NOT FALSE PRETENCES

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 10, 6 October 1927, Page 6

NOT FALSE PRETENCES

POLICE PROSECUTION FAILS. “To commit this man for trial on this cliargo would only put tho country to needless expense, as 1 am sure that uo jury would convict," said Mr. F. W. Ongley in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday when appearing for Frederick Courtney, a labourer, aged 4,7. who was charged with obtaining £lO from John William Albert Cook by falsely pretending that when the s.s. Alaori I‘oached Wellington he would have to pay £8 to someone who would bo waiting for him. Cook, who is a farmer, of Christchurch, said that on the way from Lyttelton to Wellington on September 26 ho was introduced by a friend of his to accused. They had a drink, and later Courtney asked witness if he would lend him £lO as ho had to pay £8 to someone who would meet him at the wharf. As the friend agreed to go security for Courtney, tho money was lent. When it was later mentioned to accused prior to tho arrival of tho boat, ho denied having received it. Witness also stated that on Tuesday afternoon he met accused in tbo city, and they had a conversation. The friend, who was also present, then signed an 1.0. U. for £lO on behalf of Courtney as security for tho money lent. Mr. Ongley said there was no case to answer. Cook had lent Courtney the money as a friend of bis and said he would go security for it. The Bench, consisting of Messrs. J. A. McGrath and F. G. Cray. J.P.’s, dismissed the charge.