IDENTITY PUZZLE

Stratford Evening Post, Issue 18, 16 August 1928, Page 2

IDENTITY PUZZLE

ECHO) OF 7-YEAES-OLD CRIMEProceedings arising out of the operations of a gang of international confidence tricksters, by whom Sir Walter H. Cockerline, shipowner, of Hull, is alleged to have been defrauded of several thjouisands of pounds at Biarritz seven years ago, came before Mr Graham Campbell at Bow Street Police Court (London). Edouard Louis, 56. described as a commission agent, was charged on n provisional extradition warrant with obtaining money by false pretences within the jurisdiction of the French Government. Detective-Sergeant Spraclding, of Scotland Yard, gave evidence that in reply to the charge defendant said, "I know nothing about the matter, j am certainly not the man. A grievous mistake lias heem made." Louis was in possession of a passport in the name of Edmund Louis, but witness had known him for about two years as Edouard. Louis. Mr A. Santerne, who represented the Trench Embassy, remarked that if necessary Sir Walter Cockerline could bo called on the question of identity. The clerk pointed out that the warrant had been in existence for twelve months, and the question was whether the police had got the right man or not. The case was put back until later hi) the day, when Mr C. W- Hill, solicitor, represented the defendant. Sergeant Sprackling, recalled, said there was no description of the wanted man in the requisition for arrest received from tlfe French authorities. Witness was unable to say whether reference to certain records when it was that defendant had used; the name of Edouard Louis. He knew nothing about the alleged offence beyond what lie had read. It took place in 1921 or 1922. Mr Hill : Has the defendant frequently been in this country since then ? —T know lie was in the country pretty freely up to eighteen months ago. You cannot say he is ths person who is required in the French proceedings?—l know nothing of that. Mr. Hill, in. opposing a. remand said his client was a British subject, and'j had no knowledge of the alleged offence- •■

Sergeant Spraclding said he received the warrant on June 1, 1927, and had been looking out' for defendant ever since. The first lie heard of him was on SatuYday morning, when he was arrested at Southampton as he was leaving for America. Mr Hill: He was at Ascot last June, and was also in London™ December.' I submit he should be allowed to continue his journey to America. The magistrate said he thought there was some evidence of identity, but it was rather an exceptional" case. Louis would be remanded until tomorrow (Wednesday), and if there was then no further information before the Court he would consider the question of bail.