HOBBS’ CASE

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 10 March 1925, Page 5

HOBBS’ CASE

SENT ENOE A NNOiINCED. TWO YEARS’ HARD LABOUR. HISTORY OF THE CASE. BY CABLE—PRESS ASSOCIATION —COPYRIGHT. (Received March 9, 10.55 a.m.) LONDON, March 9. Evidence for the defence has concluded in tire Hobbs case. Sir H. Curtis Bennett, addressing the jury, referred to the absence of the Rajah, who was the real, accuser and prosecutor in the case, but the accused had not been given 'an opportunity oi confronting him in the box. The whole fabric of the case against Hobbs depended on the story of one of the bi ggest and cleverest of scoundrels who over gave evidence on behalf of the Crown. , , ... , Air Travers Humphreys, on liehalf ot the Crown, said the prosecution would have liked to call Sir Hari Singh if it had been possible, but what could be .proved, as lie had never seen Hobbs in his life.— Reuter. Received March. 10. 9.35 a.m. LONDON. March 9. Hobbs w*@ sentenced to two years hard labour.—Reuter. Hobbs, who is. a solicitors clerk, was alleged to be one ol the principals in a. conispiracv to rob Sir Hari Singh (“Air. A”) of'£lso,ooo. Sir Hari was. surprised with Mrs. Robinson by Newton, who posed as the injured husband. To avoid the publicity of divorce proceedings. Sir Hari Singh was induced to sign two cheques for £150,000 each,. Only one was cashed, but out of this Hobbs. Newton a.ncl the aide, Arthur, got £40.000 apiece. Hobbs, in addition, took £4OOO for his. “legal expenses,” and the balance was handed over to Robinson, who gave it to Airs. Robinson, receiving back from her afterwards £3OO. Robinson sued the Midland Rank for £125,000, alleging that the bank had received that amount on his behalf. The jurv disallowed the claim, but found the Robinsons not guilty of complicity in the conspiracy. ' Both parties have since appealed. Captain Arthur, who was the Prince’s aide, 'is in Paris, where he has ,successfully resisted the attempts of the Crown to secure his extradition to England.