The Stonehaven Journal of Thursday 27th September 1866 contains a report of the trial of John Stephen who appeared before the Aberdeen Circuit Court of Justiciary on 21st September that year. It reads, "John Stephen, from Aberdeen Jail, pleaded guilty to an indictment charging him with having stolen £2 17s 6d and a scarf on Saturday 21st July 1866. James McLaren, a labourer, residing at Hill of Portlethen, parish of Banchory-Devinick, on the date mentioned went into the shop of Mr. Jamieson, clothier, Union Street, Aberdeen, to purchase a jacket, and while trying it on, the prisoner Stephen, who had watched his opportunity, stole from the pocket of Mr. McLaren's coat, which had been laid down on the shop counter, the money and scarf. He was immediately pursued and caught by John Smith, the manager in Aberdeen for Mr. Jamieson. There were four previous convictions for theft against Stephen. Stephen seemed quite callous when placed at the bar. He pleaded guilty to the charge set forth in the indictment, and Lord Jerviswoode passed sentence of seven years' penal servitude".
The Register of Returned Convicts for the City of Aberdeen, 1869-1939 (POL/AC/6/6) in which Stephen's mugshot appears provides some additional information about this "callous" individual: alongside the usual details regarding age, height and complexion we can see that he was tattooed with a crucifix and sailor on his left arm and a woman on his right arm, while also having a scar on the bridge of his nose.
After his release in May 1872, Stephen evidently lived on the Gallowgate for the next two years during which time he had to report his whereabouts to the authorities at regular intervals as detailed.
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