Prisoner name: Thomas Packham and Robert Stammer (or Robert Stammers). Prisoner occupation:...

Prisoner name: Thomas Packham and Robert Stammer (or Robert Stammers).

Prisoner occupation: Packham a carter.

Court and date of trial: Sussex Lent Assizes, Lewes, March 1831.

Crime: Stealing four bushels of oats from Mr Flint, his master, together with another (Packham).

Demanding money with threats from the Reverend James Ventris and obtaining five shillings, on 18 November 1830 (Stammers).

Initial sentence: [14 years transportation commuted to] seven years transportation (Packham).

Seven years transportation (Stammers).

Annotated (Outcome): Transported (Packham); sent to hulks (Stammers).

Petitioner(s): The prisoner Thomas Packham, undersigned by nine inhabitants of St Thomas in the Cliffe and Malling, Sussex.

Grounds for clemency (Petition Details): Good character (Packham).

Other papers: Letter from trial judge, Mr Justice Bayley, recommending mitigation of Packham's sentence to imprisonment and that of Stammers to be held in his own recognizance.

Letter from the Reverend James Ventris, Bedding Priory near Steyning, Sussex, the prosecutor, explaining his reasons for asking for mercy for Stammers, with forwarding letter from Mr Justice Bayley.

Statement of Robert Upperton of Steyning, the prosecutor's attorney, concerning case of Stammers, with covering letter from the Reverend James Ventris, and letter from Mr Justice Bayley forwarding both letters, concluding that if expectation of mitigation had not been raised he would have sentenced the prisoner to 14 years transportation not seven.

Letter from William Clarkson concerning Stammers' case, stating that the impression was that he should not be transported.

Memorandum that Stammers 'should not be sent abroad but be kept in the hulks'.

Additional Information: Thomas Packham held in Lewes House of Correction. Robert Stammers lived in Steyning.