CONSPIRACY CHARGE

Evening Star, Issue 22249, 29 January 1936, Page 9

CONSPIRACY CHARGE

FORMER DETECTIVE IN COURT AIDING 0F PRISONER ALLEGED Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright SYDNEY, January 28. At the Central Police Court to-day a former detective, John Ellis Findlay, aged 40, was charged with having conspired to pervert the course of justice by aiding a prisoner, William Campbell, to abscond from bail and escape to New Zealand. He was further charged, together with Ernest Pierce Coomhe, agecl 40" an agent, and Charles Richard Tanser, aged 52, an agent, with conspiring with William Campbell and William Holland Makm and others, to defraud several pei’sons of large sums of money. There is a similar charge against William Campbell, aged 35, a clerk. _ Detective James, in evidence, said he and Findlay formerly did police duties together. In July, 1934, James issued a warrant for the arrest of William Campbell on a charge of false pretences. The latter absconded to Melbourne, and Findlay went there to bring him back to Sydney. Campbell next absconded to New Zealand, and Findlay was again detailed to bring him back. Campbell was convicted last June and sentenced to three years’ ' imprisonment. Detective James submitted a statement which ho alleged had been made by Campbell at Bathurst gaol in November. The statement detailed arrangements and various undertakings which Campbell alleged had been made between himself and Findlay, the names of Coomhe, Makin, and Tanser also being mentioned in places. Mr Bathgate, appearing for the Crown, said he proposed to tender the statement only as evidence against Campbell. One paragraph related to Findlay’s arrival in New Zealand in order to escort Campbell back to Sydney. “ Hard luck. Bill. James got on your track and cabled them to have you arrested. I think we can beat it here,” said Findlay, who asked, “ How is your purse?” adding “ I am broke.” Campbell arranged to see a solicitor and discuss the best means of squashing the matter. The case is partly heard. The alleged statement continued:— “ Between the date of Findlay’s arrival and his first return to Sydney he received £95 all told from my solicitor. One cable left Wellington for Mr. Tracey, a solicitor in Sydney, asking Mr Tracey to have Mr Barry (Crown Law Office) at, his office to speak to him at a certain time to arrange for the ‘ stinks ’ to be killed and to ascertain the position generally.” The alleged statement added: “ Both Findlay and my solicitor told my wife and I that Barry would fix things up. Findlay was told there would be £2OO for him. Findlay, on our winning the second habeas corpus, left for Australia. The arrangements were that the £2OO would be cabled to him at the Masonic Club when all was clear.” The alleged statement went on to say that Findlay returned to New Zealand and explained that James had had a row with Mr Barry at the Crown Law Office and forced Mr Barry’s hand. Cross-examined, James said it was Findlay who notified the department. Campbell was in New Zealand and suggested his arrest.