Someone called a policeman. Oliver Twist was dragged off through the streets followed by a large crowd. Mr Brownlow,the elderly gentleman who had lost his handkerchief, followed the crowd.
Oliver stood in front of Mr Fand, the magistrate. Everyone in the court-room,including Mr fang, thought that Oliver should be sent to prison for his terrible crime.
In England, at that time, Parliament was run by rich landowners and businessmen.If one of the members of parliament had his animals stolen,or even lost a loaf of bread to the starving poor, he and his friends in parliament would change the law.These small crimes would then be treated as if they were serious crimes. Anyone caught stealing these things would be jailed or hung.
Oliver Twist was frightened.Mr brownlow went to the front of the court.
"This boy is not a thief,Mr fang,"said Mr brownlow "Look at him.He is ill.He can hardly stand up