"CLOSE TO BLACKMAIL."

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20115, 28 November 1928, Page 13

"CLOSE TO BLACKMAIL."

MONEY BY FALSE STORY.

MAN AND WOMAN CHARGED. MAGISTRATE IMPOSES FINES. [BY TELEGRAPH.—MESS ASSOCIATION.] CHRISTOHURCH. Tuesday. An unusual case was heard in the Police Court to-day before l\!r. Mosley, S.M., when Sybil Louisa Penberthy and Valentine Abraham Beaumont were charged with obtaining money by imposing on Arthur James Inkster with a false representation.

Inkster said he was a hairdresser, and the female accused, whom ho know well, came to.the tenement where he lodged to have her hair cut. This was done in his bedroom. The woman stayed only long enough for the cutting of her hair, and they parted on excellent terms, no impropriety having taken place.

Witness said Beaumont came to bc« him some time later. Beaumont made a statement regarding Penberthy, and demanded £2O for on illegal operation. Witness had not tho money, but after repeated requests he gave Beaumont £5, his wages for that week. He was so worried by Beaumont's demands that ho attempted to commit suicide. A statement by the accused Penberthy was read. In this sho stated Inkster grappled with her in his bedroom, but nothing camo of it. She wished to frighten Inkster, and suggested Beaumont should get some money out of him for an illegal operation. This operation was not necessary, and no arrangements had been made for one.

Beaumont, in a statement to the police, said ho believed Penberthy required an operation, and he had seen Inkster on her behalf.

The magistrate said he did not consider the case one of deliberate blackmail, but it had approached very close to it. It had had serious consequences, as Inkster had attempted to commit suicide owing to worry. The woman was neurotic, but it was incomprehensible that Beaumont had been such an easy tool. If he thought it was deliberate blackmail both accused would be sent to prison, in spite of the woman's delicate health. The woman was the worse offender, and he had little sympathy for her. Penbcrthy was fined £lO, in default one month's imprisonment, and Beaumont was fined £5. An application for the suppression of the names of the accused was refused.