In 1840 Thomas Hunt was transported to Australia for 15 years. On 8 February 1840, the Leicestershire Mercury provided its readers with the story of his arrest.

    Sheep Stealer apprehended.—It will be in the recollection of our readers that Mr. Bent, of Queneborough, had a sheep killed on Saturday night, the 25th ult. In consequence of information received, Superintendent Warner went to the house of Thomas Hunt, of South Croxton, and on searching it found several pieces of mutton, a leg-bone of which corresponded exactly with the part left in the field, it having been broken off instead of cut or sawed. Warner apprehended Hunt, who was examined before Col. Cheney, and committed for trial at the sessions.