As all the convict records had been left behind in England, he could not do so, and the court ordered the captain to make restitution.

Although Billy Blue's place and date of birth are uncertain, convict records suggest he was born in Jamaica around 1767.

According to convict records, he was found guilty of burglary and sentenced to 18 years' penal servitude on 18 March 1862, although some contemporary newspapers state that he was sentenced to 15 years in 1861.