NOT BLACKMAIL

Evening Post, Volume CVI, Issue 121, 28 November 1928, Page 8

NOT BLACKMAIL

BUT VERY CLOSE TO IT FALSE PRETENCES PROVED (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, 27th Nov. A strange case was before Mr. Moslcy, S.M., to-day. Sybil Louisa Penberthy and Valentine Abraham Beaumont were charged with obtaining money by imposing on Arthur James Inkster with false repre Kcntations. 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 £20 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 the accused Penberthy was read in which she stated that lnkstei grappled with her in his bedroom, bul nothing came of it. She wished to frighten Inkster and suggested that Beau mont 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 black mail. but it 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 spite of the woman's delicate health. The woman was the worst offender, and he had little sympathy for her. Penberthy was fined £10," in default one month's imprisonment, and Beaumont £5. Application-for the suppression of the names was refused.