James Nicholas a youth 17 year of age, was charged with playing pitch and toss between Townwall Street and Liverpool Street on the 15th inst. Police Sergeant James Johnstone said that on the Wednesday previous a gentleman at the top of Snargate Street drew his attention to some boys who were playing pitch and toss in an opening between Townwall Street and Liverpool Street. On proceeding to the spot he found about eleven boys playing as he supposed pitch and toss and defendant was in the act of tossing. As soon as the boys saw him they ran away leaving the buttons whom he produced on the spot. 

The defendant also left behind him a tray containing some sprats. Defendant denied playing himself but said the other boys were the real offenders. The presiding magistrates seemed to think that the police sergeant had acted very wisely in taking Nicholas up, but as Mr. Mowll had given him a good character which had been confirmed both by Mr. Coram and the police sergeant. He was dismissed with a caution, the magistrates assuring him that if either he or any of his friends were brought up for the same offence again they would severely punished. (1871)