BANK NOTE SPLIT

Hokitika Guardian, 8 December 1934, Page 7

BANK NOTE SPLIT

A COUXTERFEIT 7,11’S SKILL Leonard Henry Gaul, aged 24, seaman, pleaded guilty at tlie Old Lailey a few weeks ago to engraving words and letters on a copper plate resembling those on a 10s Bank of England note, without lawful authority, and possessing sixteen pieces of paper on which were words peculiar to those used on Bank of England notes. Prosecuting counsel said the police found at Gaul’s home at Deptford a very thorough plant, and a Ids note which had been split so. that the back and front were separate. The judge recalled that he prosecuted in the first case of a forged Treasmy note during the war, and, referring to the split 3Os note, said: “It is amazing how it is done.” Counsel for Gaul said even when he was at school lie was of an experimental turn of mind and veiy interested in engraving. “He bought one of those American magazines and read about counterloiters in America and their making dollar hills, and thought that lie would try to do it. He did it With }..()■■ felonious intent,” counsel tdded. The Judge (to Gaul): If it were merely an innocent hobby, I cannot undoiistand why you have pleaded guilty. It is impossible to accept that explanation, having regard to your plea. You will go to penal servitude for three years.