BLACKMAIL CHARGE

Evening Star, Issue 21890, 29 November 1934, Page 10

BLACKMAIL CHARGE

YOUNG MAN'S ALLEGED DEMANDS COMPLAINANT SAYS HE PAID OVER £I.OOO [Per United Peess Association.] WELLINGTON. November 29.. Extraordinary evidence was given in the Police Court this morning when Alfred MDowell (twenty-six), a salesman, appeared on ten charges of demanding a total sum of £325 by menaces, and three charges of threatening to accuse a certain person (whose name the court suppressed) of an unnatural offence, with intent to extort £B2. The complainant, who is a wellknown city man, gave evidence in a low voice that was almost, inaudible. The effect of it was that in 1927 he engaged the accused to help him on a farm property in the country, but after some weeks, disliking the accused’s habits and uncleanliness, he told him to go. Some time later the accused began writing him blackmailing letters, and the Complainant, fearing the effect of publicity if he informed the police,; met his continual demands for money. In the'periods from September, 1932, until early this year, he advanced the accused sums totalling £1,160 14s Id. Later this year he put the matter in the hands of a solicitor and the prosecutioft of the accused followed. The case is proceeding.