SENSELESS HOAX

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 15 June 1936, Page 5

SENSELESS HOAX

PERPETRATED ON POLICE FALSE REPORT OF MURDER MEDICAL STUDENT IN COURT (United Presß Association) DUNEDIN, This Day. A senseless hoax perpetrated on the police on Saturday night by which they were led to believe that a prominent figure in academic and ecclesastiical circles had been murdered had its sequel in the Police Court this morning when a medical student, George de Lacy Fenwick, was charged with making a false statement to the police that a crime had been committed. Senior-Sergeant Packer said accused admitted the offence but as there were others concerned, an adjournment would be necessary. Mr Silverstone, appeared for accused who v/as not present in the court. The Senior-Sergeant said that at 11.40 on Saturday night, a telephone message was received by Sergeant Forsythe at the watch house, “Is that the Police Station, send some police up here at once. I have just found Dr Merrington murdered.” The sergeant questioned the person ringing and the latter' satisfied him that everything was in order. “Please hurry,” the voice continued, “Sim, sub master at Knox College speaking. Please hurry. I can’t wait any longer.” The sergeant and three policemen speeded to the college by motor, to find Dr Merrington was well and nothing had occurred. ~1 The police immediately set out on inquiries and a constable located accused at another College. He admitted the offence. The Senior-Sergeant said that such practice, besides being foolish, might be very dangerous because if such messages were received, it was possible that when a genuine message was received by the police a few valuable minutes might be lost while inquiries were made. The counsel’s application for suppression of accused’s name was refused. The charge was adjourned till Monday.