WOMEN DUPED

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 117, 11 February 1936, Page 3

WOMEN DUPED

Swindler Sent to Gaol An engineer, Dudley Francis Billings, aged 47, who was stated to be a “prince of motor-car swindlers,” pleaded guilty at London Sessions recently to obtaining two cars, two cheques and credit by false pretences, and to stealing a motor-car. He was sentenced to three years’ penal servitude.

Ella Eileen Jane Burton, aged 29, who pleaded guilty to being concerned with Billings in obtaining the two cars by false pretences, was placed on probation for two years. Detective-Sergeant Tansill said that nine previous convictions were recorded against Billings, including three terms of penal servitude. "In October, 1934,” said the sergeant, “he formed the International Automobile Club, with offices in Regent Street. It was to be a boon to motorists, but in reality it only became a boon to himself. He perpetrated frauds on people in the motor trade, to whom he has been a pest. He was able to secure the use of expensive cars, and to find’ victims

among wealthy women through the medium of advertisement in matrimonial papers. “Various women lent him money, the total sum Involved being In the region of £ll.OOO. He invariably carried out his schemes with women dupes. Miss Burton, who is one of his victims, met Ijim as the result of an advertisement. She became secretary at his office, and under his astonishing spell she soon became much attached to him.

"Billings secured an introduction to her mother,” continued the officer, “and obtained every penny they had, a sum in the region of £3500. Disillusionment soon came to her mother. She grew ill as a result of her financial association with Billings, aud she began to wander. In July, 1935, she was found injured on the railway line aud died two days later.” Mr. R. G. Seaton, for Miss Burton, said:—

“Billings worked his way into the Burton menage. After telling glowing stories of wbat be was going to do, and turning up in smart aud powerful cars, he started to get money from Mrs. and Miss Burton, and he went on until he had taken almost every penny that they had. He proposed marriage to Miss Burton and her, mother thought it a very desiarble match.”