FRAUD DENIED.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 99, 29 April 1935, Page 8

FRAUD DENIED.

TAXI FARES NOT PAID.

YOUNG MAN FOR TRIAL.

011 four charges of incurring debts or liabilities, thereby obtaining credit amounting to £!i 6/0 by fraud, Phillip Donald Martinovich, a young man, elected, in the Police Court this morning, to lie dealt with by jury and was committed to the Supreme Court for trial. He pleaded not guilty to all charges. Evidence was given by four taxi drivers that Martinovich had engaged them to drive him about the city, and that 011 completion of the trips had told them that he had 110 money, but would pay them later. So far they had not been paid. One driver said that he also lent Martinovich 10/. Mr. Skelton submitted that there was 110 case to answer, as Martinovich had made 110 representations prior to any of the acts. Failure to fulfil a promise did not enter into the definition of fraud. "Any of the drivers could have asked him if he had the money to pay beforehand," said counsel. "fie did not promise to pay when lie got out of the taxi." Senior Detective Hall said that the charges showed system, and contended that Martinovich. when lie engaged taxis, knew lie did not have the money to pay. He had already been committed for trial 011 similar charges. Mr. Hunt: Martinovich elected to be tried by jury, so I am not going to try the case. Accused pleaded not guilty and was committed for trial.