Fined for theft at Southampton

John Thomas Poindester, a seaman, of Millbank-street, was charged on remand at Southampton on Tuesday with stealing a lady's [sic] silk dress, and other articles of feminine apparel, from the s.s.Hauntonia[?], lying in Southampton Docks, the property of the L. and S.W. Railway Company. There were two other similar charges against the prisoner.

Mr. Arthur Emanuel, prosecuting, said that on the 13th inst. the prisoner and two other men were seen walking about No.2 shed, and the prisoner, who looked very bulky was stopped at the Dock gates and asked if he had anything about him, when he replied : "only my shirt." When he was searched, however, a lady's [sic] blue, silk dress, four pairs of ladies hose, and other articles of clothug [sic] were found in his possession.

This was borne out by P.C. Collins, of the Dock Police, who added that when the prisoner was asked how he came into possession of the things replied that he picked them up on the deck of the ship.

Prisoner's story was that the "gear" found on him had been abandoned by the passengers on board the ship.

Chief Inspector Allison said that the man, who was a survivor of the Titanic, had a wife and five children, and taking a lenient view, the Bench imposed a fine of 40s., including costs.