MYTHICAL LEGACIES

Evening Star, Issue 20252, 13 August 1929, Page 12

MYTHICAL LEGACIES

A BOGUS DETECTIVE Posing ns an American detective, and pretending that he had been entrusted with tlie payment of fabulous legacies, Thomas Pratt, aged twentylive, of Gateshead, attempted to obtain money from a number of women in the north of England. He pleaded guilty at Newcastle, and caused a surprise by suggesting to the Magistrates that he would prefer a flogging to gaol. The Pencil, however, intimated that they were powerless to grant his wish, and they ordered him six months' imprisonment. On hearing the sentence Pratt’s young wife wept bitterly.

Mrs Mary White, of Pino street, Newcastle, stated that Pratt called on her and stated that ah American relation had left .£450 each to the children of which she was guardian. The money would be paid when the father of the children had signed away his right ot control. Pratt also stated that it would be necessary to persuade the father to sign with a£s gift. Mrs White protested tha , she had not the money by her, but that she might obtain it ‘ When Pratt declared that he would call again, Mrs White advised the police tiia'i she hud never had any relative in America.

Pratt had related a similar story to Mrs Annk learsc, but in this instance he ban increasco the value ot the estate to £1,000,000, and the children’s legacies to £2,000 each. “1 told him that I did non believe a word he said,” explained Mrs Tcarso, ‘’and that I had heard talcs like that before. ‘Go away, lad,’ I said ’ and ted that rubbish to somebody sol'l. ”