I've just (finally) found this version on a recording of Cyril Poacher (Broomfield Wager, Topic 12TS252) taken from his singing in 1974. He says that he learned it from Alf Moseley of Harwich in the 1950s.

I was born in the fair town of London,
A printer I once served my time;
Many happy hours have I spent there,
I spent there in fair London town.

Ch.
And her eyes they shine like diamonds,
I thought her the pride of the land,
Her hair hung over her shoulder,
Tied up with a black velvet band.

Repeat Ch.

One day as I was out walking,
A damsel passed me by the hand;
Her hair hung over her shoulder,
Tied up with a black velvet band.

Ch.

I was taken before the Lord Justice,
He said "Your case is quite clear",
"If I'm not much mistaken,
You're doomed for seven long year.

The gold watch she took from my pocket,
She gently slipped into my hand;
I was given in charge to a bobby
Bad luck to the black velvet band

From the lack of logical order of the verses and other indications (including the mondegreen in the 2nd line of the first verse) there is every indication that he learned it very quickly and that he didn't know any other version (as far as I know, no other singer at "The Ship" sang it).

What's interesting is that it seems to me to have some aspects in common with the Swindells broadside. Particularly, being "given in charge" and the slipping of the watch into his pocket.

By the way, does anyone have any ideas about the suggestion, which I seem to have read somewhere recently, that the "Irish" versions have mainly arisen from Harry Cox's version which was picked up by Christy Moore, then The Dubliners etc.

Does anyone know the words to Harry's version?

Cheers
IanC