BAKER'S FRAUD.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 186, 7 August 1940, Page 3

BAKER'S FRAUD.

WOMAN VICTIMISED. S.M. GRANTS PROBATION. "This appears to have been a deliberate fraud, but at the time of the offence there is no doubt the accused was drinking a good deal," said Detec-tive-Sergeant Nalder, referring to Alfred John Hart (59), a baker, who appeared in the Police Court before Mr. C. R. Orr Walker, S.M. Hart was charged that on January 11, with intent to defraud, he obtained the sum cf £25 from Emily Beamish by falsely representing that a dairy business was his own property and unencumbered. Mr. Nalder said Hart owned the business of a dairy and when in financial difficulties he instructed an agent to seek a partner in the 'business. Mrs. Beamish was introduced by an agency and to her Hart represented that he was the owner of the furniture and stock-in-trade and on this representation she paid £25 for a half interest in the business. Prior to this there was a bill of sale over the business. Later Hart disappeared and abandoned the business. He was at present working at Frankton Junction. As this was the first time Hart had been in trouble, the magistrate said he would admit him to probation for 18 months. He was ordered to take out a prohibition order and to make restitution of £25 in a manner to be ordered by -the probation officer.