HOAX ON POLICE

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 207, 15 June 1936, Page 6

HOAX ON POLICE

, FALSE REPORT or MURDER. AN INCIDENT AT DUNEDIN. MEDICAL STUDENT ARRESTED. (Per Press Association.) . ‘DUNE'DIN, This Day. A senseless hoax was perpetrated on the police on Saturday night, by which they were led to believe that a prominent‘figure in academic and ecclesiastical circles had been murdered. The hoax had its sequel in the Police Court this morning, when a medical student, George de Stack Fenwick, was charged with having made a false statement to the police that a crime had been (30111" mitted. Senior-Sergeant Packer said that accused admitted the offence, but as there were others concerned an adjournment Would be necessary. Mr Silverstone appeared for accused, who was not present in court. The Senior-Sergeant said that at 11.40 on Saturday night a telephone message was received by Sergeant Forsythe at the watch-house: “Is that the police station. Send some police up here at once. I have just found Dr. Merrington murdered.” The Sergeant questioned the person who was ringing, and the latter satisfied: him that everything was in order. “Please hurry,” the voice continued. “Sim, sub-master at Knox College is speaking. Please hurry. I can’t wait any longer.” The Sergeant and three policemen speeded _ to the College by motor to find that Dr. Merrington was well and! that nothing had occurred. The police immediately set out on inquiries, and a constable located accused at another College. He admitted the offence. The Senior—Sergeant said such prac-,: tice, besides being foolish, mightj be very dangerous, because if suchl messages were received it was possible when a genuine message was received by the police a few valuable minutes might be lost while inquiries were made.

Counsel’s application for suppression of accused’s name was refused.

"Til—eirrlrledring of the charge was adjourned till next Monday.