The Spin | Walter Gilbert, the shamed thief who shone in Canadian exile
(The Guardian Sports News)

A cousin of WG Grace whose bankruptcy led him into petty crime, Walter Gilbert went on to enjoy a stellar career in CanadaIn October 1908 a most curious court case took place in Canada in which someone called either Charles or Chris Mitchell, depending on which report you believe, found himself on trial for theft.`Mr Sparling, crown prosecutor, said that Mitchell is a sneak thief who not only stole $13 from the trousers of Mr Gilbert - hung up while the owner was playing at cricket - but he has also been hanging about church dressing rooms and behaving generally in a manner that leads to a suspicion that he is not all right in the head,` the Winnipeg Tribune reported. `This indictment of foolishness was completed by Mr Gilbert´s statement that Mitchell has been heard making silly speeches about cricket, and the man was remanded until Thursday to have him examined for insanity.` Continue reading...