Curious Charge of Embezzlement: At the Town Hall, on Wednesday last, before C.H. Monro, Esq., William Curse was charged with embezzling the sum of £25, received by him on account of Mr. John Pinsent, his employer. Mr. Francis prosecuted and Mr. R.W. Templer appeared on behalf of the prisoner. Mr. Francis stated the case at some length, and called the prosecutor John Palk (sic) Pinsent, who stated that the prisoner, William Cruse, came into his service on the 28th July, 1851, to superintend the coal trade and receive monies for him; he allowed him four per cent on all sums paid. He continued in his employ until the end of November, when he found out that he had received £16 7s 9d from Mr. John Way, a baker, of Newton Abbot; £4 8s 8d from Mr. Scott, at Lustleigh and £4. 16s 9d from Mr. Couch, of Chudleigh Knighton, and from 122 different parties, besides. Prosecutor had some conversation on the 31st December, 1852, about Mr. Way’s account, with the prisoner, who told him the account was all right, that it was not paid, and when he examined the books kept by the prisoner they appeared as if the debt was not paid. He had some conversation with the prisoner on the 1st January, 1853, when he (Cruse) came home from the Sheriff’s ward, and went through the ledger account with him and Mr. Way’s, Mr. Scott’s and Mr. Couth’s accounts appeared to be due by the ledger. Prosecutor had some conversation with him about settling up the accounts, but that had not been done. Since he came out of prison, the prisoner has never been in a position to pay him the money he had got on his account, which was between £100 and £200 altogether. Other witnesses were called to corroborate the case against the prisoner. And ultimately, he was remanded until Friday, in order that the agreement in writing, made at the time of his entering Mr. Pinsent’s service, might be duly stamped, so as to make it legal evidence. On Saturday he was again brought up and committed for trial at the assizes.
[See similar item in Western Times, Saturday 12th March 1853]
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
GRO0518 Devonport: John Ball Pinsent: 1819 – 1901