trust to the chance, as the punishment would be twenty years in the mines of Siberia. He had plenty of money, but his servant had given him the wrong coat when he was leaving, in which he had none, and he did not discover his loss till he was on his way. Witness gave him a little money at the time and asked him to dine, which he did. He gave him money several times afterwards, and eventually allowed him to come and stay at his house. That was about three weeks ago, when prisoner said he had to leave, as the detectives were after him. Prisoner brought the silver cup (produced) about three weeks before he was arrested. Prisoner said he had won it at a boat race, and that he was fearful of the Russian detectives coming after him if he left the name on it. It was roughly scratched out as if with a file when witness first saw it. One day he got a letter from him, which he tore up, and in which he asked for money, and if he could not spare it to sell the cup for him. Witness accordingly sent his boy, William Shellan, to sell it, but afterwards told him to pawn it, as Mr Ostrog might not like to lose it. His boy brought back a pawn ticket. Witness sent a post office order for £2 to the prisoner at Uxbridge.
By Mr Brummell Smith: He lent the prisoner £4 the first day, and afterwards £10 to pay the hotel bill at London, in order that he might get rid of his expenses, and come and live with him.
Mr Frederick Smoothy, landlord of the South Western Railway Hotel, at Windsor, said the prisoner came to his house on the 7th of July. His hotel was about half a mile from Eton College. Prisoner remained till the 1st of September, with the exception of a few days.
The prisoner was then charged with stealing a number of valuable books, the property of Mr Oscar Browning, of Eton College.
Dr. O'Connor said the prisoner told him he was writing a work contrasting Russia with England. He brought several of the books in question to his house. Prisoner sold the books. He and witness took them to Mr Brown, a book seller, of Great Portland Street. Prisoner carried some and witness some. These were sold for £3, and the prisoner had the money.
He was then charged successively with stealing two silver cups and a great coat from John Henry Ellison, who stated that he was on the Foundation of Eton College; and a silver mounted glass soup dish, toothbrush dish, and other articles, to the value of £5, the properly of Captain Milner, of the Royal Artillery, from the Woolwich Barracks.
Evidence in these cases having been adduced, the prisoner, who reserved his defence, was formally committed to take his trial at the next Quarter Sessions at Aylesbury.
Birmingham Daily Post
6 January 1874
THE ETON COLLEGE ROBBERIES
At the Bucks Quarter Sessions at Aylesbury, yesterday, M. Ostrog, alias Bertrand Ashley, &c., &c., was brought up, charged with having committed several robberies at Eton College, and also a robbery at the barracks, Woolwich. The property stolen was of considerable value. The prisoner, who represented himself as a surgeon, late of the Russian navy, is a notorious thief and swindler. In 1863, under the name of Max Grief, alias Gosler, he was sentenced at the Oxford Assizes to ten months imprisonment for committing a robbery in one of the colleges. In 1864, under the name of Max Sobieski, he was convicted at Cambridge as a rogue and a vagabond, being found in the College for an unlawful purpose, and sentenced to three months imprisonment. In July, 1864, the prisoner took up his residence at Tunbridge Wells, and there passed himself off as Count Sobieski, he entered into good society, and succeeded in swindling a great number of people, tradesmen and others. He is next heard of at Exeter in December, 1864, when he was tried at the Quarter Sessions there for fraud and felony, and sentenced to eight months imprisonment. In January, 1866, he was again in custody, but was acquitted at the Gloucester Quarter Sessions for fraud. He was next apprehended on several charges of felony, at Chatham, when he, after a desperate resistance, escaped from the police, but was reapprehended after an exciting chase over several walls, &c. He was tried at Maidstone in July, 1866, on these charges, and sentenced to seven years penal servitude. He was released from Chatham Convict Prison, in May, 1873, when he again commenced a series of robberies, for which he was yesterday tried. Visiting Woolwich barracks, he managed to get access to the quarters of Captain Milner, of the Artillery, and stole several valuable articles of silver. He afterwards took up his residence at Windsor, where his plausible address and gentlemanly appearance got him introduced to several officers, with whom he frequently dined, they having little idea that their amiable foreign friend was a returned convict. He here, as he has frequently during his career, created a favourable impression amongst the ladies - indeed, he had already begun to pay his addresses to a lady of very considerable means. Fortunately, his exploits for a time have been stopped. Having committed several robberies from the students' apartments at Eton College, of silver cups, &c., he decamped, but was traced to Burton on Trent, where he was apprehended. He was sentenced to ten years penal servitude.
Proceedings of the Old Bailey
12 September 1887
CLAUDE CAYTON (39) , Stealing a metal tankard, the property of George Bigge. The prisoner did not speak when called upon to plead, and the COURT ordered a plea of NOT GUILTY to be entered for him.
MR. CARTER Prosecuted.
GEORGE BIGGE . In July I was a cadet at the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich-on 19th July I had sprained my ankle, and was lying on my bed about four p.m., when the prisoner came in and went to the mantelpiece, took this metal tankard, put it in his bag, and went out-I followed him and knocked him down-he left his bag and hat and went across the common-he had on India-rubber tennis shoes-he could not see me as my bed was behind the door-I did not know him before; he had nothing to do with the barracks.
JOHN FRANCIS FISHER . On 19th July I was a cadet at Woolwich-I saw the prisoner come down the steps of Mr. Bigge's house-Mr. Bigge pursued him and knocked him down, but was unable to pursue him on account of his ankle-I caught him-he said "Don't give me up to the police," but I did so.
FRANCIS MULVEY (Policeman R 209). On 19th July, about five p.m., I was on duty on Woolwich Common and saw the prisoner run across and some cadets going after him-I took up the chase, and after running about a mile I met him and some of the cadets coming back-I took him in custody-he said "I know I have made a mistake; I am a gentleman; don't press the charge on account of my family, not on account of myself"-he had cricketing shoes-he was quite sane then, but now he is putting it on-I found on him a silver watch, a brass chain, a pipe and case, two match boxes, and this eyeglass.
DR. HERBERT HILLIER . I was called to see the prisoner at the police-station-he showed no signs of insanity then-I saw him again a week afterwards and he was behaving the same as he is now-he is merely shamming.
(The prisoner when called upon for his defence did not speak.)
GUILTY .
He was further charged with a conviction of felony at Aylesbury in January, 1874, when he was sentenced to Ten Years' Penal Servitude, to which he made no answer , and the charge was not proceeded with.- Six Months' Hard Labour.
(There was another indictment against the prisoner for attempting to commit suicide.)
Daily News
18 April 1891
Bow Street - An Alleged Notorious Felon
A powerfully built man, of upright bearing, apparently about 60 years of age, with a sallow complexion, grizzled hair, dark moustache, and aquiline features was brought before Mr Lushington, charged with failing to report himself whilst under police supervision. He was charged under the name of Michael Ostrog, but was stated to be known by the aliases of Bertrand Ashley, Claude Clayton, M. Orloff, Dr Cooper, Charles McCarthy and Dr Grant. Evidence was given of his arrest in Stamford Street by Detective Sergeant Turrell and Detective Everett, and it was stated that he was convicted at Aylesbury in January 1874, for stealing books and sentenced to ten years penal servitude, and 7 years police supervision. He was released from Portland in August 1883, and went to Bedford, from whence he removed to London in September, when he failed to report. Nothing was heard of him till August 1887, when he was apprehended for larceny, and sentenced at the Central Criminal Court under the name of Claude Clayton to six months hard labour. He was released in March 1888, but has since failed to report. It was alleged that he is in the habit of feigning insanity when in custody. The prisoner was remanded.
Birmingham Daily Post
8 June 1894
CHARGES OF THEFT AND FALSE PRETENCES
Claude Clayton (63), a well dressed man, was remanded at Slough, yesterday, on charges of stealing a silver cup and a quantity of valuable books from Eton College, and obtaining three gold watches by representing himself to be Count Ostroy, and stating that the watches were for presentation to Prince Teck. The accused was apprehended in London on Wednesday.
Birmingham Daily Post
15 June 1894
CURIOUS STORY FROM ETON
Before the Buckinghamshire magistrates at Slough, yesterday, Michael Ostrog, alias Bertrand Ashley, a sinister looking elderly man, was charged with obtaining under false pretences three gold watches and chains, valued at about £50, and stealing the same from Mr G.W. Betzemann, a jeweller at Eton. The case was of an extraordinary character, and, owing to the audacity of the prisoner and his evident knowledge of Eton customs, has created considerable sensation at the college. In May 1889 Ostrog bought a tutor's "mortar board" at a shop in Eton, and, wearing this collegiate symbol of authority, proceeded to Mr Betzemann's shop, where he requested to be supplied with some gold English watches and chains, in order to select a gift for presentation to Prince Alexander of Teck, who was then at the college. Mr Rowell, the manager, accompanied Ostrog to the school library in the new buildings, where several boys, awed by the sudden irruption of the prisoner's "mortar board," got up and respectfully raised their hats to the supposed master. Ostrog politely asked the jeweller to take seat while he went to find his friend. Mr Rowell allowed him to have the goods, and the prisoner left, and did not return. In November last year the silver "Fives Challenge Cup," which bore the names of the annual winners of the trophy, was stolen from a colleger's room, and two schoolbooks were abstracted the same day from a house in Keate's Lane. The theft of these books was traced to Ostrog, and formed a second charge against him. The prisoner, who declared that he was in Banstead Lunatic Asylum when he was said to have been at Eton, was remanded.
Jackson's Oxford Journal
23 June 1894
THE ALLEGED JEWEL ROBBERY AT ETON
At the Slough (Bucks) Petty Sessions, on Wednesday, Michael Ostrog, alias Claud Clayton, who had described himself as a "count," a professor of bacteria, and a French Republican, was charged on remand with stealing three gold watches and chains at Eton, on May 13, 1889. Evidence had been adduced that the prisoner had been confined in a French lunatic asylum. He was committed for trial at the Aylesbury Assizes.
Illustrated Police News
30 June 1894
A "COUNT'S" CURIOUS CONDUCT
At the Slough (Bucks) Petty Sessions, on Wednesday, Michael Ostrog, alias Claud Clayton, who described himself as a "count," a professor of bacteria, and a French Republican, was charged, on remand, with stealing three gold watches and chains at Eton, on May 13th 1889. On the date in question the prisoner called at a jeweller's shop at Eton, and asked for some gold watches and chains, saying that he had been sent from Windsor Castle, and wanted to present one to Prince Adolphus of Teck. He was given jewellery to the value of between £50 and £60, and afterwards succeeded in stealing some books from the college by disguising himself as a tutor. Nothing more was seen of him until the 6th inst., when he was charged by Inspector Pearman, who found him detained at King's Cross Police Station. In answer to the charge he said, "I was not in Eton in 1889; I was in Banstead Lunatic Asylum. I have got eighty thousands of millions of money in the Bank of England."
Evidence was adduced that the prisoner had been confined in a French lunatic asylum. He was committed to take his trial at the Aylesbury Assizes.
Times
11 December 1900
At Thames, John Evest, 71, who was said to have been a doctor, was charged with stealing a microscope, valued at £20. Detective Sergeant J. Pullen stated that the instrument was the property of Colonel Mulrooney, of the Indian Medical Service, who was at present in India, and was stolen from the medical college of the London Hospital on August 20 last. As soon as the instrument was missed the matter was placed in the hands of the police, who ascertained that it had been pledged at the shop of Mr. John Shepherd Arnold, pawnbroker, Lewisham High road, for £3. On Saturday the accused tried to sell the ticket to a neighbouring chemist for £1, and while standing outside the shop was recognized by Mr. Arnold, who gave him into custody. Sergeant Pullen afterwards found the prisoner detained at Blackheath road station, and said to him, "You have been identified as the man who pawned a microscope in August last." Evest replied, "Quite right; I pawned it, and can give a satisfactory account of it, but I shall reserve my defence." The officer then, "What is your address?" and the prisoner replied, "I have no address here. I live in France, not in England, but I am an Englishman born." On the way to the station the prisoner said, "I bought the microscope from Dr. Barrow 18 months ago. He lived at Stoke Ferry, but is dead now. I gave him two pictures for it. I cannot see how any one can swear to it. That is impossible. How could I get it away from the London Hospital without being seen? I have not been to the London Hospital." Mr. James Smith, medical instrument maker, of Tottenham Court road, identified the microscope as the one supplied to the prosecutor, who at that time was studying at the London Hospital. The prisoner was known as an expert medical instrument thief. Evest was remanded.
Times
20 December 1900
London County Sessions - Before Mr. Loveland, Q.C., John Evest, 71, formerly a medical student, but who has served perms of penal servitude for thefts of medical instruments, was sentenced to five years' penal servitude on conviction for stealing a microscope, value £20, from the London Hospital.
(Before Mr. Loveland, Q.C., Deputy Chairman.)
John Evest, 71, described in the calendar as a doctor, was indicted for having stolen a microscope worth £20, the property of Colonel James Mulroney. The prosecutor, who was an officer in the Indian Medical Service, now serving in India, was in August last studying at the London Hospital. On August 20 the microscope was stolen in some unexplained manner from the hospital, and shortly afterwards it was pawned by the prisoner at the shop of Mr. Arnold, in Lewisham High road. Mr. Arnold, having learned from the police that the microscope was stolen property, afterwards met the prisoner in the street and gave him into custody. The prisoner alleged that he bought it 18 months ago. The jury convicted him. It was stated that the prisoner, who was partially paralysed, had once been a medical student. He, however, had been many times convicted of stealing medical instruments, and had undergone terms of seven and ten years' penal servitude. Mr. Loveland said that if his health was bad he would be well cared for in prison, and would not be set to any work he could not do. He was sentenced to five years' penal servitude.
Newcastle Weekly Courant
22 December 1900
At the County of London Sessions, Clerkenwell, on Wednesday, John Evest, aged 71. was sentenced to five years penal servitude for stealing a microscope from the London Hospital. Prisoner, who is now partially paralysed, was once a practising medical man, but since 1854 he had been many times sentenced for various robberies.
Lloyds Weekly
23 December 1900
PENAL SERVITUDE AT SEVENTY ONE
John Evest, 71, partially paralysed, was found Guilty of having stolen a microscope, value £20, the property of Colonel James Mulrooney. The prosecutor is now in India. In August last he was studying at the London Hospital, and his microscope was missed shortly after a visit of the prisoner's. He pawned it at Lewisham. It was said that Evest was once a practising medical man. Since 1854, however, Warder Cook, of Holloway Prison, proved he had been many times sentenced for various robberies.
The deputy chairman said the prisoner would be best off in gaol because he would then be looked after. He was ordered five years penal servitude.