FREE BOARD AND LODGING

New Zealand Times, Volume L, Issue 11656, 22 October 1923, Page 5

FREE BOARD AND LODGING

IMPOSTER SENT TO PRISON. Labouring under the delusion thaft he was a journalist employed by the “New Zealand Times,” a middle-aged man, named Frederick William Stokes, appeared at the Magistrate’s Court on Saturday, before Mr E. Page, S.M., on a charge of obtaining board and lodging from Mary Hatton to the amount of 15s by false pretences.

The complainant, Mary Hatton, gave evidence stating that accused had told her he was employed on the “New Zealand Times” literary staff. On that recommendation witness gave him a room and breakfast for 15s a week. Witness stated that accused had not wanted the meal at first, but had later agreed to have the one meal. “However, he had all meals,” stated witness, “and had not paid any of the money. For such full board and lodging I would oharge £1 10s a week.”

James Devine, accountant for the “New Zealand Times,” stated that Stokes was not employed by the “New Zealand Times,” and Archibald Sando, manager of the Dominion, made a similar statement. Detective Thomas read a statement signed by accused, in which the latter stated he was employed on the staff of the “Doniinion.'’

“Do you wish to give evidence on oath, or will you make a statement from the dock?” asked His Worship of accrued.

“Oh! I don’t mind which—just as you like,” replied prisoner, with a nonchalant air.

“I am asking you; do you wish to give evidence on oath?” said the magistrate. “All right, then, I’ll give evidence on oath,” sard accused. Sintering the witness-box, accused leaned in a confiding manner towards the bench, and commenced a lengthy statement about matters not pertaining to the charge against him. “At the police station the detective showed me the photo of two men, and when I said I didn’t know who they were, he said I was charged with murder. That’s how I was treated,” continued accused in an injured tone. “I only had 3s 6d on me at the time, because I had given my money to some poor people who needed it badly.” After rambling on for some time, the accused’s eloquence evidently gave out, for his voice trailed off, and he looked to the bench with an anxious air. “This man has a previous conviction for vagrancy,” said Detective-Sergeant Cameron. “He is a parasite, and lives and imposes on other people.” His Worship said be would enter a conviction, and sentence accused to 21 days’ imprisonment. Accused said he wished to appeal, and was told to stand down.