AS part of our weekly Crime Files series, we are taking a look back at the archives to bring you stories from Herefordshire's history.
The following story dates from 1818.
A HEREFORDSHIRE man was sentenced to hang after stealing sheep from farms in 1818.
James Webb who was reported to be an 'old offender' appeared before Gloucester Assizes in September that year.
The thief had stolen eight sheep from a Mr Elcocks, of Acton Beauchamp, two ewes and two lambs belonging to a James Parry, and three sheep from James Flask.
He had bargained with a dealer to sell the sheep before stealing them.
Mr Justice Holroyd told Webb that the severity with which sheep stealing was treated could not be relaxed until there was reform.
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"This kind of property is scattered in immense numbers over the country," he said.
"It forms one of the staple commodities of the island. From its nature, it is exposed to depredations, and the law must therefore extend to it all possible protection."
The prisoner was reported to have dropped to his knees and cried for mercy, holding his handkerchief to his eyes to stop the tears as he was sentenced to death for the offences.
His appointment with the executioner as at Hereford County Gaol, where he was reported to have met his fate with "much fortitude".
"He ascribed his unhappy end to the keeping of low and vicious company, to idleness and drunkenness, and consequent neglect of religious duties," it was reported.
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