OLD WOMAN CHARGED

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 793, 14 October 1929, Page 1

OLD WOMAN CHARGED

STOUTLY MAINTAINED HER INNOCENCE CHARGES OF FRAUD A woman over 60 years of age was charged at the Police Court this morning with forgery, theft and fraud. Chief-Detective Hammond described the case as very awkward and, after evidence had been heard, accused was committed to the Supreme Court for trial. Sarah Jane Brown, a widow', was charged on four counts: two of making a false order for goods purporting to be signed by F. Shelton, one of forging the name of F. Shelton as the endorsement to a cheque for £lB 9s 4d, and the last of stealing a letter containing a cheque for £lB 9s 4d, the property of Frederick Shelton. “Mrs. Brown was living at 11 Harding Street, a house owned by a Mr. Shelton,” said the chief-detective. “Vailo and Company posted a cheque to that address and it fell into the hands of accused, who forged the endorsement on it.” The chief-detective said that the cheque had been cashed by a city firm and orders for goods had also been sent in signed Shelton. “I would willingly reduce the charges so that accused could be dealt with immediately,” said the chief-detective, “but she protests innocence.” After evidence had been heard, Detective Snedden produced a statement in which accused had said that, if a letter was stolen, the guilty person must have been a man giving his name as Shelton, but apparently no relation of the Shelton who owned the house, who had once stayed there. The goods which had come to the house addressed to Shelton had been taken away by a carter who gave his name as Chase. Mr. Singer entered a plea of not guilty for accused and bail was fixed at one surety of £ 50.