SECURING MONEY BY IMPOSITION

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 55, 28 November 1928, Page 11

SECURING MONEY BY IMPOSITION

VICTIM ATTEMPTS SUICIDE By Telegraph.—Press Association. Christchurch, November 27. A strange case was before Mr. Mosley, S.M., to-day. Sybil Louisa Penberthy and Valentine Abraham Beaumont were charged that on October 27, 1928, they did obtain money by imposing on Arthur James Inkster with false representations. The story told by Inkster was that he was a hairdresser and the female accused, whom he knew well, came to the tenement where he lodged to have her hair cut. This was done in his bedroom, The woman stayed only long enough for the cutting of her hair and they parted on excellent terms, no impropriety having taken place. Beaumont came to see him some time later, said that Penberthy was pregnant, and demanded £2O for an illegal operation. Inkster had not ’the money, but after repeated requests gave him £5, his wages for that week. He was so worried by Beaumont’s demands that he attempted suicide.

A statement by accused Penberthy was read in which she stated that Inkster grappled with her in his bedroom, but nothing came of it. She wished to frighten Inkster and suggested that Beaumont should tell him she was pregnant and get some money out of, him for an illegal operation. She was not in fact pregnant and no arrangements had been made for such an operation. Beaumont in a statement to the police said he believed that Penberthy was pregnant and had seen Inkster on her behalf. , , ... The Magistrate said- that he did not consider the case one of deliberate blackmail. but it had approached very close to it and had serious consequences, as Inkster had attempted suicide owing to worry. If he thought it was deliberate blackmail both accused would be sent to prison, in suite of the woman’s delicate health. The woman was the worst offender and he had little sympathy for her Penberthy was fined £lO. in default one month’s imprisonment, and Beaumont £5. Application for the suppression of the nanies was refused.