BOGUS BISHOP

Ellesmere Guardian, Volume LII, Issue 55, 10 July 1931, Page 7

BOGUS BISHOP

AND BLONDE SECRETARY.

LUXURY AT SEASIDE.

Claiming to be "the Bishop of Falkland Islands," a clever criminal whose record is well known to the police of Britain, has vanished from Brighton with his pretty blonde secretary as suddenly as they appeared some time ago. No one at first would have thought of questioning the credentials of the "Bishop," a well-built man' of 40, about sft. Bin. in height, with a fresh 1 complexion and a refined voice. His horn-rimmed glasses, black suit and gaiters added to the effect. Who would dream that he is wanted in London for fraud, receiving and disposing of the proceeds of robberies, and for liousebreaking in the city and suburbs. When he went to Brighton, accompanied by his secretary, he began to make his presence felt at once. He lived near the sea in a mansion which had only recently been renovated at a«cost of over £1000. Stores in the town and in Hove soon received big orders for hats, clothing and luxuries for himself and for dainty wear for his fair companion. The manager of a big retail establishment said, "A cultured voice speaking on the telephone announced itself as the Bishop's secretary. The voice explained that the Bishop had just arrived in this coutnry from i South America, and had lost all his baggage on the way. "We must make the Bishop comfortable," explained the voice. "Please send the things on approval, and the Bishop will send you his cheque when he makes his choice." The manager of a hat shop said, "The secretary asked for a Bishop's hat. When we said we had none in stock we were asked to send four felt hats on approval. We did so, but when our messenger called the next day the Bishop and his secretary had gone." The "Bishop's" plans for the life of luxury were foiled by the manager of an .East Street who .warned other tradesmen not to supply goods to the address. Apparently the "Bishop" had some idea that the police were on his track, for when detectives went to the house the criminal and the secretary had gone.