Thomas Hemming 1821
Thomas Hemming seems to have been a bit of a serial offender. He was transported for seven years following the theft of livestock in Badsey, near Evesham. The papers also mention another case of livestock theft, which probably contributed to the severity of the punishment. This livestock would have been someone’s livelihood, which is why such a severe punishment was delivered. Hemming was caught by the footprints he left in the mud at the scene of the crime.
If This Happened Today
Thomas is guilty of theft and therefore could receive a maximum sentence of seven years in jail. If the ducks were worth 18 months wages, that would be a substantial amount (perhaps as much as £20,000) and would therefore attract a higher sentence than otherwise. However, in mitigation I know of no prior offences, and there are no other aggravating factors so for a first offence he could get a considerably less.
He did lie on oath and is technically guilty of perjury. However this is rarely pursued nowadays. If found guilty though he would be liable to another maximum term of seven years.
Deportation to the colonies has not been used since 1857, and was officially abolished in 1868
