CONFIDENCE TRICK FRAUD.

Mataura Ensign, 15 January 1914, Page 3

CONFIDENCE TRICK FRAUD.

Ernest at Bow Street to stealing £153 by the confidence trick from Mr John George Hindfcrer, musician, of Myddelton Square, Clerkemvell. The- prosecutor stated that on October 27 the- prisoner cam© up to him in Charing Cross Road and asked' if he could direct him to the National' Gallery. On the way there the prisoner invited liim to »o fur a ride to Windsor in his motor-car. He called at the witness' .address next morning and they set out far the garage. Shortly after leaving the house a man in front of them dropped a stamped envelope. The witness picked it up, while the prisoner ran on and stepped the man, who expressed his gratitude and said that it contained important documents relative to a lawsuit which he had just won. One clause in the will, he proceeded, provided that £3O,<XX) was/ to be distributed' to the worthy poor, and as a result of the case this duty devolved upon him. "The man, who said' his name was Rafferty j" proceeded the prosecutor, "asked me if I would like to distribute £looo' to the worthy poor that I knew, and said that he would give me £2OO for my trouble. A similar offer was made to the prisoner, but Rafferty said l he should want to be satisfied that we were persons of some means. "The prisoner showed him what looked to me like banknotes for £l5O. I had some travellers' cheques for £153, "and I got these cashed. Rafferty then asked the prisoner if he would be willing to allow him and me to go round the corner with his> money so as to show his confidence in him. This was done, and we went a I Bhort distance with the money and then returned.

. "He them asked me if I wouldlie willing to trust him. I handed; over the £153 to Rafferty and the prisoner. They went away together but did not come back."

The prisoner was sentenced) to six months' hard labor.