I am not familiar with reading prison records. This actual document is typed so it is clear. The date is 14 April 1888 in Dorset.
It seems to me that John Coke ( a son of my ancestor ) was involved in several offences. In 1850 he stole a loaf of bread but here, in 1888 things seem much worse:
His entry seems linked with one for John Watson. Here is a cropped area for John Coke:
There are three entries there:
- 6 Years Penal Servitude, 4th Jan., 1864 (felony), Central Criminal Court, as George Walters.
- 10 Years Penal Servitude, 16th Oct., 1871 (felony), Lewes Assizes, as Thomas Nash.
- 2 Calendar months, 26th Feb., 1883 (attempt to steal), Central Criminal Ct., as Alfred Steadman.
Is this information telling me that he has served some 16 years already and was using false names? It all sounds very serious to me.
The source:
Surrey, England, Calendar of Prisoners, 1848-1902