EIGHTY YEARS' DETENTION.

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 43, 20 February 1926, Page 23

EIGHTY YEARS' DETENTION.

iA. (PERSISTENT CRIMINAL. "David Gluckstein," London's swankiest thief, who for months eluded Scotlana Yard's best men, and fascinated. England by his nervy and often anmeing adventures in crime, to-day is a crestfallen convict, facing a dreary "prospect. "Ypura is one of the worst records ot persistent and repeated crime that has ever been before mc," said the London judge in sentencing him to imprisonment lor three years on a series of theft charges, and eighty years "preventive detention" as an habitual criminal. "Agea 35, a Clerks Though a prince of crooks, euch as E. Phillips Oppenheim lovea to . describe, 'KJlucksteJn," in ordinary life, was only Emmanuel Goldman; aged 33, a clerk. He began his criminal career iii.1916. In court the sangfroid and distinguished presence that won him the police nickname of "the dandy swindler," and a reputation as one of. this cleverest rogues who have passed through Scotland Yard, deserted him, and in tears and contrition he sought:mitigation of sentence. "Gluckstein's" favourite pose was as a member of the millionaire Gluckstein family owning OLyons' main restaurant 'here. In one 'of his most audacious swindles he obtained jewellery toy representing that he was the confidential agent of Lord Reading, Viceroy of India. Always clothed in the highest fashion, 'he - assumed such a hauteur in tradesmen's presence that many of them immediately assumed all his credentials were correct and took the attitude of not -wishing, to offend a person_ of such high standing by questioning his" claims. jewellers permitted him to select the best in their stock and take it out on approval without even a deposit. Carried Off Gems. A characteristic incident took place last September. Entering' a smart shop, "The Dandy" told the jeweller he was Mr. Lewis, proprietor of the Gaiety Theatre, and asked if he c.ould opeiiN an account. "Certainly, sir," said the dealer. But "Mr. Lewis'then changed his mind. Selecting two rings and a watch, he drew out a bank roll and peeled off the price. Then, hesitating -an instant, he queried, "May I use the phone?" When the jeweller consented the thief ostensibly called up the Gaiety Theatre and gave several orders to. his manager. Then, turning to the nvuch-impressea. jeweller, lie said .that on second thought he would buy some jewels for an actress in his revue. Selecting a diamond cluster ring with four sapphires set, in gold, a silver diamond orescent brooch, a diamond horseshoe pin and a diamond ring, worth in all ■ several thousand pounds, he said he wouia take them "subject to the lady's approval," and eend tnlT money or return the jewels. He then vanished out of the jeweller's life.