CALLED FOR GAS ACCOUNT: Alleged Attempt to Obtain Money by Fraud at Newton: William Lakin, described as of no fixed abode, was charged before Dr. J. W. Ley and Mr. R. Vicary, at Newton yesterday, with attempting to obtain money by false pretences from Mrs. M. Pinsent, of 6, Devon-square, Newton, the previous night. Complainant’s evidence was to the effect the accused called upon her representing that he had been sent by the Gas Company to collect the gas account. Complainant told him that she could not pay, as there was some mistake. He asked her what the amount was, and she replied, “£ 5 6s for three months,” the prisoner then saying, “They are robbing you.” Complainant asked him if he was Mr. Clarke, and he replied, “No; Mr. White.” Accused, at his request, was allowed to examine the lights and inspect the meter, and said they were all right. Two policemen then came and arrested the man. P.C. Reel stated that watched the accused because of complaints received of his behaviour in Courtenay Park, where he was hawking, and using insolence to people. Witness-kept his eye on him from 6.45 until 7.10, during which time went into the Queen’s Hotel. The witness followed him to Mrs. Pinsent’s house and hid in some bushes. Another constable was with him. The witness heard him tell Mrs. Pinsent he had come for the gas account, and that his name was White. Mrs. Pinsent said she could not pay the account because it was most exorbitant, and that there really must be something wrong with the meter. Accused said to the complainant, “There is no doubt about it, Madam, they are robbing you the same as they are other people in Newton.” When the accused went down to the basement to examine the meter, the witness entered the hall. Accused came up and said, “It is not my place to tell you, madam, but there is doubt about it, they are robbing you. Of course, I have been sent for the gas account.” Witness then stepped out of a room and asked the accused if he was in the employ of the Gas Company. Accused replied in the negative, and the witness cautioned him and charged him with attempting to obtain money by false pretenses. Witness also asked him if he had a peddler’s certificate, and he answered, No”. Prisoner afterwards said, “You’ve a long way to go to prove the charge you are bringing against me.” When searched at the police station an expired peddler’s certificate was found upon him bearing the name Albert Lakin. P.C. Horn corroborated the evidence of the last witness. Joseph Clarke, manager of the Newton Gas Company, stated that the accused had never been in the employ of the company, and he was not authorised to collect any money for the company. P.S. Creech asked for a remand until next Monday to make inquiries, and the Bench acceded to the request.
[see similar Exeter and Plymouth Gazette: Tuesday 28th January 1908]
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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