A FASHIONABLE BURLLAR.

Patea Mail, Volume II, Issue 146, 2 September 1876, Page 2

A FASHIONABLE BURLLAR.

From the Otago Daily Times wo extract the following concerning the dashing burglar who lias lately been plundering the people of Dunedin : —Edmund Butler, alias Edward Charles Donnolly, alias Medway, was charged at the Police Court with burglariously entering the residence of Bishop Moran on Sunday night, the 30th ult. Prisoner, when placed in the dock was stylishly dressed, and wore white kid gloves. In answer to the Bench, he gave his name as Butler. The police obtained a week’s remand. Inspector Mallard remarking that he did not wish to state anything concerning the case at its present stage. There are two other informations against accused, one of burglariously entering the house of Mr T. S. Graham, and stealing therefrom jewellery to the value of £BO, and the other of breaking into the house of Mrs G. K. Turner, and carrying away a gold watch and guard. Prisoner’s appearance would throw the most suspecting off their guard, and he might easily be mistaken for a pious preacher. Considering the cautious manner in which he has plotted and carried out his bold schemes, it is surprising that ho afterwards committed the . act almost certain to discover him, and which ultimately led to his arrest, viz., pawning part of the stolen property. Immediately this came to the knowledge of the police, they had a good groundwork to go upon, and on Tuesday evening prisoner was observed in the Queen’s Theatre, the pawnbroker sent for, identified him, and he was, of course taken into custody. He appeared to understand his position at once us lie did not communicate a single word to the Police. It has been discovered that he rented two rooms from respectable people in North Dunedin, to whom he gave his name as Medway, representing himself to be a musician and teacher. Ho professed to be very religious, and was introduced to a leading member of the Catholic denomination, with whom he wont to Sunday school. In his portmanteau were found a house-breaker's Jimmy, two wigs—one black and the other brown—■ which would cover his forehead, and two loaded pistols, capped. He always remained inside during the day, and when leaving his lodgings about six o’clock on Sunday night last, ho stated that he was going to dine with a gentleman. The wigs and pistols are believed to have been taken from there a short time ago. It is satisfactory to know that the whole of the stolen jewellery has been recovered.