Prisoner name: Thomas Rickards. Prisoner age: 40. Prisoner occupation: Ship's steward....

Prisoner name: Thomas Rickards.

Prisoner age: 40.

Prisoner occupation: Ship's steward.

Court and date of trial: Old Bailey 7 April 1829.

Crime: Stealing tea - 2oz (value 3d), the property of the Honourable East India Company.

Initial sentence: Seven years transportation.

Gaoler's report: 'Not known before, married, two children.' 'Conduct good on board Discovery except for one Quarter (indifferent)'.

Annotated: 'Ordered to hulks'. 'Nil'. Too early, nil (1831). Nil (1832).

Petitioner(s): Four petitions from the convict, one with 11 character references. George Bolwell Davidge of the Royal Coburg Theatre.

Grounds for clemency: Has been in the employ of the Company for 29 years; Mr Davidge of the Royal Coburg Theatre would reemploy him; wife and three children distressed; he is supported by the directors of the company; he has served as steward on various ships with impeccable character; has poor health; first and only offence; sees the error of his ways; has served nearly four years on hulks.

Other papers: Affidavit of Eleanor Rickards, his wife, of Lambeth [Surrey]. Statement from Sarah Stewart. Letter from Mr Davidge, lessee of the Royal Coburg Theatre stating he would reemploy him. Mr L W Williams of 4-7 Old Bailey would reemploy him.

Additional Information: Held on the hulk Discovery. The convict worked for the East India Company for 29 years.