DARING CASE OF STICKING-UP.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXIV, Issue 3515, 21 October 1868, Page 3

DARING CASE OF STICKING-UP.

A most daring case of sticking-up occurred laib evening between nine and ten o'clock, at the back entrance of the Prince of Wales Theatre iti Highstreet, Mr. Benuett, lessee of the theatre, being tbe person attacked. This gentleman was leaving the theatre about half -pant nine, and had just emerged from the passage leading into High-street when two men spiang upon him, one seizing him by the oollaij and the other striking >him a violent blow with some kind of instrument on the fleshy part of the arm. No doubt the blow was meant for his head, but fortunately it missed its mark. A fierce struggle immediately ensued, Mr. Bennett resisting bis assailants most determinedly. One of them said to the other, "It'B no use to-night— he hasn't got the bag," and at the same moment they released Mr. Bennett and made off as fast as possible, and were immediately out of sight. Mr. Benuett at once raised an alarm, and the police were apprised of the attack, but up to a late hour last night neither of the men had been apprehended. No doubt they had laid their plans beforehand, and had expected that when Mr. Bennett left the theatre he would have in his possession a bag containing the money tuken during the evening. In this they were mistaken, as fortunately that gentleman hadjnot the money with him, or there is not the slightest doubt but that he would have lost it. The attack was a most daring one, the place where they fell upon Mr. Bennett being within a few yards of the dressingrooms of the theatre, and in the public street, where they were liable to interruption at any instant, unless indeed, as was very likely the c^se, a couple of men were posted on the watch, one at the corner of Durham and High-streets aad the other nearer towards the Wesleyan Chapel. If so; timely [warning wou'd hate been given to the men on the watch for Mr. Bennett at the back of the theatre. At the time he was attacked he had his purse in his pockeb, but was not wearing his watch. When, however, the ruffians found that he had not the bag with him, in which they hoped to get a rich haul, they left him without attempting to rifle his pockets. We aro glad to say that Mr. Bennett sustained no injuries beyond the blow on the arm, and we sincerely trust that the men who stuck him up will speedily be brought to justice to answer for their offence.