"MR. A. IN COURT."

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 267, 10 November 1937, Page 18

"MR. A. IN COURT."

BLACKMAIL VICTIM.

WIDOW TO STAND TRIAL

SECRET CORRESPONDENCE.

(■Special.—By Air Mall.) LONDON, October 17. A married man's secret correspondence with a widow whom he had met while living away from home was described at a special sitting of Stoke-on-Trent j magistrates when the woman was committed for trial on charges of demanding money by menaces. The widow, Nancy Goodwin, stated formerly to be of King William Street, Tunetall, was alleged to have received various sums of money from the man was was referred to as "Mr. A," after Mr. Roger Sharpley, prosecuting, had said that he was a particularly easy subject for blackmail, being an official of a' prominent transport undertaking. In March, 1935, Mr. Sharpley said, "Mr. A," who was lodging at Tunstall, met Goodwin. She led him to believe that she was a single woman, and after about a fortnight invited him to a house in King William Street. He first told her that he was a single man and became on intimate terms with lier. When "Mr. A" returned to his home at Liverpool he wrote to her, using a nom de plume and an accommodation address. Sent Her Money. At the end of the year he received a letter from Goodwin saying that a doctor had told her that she was in a certain condition. "Mr. A" met her at Crewe, but she refused to sell her furniture and live in rooms with him at Liverpool—a course he had intended to take, as his domestic affairs were not happy. Goodwin told "Mr. A" that she knew someone who could perform an operation for £10 and that a woman would look after her for £2 a week. "Mr. A" sent her a money order for £14. In May, 1036, he received a letter purporting to be signed by "E. Goodwin." The writer stated that he was writing on behalf of his sister, who was seriously ill as a result of the operation. "Mr. A" later received another letter from "E. Goodwin" threatening to inform the police and his employers if £12 was not sent to pay his sister's debts. After making payments "Mr. A" went to Tunstall and found the whole story to l>e untrue. He then confessed to his wife and went to the police. Goodwin was granted a certificate for legal aid.