The brief details provided alongside each of the mugshots in the Register of Returned Convicts for Aberdeen are usually sufficient to then unearth more information about the individual from the contemporary newspapers or census returns. Occasionally however, further details prove to be elusive as is the case with this Criminal Portrait which features one Robert Sanderson.
The scanty information accompanying his image (see below) hints at an intriguing story: 28 years of age, 5 feet 7 inches tall with a fresh complexion, sandy hair and blue eyes, Robert's crime is described as "Military - Striking a Superior Officer" for which he was sentenced to 5 years penal servitude on 11th May 1869. Was he in the army or navy? Presumably he was discharged for the offence? Released in 1872, the entry mentions that his sentence was commuted (or reduced) and also states that he was "app[rehende]d for theft etc", although no date is given. A Robert Sanderson did appear before the Sheriff & Jury Court in Aberdeen on 17th December 1872 charged with stealing a sum of money from the Commercial Club in Aberdeen on the 8th or 9th of November. He is described as the "keeper" of the club, a post presumably akin to caretaker. Given that we don't have any supporting facts however, it is impossible to say whether this is "our" Robert.
No comments:
Post a Comment