KIDNAP PLOT.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 138, 14 June 1938, Page 7

KIDNAP PLOT.

REARING RESUMED

Alleged Scheme to Abduct

Lord Nuffield,

CHIEF WITNESS' EVIDENCE. United Press Association. —Copyright. LONDON, June 13. The hearing of the' charge against John Bruce Thornton of inciting Arthur Geoffrey Ramsden to conspire with him to kidnap Viscount Nuffield and with possession of arms with intent to endanger life, was resumed in ■ the Oxford Police Court to-day. Lord Nuffield was not present.

It was alleged that tlie sum of £100,000 was to be demanded from Lord Nuffield in return for liis freedom.

Major Ramsden, wlio acted in consort with the accused and informed the police, afterwards carrying out the plot under their- instructions, in evidence, identified a red wig and other articles of disguise, and chains and padjocks. Ramsden said lie had bought the longer chain at Thornton's instructions because the other was only sufficiently long to secure Lord Nufiield's hands together.

A longer one would permit the captive to put his hands in his pockets and sit at ease in the motor car. They then .provisioned the yacht- Pierette, which Ramsden had chartered, and sailed her to Pin Mill from Colchester.

Thornton instructed witness on May 23 to telephone Lord Nuffield's secretary, using a slight American accent, and arrange to interview Lord Nuffield at G p.m. on May 24.

Later, white Thornton was applying peroxide to his hair, Ramsden typed a letter which Thornton had drafted, with the intention of .using it for an introduction if necessary.

Ramsden explained that Thornton, using a small brown bottle and a glass stick, erased the details from his motor car license, after which witness wrote in the new numbers. „

Thornton gave him a telegraph form on which he instructed witness to write a telegram to Lord Nuffield's secretary announcing: "Called away. Cancel all appointments." This would be sent after the kidnapping. Disguised-as Chauffeur. Ramsden continued that he and Thornton motored to Oxford on the morning of May 24, and on arrival they separated to avoid arousing suspicion. Ramsden then disguised himself, Thornton supplying the' materials for darkening his face, blackening his moustache and eyebrows and whitening his hair.

Wearing a ; chauffeur's cap, witness afterward drove to the police station, where the police assisted him to put false number plates on the car.

Ramsden continued that he had arranged to meet Thornton at 5 30 p.m. and drive to Cowley,..where Thornton, in disguise, would represent himself as R. C. Wilson and bring away Lord Nuffield—peaceably if possible, otherwise at ,tlie pistol-point.

When witness met Thornton he seemed very upset. He was not disguised, and said a candle had fallen over and burnt his wig. Thornton said the scheme must be postponed, and asked witness to drive away as quickly as possible and change the number plates.

Ramsden suggested- it would be necessary to telephone if he wanted another appointment with Lord • Nuffield. Thornton agreed, and told liim to say the car had broken down. Ramsden then telephoned the police.

He added that Thornton had previously instructed him to remove the mirror from the motor car to prevent Lord Nuffield from recognising him again. Also, when witness visited Lord Nuffield aboard the yacht Pierette on the way to France, he .was to weai* a bag over his head.

Mr. A. J. Flints, opening his crossexamination: Were you carrying 011 an honest and reputable business from 1027 to 1930?

Kamsden: Yes. Witness added he had done nothing to lead Thornton to believe he would-join in such a desperate venture. He had riot communicated with Thornton between 1930 and 193S until he saw an advertisement.

Ramsden agreed that he was going to act as chauffeur to Thornton, who had just arrived from Australia on a trip round England if Thornton bought a better car. He added he was "completely flabbergasted" wh'en Thornton suggested the kidnapping

Thornton, on April 12, at first used the name of Kelly- when referring to Lord Nuffield, which he continued to do, reproving witness when he spoke of Lord Nuffield. Ramsden added that he tried to dissuade Thornton from the kidnapping, which lie regarded as fantastic.