POLICE VICE CASE

Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28447, 29 November 1957, Page 26

POLICE VICE CASE

Evidence At Brighton (Rec. 7 p.m.) BRIGHTON (Sussex), Nov. 27. Fights and trouble with women broke out after licensing hours in a basement club where Brighton’s suspended police chief is alleged to have received protection money. Magistrates were told today. A white-haired, elderly woman. Mrs Blanche Cherryman, said that she had been a receptionist at the hotel where the Astor Club — nicknamed “The Bucket of Blood”—was run by Alan Roy Bennett, now a London businessman. Giving evidence against the police chief, Charles Ridge, aged 57, and four other men accused of bribery and corruption, Mrs Cherryman recalled how she saw drunks being helped up the stairs from the basement club. “I knew it was a bad club from what I used to see going on there,” she said. “There used to be fights and trouble with women.” She had called on Ridge and told him what was happening at the club. “As far as I remember he said that he would see into it,” Mrs Cherryman said. Wife’s Evidence Earlier, Mrs Wenche Bennett, the wife of the club owner who yesterday admitted a number of criminal convictions, said that she had warned her husband that it was wrong to bribe the police. Sometimes criminals frequented the club, she said.

The prosecution has alleged that Ridge was paid weekly sums of £2O by Bennett so that the club could serve after-hour drinks without police intereference. Accused with Ridge, who held the title of Chief Constable, are:. Detective Inspector John Hammersley, aged 39, Detective-Serg-eant Trevor Heath, aged 35, a bar owner. Anthony John Lyons, aged 59. and a bookmaker, Samuel Bellson. aged 42. The charges allege conspiracy to obtain rewards for the three officers for showing or promising favours contrary to their duty. The third day of the hearing opened against a background of tightening police security after a threat to a woman witness that she would be “cut up” if she gave evidence. Detectives escorted a number of witnesses into the Town Hall where the case is being heard. Mrs Mary Mason, who reopened the club in January, 1956, told the Court that Lyons approached her and she believed he wanted her to have the same arrangements that Bennett had. “It was never actually said to me openly,” she said.

She had not paid money to anyone and in August this year the police raided her club. The hearing was ajourned until tomorrow.