FOR TRIAL.

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

FOR TRIAL.

ACCUSED COMMITTED,

Defence Is Denial of Intent to Endanger Life. BENCH ALLOWS BAIL. United Press Association.—Copyright. (Received 11.30 a.m.) LONDON, June 13. Continuing his evidence after the adjournment, Major Ramsden, referring to Thornton's postponement of the kidnap attempt, said he apparently lost his nerve. Witness denied driving Thornton to make the attempt. Witness denied that lie had ever called himself Ralph Bruce Thornton, or represented himself as an ex-member of the Royal Air Force or as a member of a civil flying company. He added that Lord Nuffield and Captain C. K. Arbuthnot,"Chief Constable of Oxfordshire, had worked out the i scheme to capture Thornton. Lord. Nuffield, saying he was a. busy man,' intimated that he wanted it done onj either Mav 23 or 24.

Charles Richard Fox, Chief Constable of Oxford, giving evidence, said he questioned Thornton, who denied that lie was ever previously near the Morris works. He also denied planning the kidnap to extort money from Lord Nuffield.

Referring to a document of instructions Ramsden alleged was drawn up for. use when he interviewed Lord Nuffield, Thornton said it was "part of cinema stuff. I have been writing/' he said.

Chief Constable Fox added that during questioning Lord Nuffield walked in and said to Thornton: "I'm the man you have come to collect." .

Thornton said a chain he bought was for Ramsden's dog. „

When charged with possession of firearms with intent to endanger life, Thornton said there was no intent to endanger life. "The things" (revolvers) were not 'loaded.

Mr. Flints submitted that there was no case for a jury. He said Thornton was boastful, especially when in his cups. His suggestion of the kidnapping was only a joke, and Ramsden afterwards was trying.to get evidence to secure notoriety and possibly a reward from Lord Nuffield.

t Thornton was committed for trial. Bail was allowed.