The Victorian girl gangs: Haunting prison mugshots show mob jailed for stealing iron and boot thief who refused to pose for the camera
Ellen Woodman, aged 11 and 4ft 3in tall, was sentenced to seven days' hard labour for stealing iron in 1873. Another young thief, 12-year-old Jane Farrell, was sentenced to ten days' hard labour for stealing two boots. The teenager had no previous convictions so was spared jail but was sentenced to two months hard labour. Isabella Hindmarch, 16, was also given a month's hard labour for her first offence of stealing money. Another prostitute, 27-year-old Sarah Cassidy, was charged six times for breaking by-laws and stealing money.
Source: Daily Mail March 08, 2026 17:19 UTC
