FRAUD ALLEGED.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 18968, 5 April 1927, Page 14

FRAUD ALLEGED.

♦ A STOCK MORTGAGE. MISSING SHEEP. (PEE9S ASSOCIATION TELZGEAJt.) GISBOBNE, March 4. A case of interest~to stock firms was heard before the Magistrate, Mr E. C. Lewey, S.M., in the Police Court today. Thomas Brosnahan and his son, Aloysius Geo. Brosnahan were charged with having in the past two years obtained by alleged false stock returns, advances from Dalgety and Co. of £778 and £376 respectively. John Joseph Heasley, manager for. Dalgety and Co., stated that in July, 1925, the firm had taken a stock mortgage over sheep owned by Thos. Brosnahan, who was a client of the firm, .on the two conditions that all sales or purchases bo put through the firm, and that half-yearly returns be made by. the . accused of stock in their possession. When wool and certain lambs did not como ' forward, the firm's auctioneer was instructed to inspect "the property., After this was done Brosnahan interviewed witness, saying: "Well, here I am to take my gruelling. I'll be glad when it's all over. It's a load off my mind. I've been a very worried man for a long time." Accused said he had sold the stock, but could not explain where they had gone to. Witness asked if he realised the seriousness of what he had done. Accused replied: "Yes, I suppose I'm in for it, but your firm won't lose anything." He offered the firm an assignment of portion of his property. Herbert Eoland Williams, auctioneer for Dalgety and Co., said he had found only 176 sheep on making a muster. Heath Johnson, accountant for the firm, stated that advances had been made to Brosnahan on stock returns furnished to the firm, totalling £798. Detective McLeod produced in evidence a statement by the accused to the effect that the counting of the stock had been left to the two sons, . and that he, relied on them for the figures. He admitted that his son Aloysiu3 George had also furnished false returns in December, 1926, at his instigation. Accused reserved his defence and was committed to the Supreme Court for trial. Bail was allowed. In the case against Aloysius George Brosnahan, similar evidence was tendered. Accused pleaded not guilty, and was committed-to the Supreme Court for trial. Bail was allowed.