Alexander Day (con artist)
Alexander Day (also known as Marmaduke Davenport, Esq.) was a British sharper known for cons committed in London in September 1722. Originally from St Andrew Holborn, Day went under the name Marmaduke Davenport, Esq. and hired a carriage and footman to create the impression to shopkeepers in London that he was a respected member of the gentry. Once the shop proprietors had supplied their goods, Day would flee without paying.
Alexander Day | |
|---|---|
| Nationality | British |
| Other names | Marmaduke Davenport, Esq. |
| Conviction(s) | Four counts of defrauding (1723) |
| Criminal charge | Four counts of defrauding; two counts of grand larceny |
| Penalty | Two years' imprisonment; standing twice in the pillory; a fine of £200 |
In 1723, Day was arrested in connection with a robbery of a mail coach in Clapham. Although he was ruled out as a suspect of this crime, he was indicted on four counts of defrauding and two counts of grand larceny for crimes committed in the September of the previous year. After his trial, Day was found guilty on all counts of defrauding and was sentenced to two years' imprisonment at Newgate Prison, which included standing twice in the pillory and paying a fine of £200.