GRO0897 – Page 20 – The Pinsent Family

Western Times: Friday 15th March 1929

MEAN THEFT AT TOTNES: Sentenced to two months hard labour at Totnes, on Tuesday, for stealing articles of wearing apparel, valued at 15s, William Thomas Sculthorpe, was declared by the Bench to have behaved in a shabby manner after the kindness shown him by the owners. The stolen articles which were in readiness to go to the laundry were placed in a barn by Mr. W. H. Pinsent, Riverside Bungalow, to be taken away later. Accused had been given permission to sleep in the barn, as he was unable to get rooms in order that he might keep his job. Sculthorpe said he took the things on the spur of the moment and sold most of them to a woman at Taunton for 4s. There were two previous convictions against the accused, and the mayor asked if any enquiries had been made about the woman who bought the goods at such an absurd price from a man on the road. P.S. Marshall replied that the woman bought the property and informed the police. The police at Taunton were satisfied that the purchaser bore an excellent character.

Transcribed in whole or part from scanned originals: Presented with or without modified text and punctuation. For absolute accuracy refer to the original newspapers. Source: The British Newspaper Archive

Referenced

GRO0897 Devonport: William Henry Pinsent: 1874 – 1949

Western Morning News: Wednesday 13th March 1929

Kindness Abused: Prison for Man who Stole Clothing at Totnes: At Totnes yesterday the Mayor (Mr. J. N. Powney), in sentencing William Thomas Sculthorpe to two months’ hard labour for stealing articles of wearing apparel, valued at £4 15s, the property of William Henry Pinsent and Gerald Pinsent, at Totnes, stated that the Bench considered, after the kindness shown by Mr. Pinsent the accused behaved in a very shabby manner in stealing the property. According to the evidence, the articles, which were prepared to go to the laundry, were placed in a barn by Mr. W. H. Pinsent, of Riverside Bungalow, who was in the habit of taking it there on Tuesdays and fetching it the following Friday. Mr. Pinsent met the accused and another man in October, when the accused said he could not keep his job unless he got rooms, and as he could not get them, Mr. Pinsent allowed the accused to sleep in the barn. He was generally there when the laundry was delivered, and several times had brought it to the house. Accused, who said he did it on the spur of the moment, stated that he sold most of the articles to a woman in Taunton for 4s. There were two previous convictions against him, and the mayor asked if any inquiries had been made about the woman who bought the goods at such an absurd price from a man on the road. Sergt. Marshall replied that the woman bought the property and informed the police. The police at Taunton were satisfied that the purchaser bore an excellent character.

Referenced

GRO0366 Devonport: Gerald Swain Pinsent: 1904 – 1993
GRO0897 Devonport: William Henry Pinsent: 1874 – 1949

Torbay Express and South Devon Echo: Tuesday 12th March 1929

Benefactor Robbed: Two Months Hard Labour for Theft at Totnes: At Totnes to-day William Thomas Sculthorpe of no fixed abode was brought up on remand charged with stealing wearing apparel to the value £2 10s the property of William Henry Pinsent and Gerald Pinsent. It appeared from the evidence that the articles had been prepared at Riverside, Totnes, to be sent to the laundry. They were placed in a barn from which they were missed. Mr. W. Pinsent stated that he put the parcel in the barn for the laundry people collect. In October he met Sculthorpe, who said he could not keep his job at the cider stores unless he got rooms, and Mr. Pinsent allowed him to sleep in the barn. P.C. Northey gave evidence of seeing the defendant Templecloud Police-station, Somerset, where he said, “I sold some of the articles to a woman in Taunton for four shillings.” Defendant pleaded guilty. The mayor (Mr. J. N. Pewney), in inflicting a sentence of two months’ hard labour, said he considered Sculthorpe had behaved in a very shabby manner towards Mr. Pinsent.

Referenced

GRO0366 Devonport: Gerald Swain Pinsent: 1904 – 1993
GRO0897 Devonport: William Henry Pinsent: 1874 – 1949 (?)

Western Times: Thursday 7th July 1921

A Father’s Will: Sequel at Exeter to a Newton Bankruptcy: Son’s Application: At Exeter County Court yesterday, Mr. A. Harold Ward (Official Receiver in Bankruptcy) mentioned the application made at the December Court by William Henry Pinsent, of Newton Abbot, for his discharge in bankruptcy. The application, he said, was at that date adjourned in order that another application might be made in the Chancery Division on the instruction of the will of the applicant’s father. The latter had knowledge of his son’s bankruptcy and that he was an undischarged bankrupt when the will was made. The father devised under his will to the Trustee two-tenths of the residuary estate upon trust for the bankrupt for life or until “he should become a bankrupt.” The question arose as to whether there was forfeiture seeing that the son was already bankrupt at the time the will was made. Mr. Justice Lawrence had decided that question in the affirmative. Therefore, it seemed to be clear that as an officer’s trustee of the bankruptcy, he (the Official Receiver), had no claim on the two-tenths of the residuary estate. Consequently, the application of the debtor had now to be dealt with.

Applicant, added the Official Receiver, had been engaged by his late father as an assistant in the brewery. The father had rescued the son from financial disaster on three or four occasions.

SEVERAL REASONS AGAINST DISCHARGE: The Judge said there were several reasons against discharge, one being that debtor had not paid 10s. in the £. Mr. T. J. W. Templeman (for the debtor) said his client had been anxious to pay his debts in full. He attempted to get the bankruptcy annulled, the sole difficulty being that under the will there was a discretion for the executors to pay the wife and children. If the children had been 21 years of age there would have been an annulment, and there would have been sufficient to pay 20s. in the £ and interest. The difficulty was to get sufficient security for the raising of the necessary money. There was also the fact that one of the trustees was against and would not assist.

There was a legacy of £100 which in the ordinary way would have been claimed by the Official Receiver. The executors, however, claimed a lien on the £100 because the testator had paid an overdraft at the bank.

It was suggested on behalf of the debtor (he added) that the £100 should be used to enable him to obtain his discharge, and they should not press their claim for the overdraft. That would have enabled the payment to the creditors of 10s or 12s in the £. Since the Chancery Court had declared there was forfeiture that had fallen through, debtor being left in a worse position in regard to the bankruptcy than he was when the application was made, and when was endeavouring to pay his creditors in full.

The executors were not represented that day. Debtor was formerly in his father’s brewery earning £10 month, and had a wife and two children:

GRANTED, BUT WITH TIME LIMIT: His Honour pointed out that he was precluded under the section of the Act from granting the discharge. The Official Receiver said his Honour had discretion to grant a discharge in the event of debtor consenting to judgment for the payment of a substantial payment. His Honour said he could not make an order which he knew would be futile.

Mr. Templeman asked his Honour would grant debtor his discharge in the event of the wife being able to save £100. His Honour replied that it would be competent for an application to be made again.

Ultimately his Honour granted the discharge, but suspended it for two years, giving leave to Mr. Templeman to apply at any time for the order to be varied.

Referenced

GRO0897 Devonport: William Henry Pinsent: 1874 – 1949

Western Times: Thursday 5th May 1921

A Father’s Will: Sequel to a Newton Bankruptcy Heard at Exeter: the Exeter County Court yesterday, Mr. McGahey mentioned the bankruptcy of William Henry Pinsent of Newton for whom he appeared. It was a case in which there was a will by the father, containing a clause to the effect that there would be forfeiture by his son, William Henry Pinsent, of his inheritance under the will in the event of his bankruptcy. The question was whether the clause applied to an existing bankruptcy, which was within father’s knowledge when the will was made.

The case was referred to the High Court, but it was adjourned with a view to giving the parties an opportunity to get an annulment of the bankruptcy, Mr. Justice Lawrence remarking that that would influence his mind as to the order he would make.

Mr. McGahey yesterday said the bankruptcy was known to the testator, as he himself employed the solicitor, and it took place seven years before the will was made.

The Judge: If the clause does not involve forfeiture, the bankrupt has enough to pay everybody?

Mr. McGahey: Having gone into the authorities, we are of the opinion that whatever happens, there is forfeiture in this case. Mr. and Mrs. Pinsent are anxious that all the creditors should be paid in full. But even if there is annulment of the bankruptcy, it can only take place if his Honour were satisfied that everybody was paid in full. Still, as far as Pinsent was concerned, there was still a forfeiture. In answer to the Judge Mr. Woolcombe (for the Trustees of the will), said “the High Court Judge expressed no view on the point.

After further discussion between the Judge and the Official Receiver, Mr. McGahey agreed that it would be better to let the High Court decide whether there had been a forfeiture on not.

The Judge: I think it will be better. It must be decided one way the other. Then they can come back to me again.

Referenced

GRO0897 Devonport: William Henry Pinsent: 1874 – 1949

Western Morning News: Wednesday 19th February 1930

Male Nurse Drowned at Paignton: The mystery surrounding the death of Percy Cooch, aged 29, a male nurse, whose body was found in a crevice in the rocks off Preston Sands, Paignton, on Sunday, was unsolved at the inquest conducted at Torquay yesterday by Mr. G. E. Windeatt (deputy-coroner), who returned a verdict of “Found drowned.” Janie Alice Nash, Seaway-arcade, Seaway-road, Preston, identified the body by a shirt and tie Cooch wore, which she purchased for him. He resided with her from 1912 to January 1929. Dr. H. C. Adams said he examined the body on the rocks at Preston. He considered the man had been dead a month. He could see no signs of violence. The probable cause of death was drowning.

OUT OF WORK: William Henry Pinsent said Cooch had been living with him for some time at Totnes. He remained with him until Friday, January 10. He left the house about 6.30 p.m. that day to have supper with friends at Bridgetown. He did not return, and in January witness reported him missing to the Totnes police. He was out of work most of the time he was with witness. Charles Wills, of the Manor Inn, Preston, Paignton, said about 8.30 p.m. on January 10 Cooch came into the bar and was served with refreshment. He played a game of crib with a customer, and left again shortly after 9 p.m., telling the witness had to take a bus. Edwin Milner, of Le Bon Fish Café, Preston, said Cooch came into his cafe about 9.45 p.m. in January and had supper. He left about 10.15 p.m., saying he was going to catch the bus for Totnes. Witness saw him later, but he did not say why he had missed the bus. He appeared to be quite capable of looking after himself. When he left the witness on the last occasion, he went down Seaway-road in the direction of the sea front. Witness knew the deceased well and he appeared to be in his usual good health when he last saw him.

The Deputy-Coroner, returning a verdict of “found drowned,” said there was no evidence to show how Cooch got into the water. Mr. Windeatt expressed his deep sympathy with Mrs. Nash, who had had “considerable trouble with this young man.”

Referenced

GRO0897 Devonport: William Henry Pinsent: 1874 – 1949

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette: Thursday 7th July 1921

Newton: Brewer’s Affairs: A Forfeiture Clause: At Exeter County Court, yesterday, the official Receiver (Mr. A. Harold Ward) again mentioned an application for discharge from bankruptcy of Henry Pinsent, brewer’s assistant, Newton Abbot. He said the application first came before the Court in December last, when his Honour considered his (the Official Receiver’s) report as to debtor’s conduct general financial dealings and adjourned the case in order that the Chancery Division might decide on the construction of a clause in the will of the father of the applicant. The father, with knowledge of his son’s bankruptcy, and the fact that he was undischarged, made a will and devised two-tenths of the residual estate upon trust to the bankrupt for life, or until became bankrupt. The question arose whether there was a forfeiture, seeing that the debtor was bankrupt at the time the will was made. Judgment had been given in the Chancery Division that there was a forfeiture. Therefore, it seemed clear that he (the Official Receiver) had no claim on the two-tenths. Applicant was engaged by his father as an assistant brewer and was rescued from disaster by his father on three or four occasions. He was quite sure that if the accumulation of debts had been avoidable, he would never have allowed the case to come into Court. Mr Templeman, for the debtor, said that if it had not been for the clause in the will debtor would have been able to pay the whole of his creditors in full. Every effort had been made to get the bankruptcy annulled, but one of the trustees was not a consenting party. There was no suggestion that the debtor had led a wildlife, but for many years prior to his bankruptcy he was unable to work owing to illness. He had also suffered a great deal since through ill health. Under the will it was assumed that the debtor’s wife would receive income of about L. 6 a week, and he was quite willing that Mrs. Pinsent should assist in paying the debts. His Honour Judge Terrell said that under the will there was a discretionary trust, and the trustees could apply the income under the will for the benefit of the husband, wife, or children. Difficulties arose, as under the will the trustees had discretion about the allocation of the money and might change their minds from time to time. The discharge would be granted but suspended for two years. Leave was given to the debtor to again make an application to the Court for discharge at any time during the two years if he was able to make an offer that would meet the approval of the Official Receiver.

[see also Exeter and Plymouth Gazette; Friday 8^th July 1921]

Referenced

GRO0695 Devonport: Minnie Gertrude Pinsent: 1872 – 1937
GRO0897 Devonport: William Henry Pinsent: 1874 – 1949

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette: Thursday 5th May 1921

Newton Bankrupt and Will Restrictions: At Exeter County Court, before his Honour Judge Terrell, yesterday, Mr. McGahey mentioned an application by Wm. Henry Pinsent, of Newton Abbot, for his discharge from bankruptcy. He stated the application was adjourned from a previous Court to enable proceedings to be taken in the High Court for the annulment of a clause in the will of the bankrupt’s father, which stated if debtor became a bankrupt, there would be forfeiture of his inheritance. Mr. Woolcoombe, for the bankrupt, stated that the case had taken to the High-Court with view to giving the parties an opportunity to get an annulment of the bankruptcy, Mr. Justice Laurence, stating that the result would Influence his mind in making any order respect to the clause referred to. Mr. McGahey said the bankruptcy was known to the testator, as the latter himself employed the solicitor, and it took (place) seven years before the will was made. His Honour said that if the clause did not involve forfeiture and the bankrupt had enough to pay everybody. Mr. McGahey said, whatever happened he was of opinion there was forfeiture in the case. Mr. and Mrs. Pinsent were anxious that all creditors in connection with the bankruptcy should be paid in full. The Receiver (Mr. A. Harold Ward) said the matter of annulment the clause had been referred to the High Court, and he thought it would be better, in connexion with the bankruptcy proceedings, if Mr. Justice Lawrence gave a decision relating to the annulment of the clause referred to him. His Honour and the solicitors concerned expressed the same opinion, and the matter was again adjourned pending the result of the proceedings in the High Court.

Referenced

GRO0695 Devonport: Minnie Gertrude Pinsent: 1872 – 1937
GRO0897 Devonport: William Henry Pinsent: 1874 – 1949

Western Times: Friday 10th September 1920

Funeral of Mr. W. S. Pinsent at Highweek: Mr. W. S. Pinsent, who died at Newton on Saturday at the age of 77, was buried on Tuesday in Highweek Churchyard, the service being conducted b Rev. E. G. Beckwith. The principal mourners were: – Messrs. John Douglas Pinsent and Wm. Hy. Pinsent (sons), and Donovan Pinsent (grandson): Others present included Messrs. J. Parnell Tucker, G. D. Woollcombe, J. L. B. Elms, T. S. M. Underhay, (representing the Highweek Feoffees and Highweek School Managers), W. R. Vicary and A. B. Segar (Feoffees of Highweek), E. F. Jutte (Messrs. Rendell and Sawdye), L. L. Pidsley (Heavitree Brewery Company), Wm. Terrell (a former employee) W. Jewell, W. Hannaford, and F. Heath (employees), L. Bearne, L. Coombe, J. Hawke, R. W. Williams, T. Shilston, H. Parker, A. L. Wills, W. T. Harvey, J. H. Heyward, H. J. Ball (Exeter), A. H. Tucker, C. E. Needs, W. H. Brock, W. Marshall, J. H. Wills, R. J. Badcock, J. E. Mills, W. Edworthy, G. Ellicott (Bovey Tracey), W. Haydon, J. Cook (Kingsteignton), W. Prowse (Abbotskerswell), T. Scott, M. Scott, C. Prowse (Bovey Tracey), C. Bowen and Mrs. Cook (Kingsteignton). Among the wreaths was one from the staff correspondent and scholars of Bearne’s British School.

Referenced

GRO0174 Devonport: Donovan Henry Douglas Pinsent: 1901 – 1980
GRO0520 Devonport: John Douglas Pinsent: 1872 – 1936
GRO0897 Devonport: William Henry Pinsent: 1874 – 1949
GRO0911 Devonport: William Swain Pinsent: 1843 – 1920

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette: Wednesday 8th September 1920

Newton Funeral: The funeral place at Highweek churchyard, Newton Abbot, yesterday, of Mr. Wm. Swain Pinsent, who died on Saturday at the age of 77. The Rev. E. G. officiated. The principal mourners were Messrs. John Douglas Pinsent and Wm. Hy. Pinsent (sons) and Donovan Pinsent (grandson): Others present included Messrs J. Parnell Tucker, G. D. Woollcombe, J. L. B. Elms, T. S. M. Underhay, (representing the Highweek Feoffees and Highweek Council School Managers, of which deceased was a member), W. R. Vicary and A. B. Segar (Feoffees of Highweek), E. F. Lutte (representing Messrs. Rendell and Sawdye), L. L. Pidsley (representing the Heavitree Brewery Company), Wm. Terrell (a former employee), W. Jewell, W. Hannaford, and Heath (employees), L . Bearne, L. Coombe, J. Hawke, R. W. Williams, T. Shilston. H. Parker, A. L. Wills, W. T. Harvey, J. H. Heyward, H. J. Ball, A. H. Tucker, C. E. Needs, W. H. Brock. W. Marshall, Joe H. Wills, R. J. Badcock, J. E. Mills, W. Edworthy, G. Ellicott (Bovey Tracey), W. Haydon, J. Cook (Kingsteignton), W. Prowse (Abbotskerswell), T. Scott, M. Scott, C. Prowse (Bovey Tracey), C. Bowen, and Mrs. Cook (Kingsteignton). There were numerous floral tributes.

[see also Exeter and Plymouth Gazette: Friday 10^th September 1920]