KIDNAPPING CHARGE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIV, Issue 21062, 14 June 1938, Page 7

KIDNAPPING CHARGE

LORD NUFFIELD INCIDENT ELABORATE PLAN REVEALED United Press Assoclatlon—By Electric Telegraph —Copyright (Received June 14, 12.53 a.m, LONDON, June 13. At the resumption of the charge against Thornton, who is accused of attempting to kidnap Lord Nuffield, Lord Nuffield was not present. Major Ramsden continuing, said that he identified the red wig and the other articles of disguise, chains and padlocks. Ramsden said he bought the longer chain at Thornton’s instructions because it was only sufficiently long to secure Lord Nuffield’s hands. Together with the longer one it would permit Lord Nuffield to put his hands in his pockets and sit at ease in the motor car. They then provisioned the yacht Pierette, which Ramsden sailed to Pinmill from Colchester. Thornton instructed him on May 23 to telephone Lord Nuffield’s secretary using a slight American accent and arrange an interview with Lord Nuffield at 6 p.m. on May 24. Later while Thornton was peroxiding his hair, Ramsden typed a letter which Thornton drafted with the intention of using it for an introduction if necessary. A. J. Flints in his opening question at the cross-examination asked: “Were you carrying on an honest and reputable business from 1927 to 1930?”

Ramsden: Yes. He added that he had done nothing to lead Thornton to believe he would join in such a desperate venture. He had not communicated with Thornton between 1930 and 1038 until he saw an advertisement. Ramsden agreed. He was going as chauffeur with Thornton, who had just arrived from Australia, round England, if Thornton bought a better car. He added he was completely flabbergasted when Thornton suggested kidnapping. Thornton on April 12 first used the name of Kelly, when referring to Nuffield, which they continued to use, reproving witness when he spoke of Nuffield.

Ramsden added that he tried to dissuade Thornton from the kidnapping, which he regarded as fantastic. He denied he ever called himself Ralph Bruce Thornton, or had represented himself as a former air officer, or member of the Civil Flying Company. He added that Lord Nuffield, Captain Arbuthnot, Chief Constable of Oxfordshire, worked out a scheme, Lord Nuffield saying he was a busy man and intimated he wanted it done either by May 23 or May 24. At Pistol Point Ramsden added he arranged meet Thornton at 5.30 p.m. and drive Cowley to where Thornton disguised, would represent himself as R. C. Wilson and bring away Lord Nuffield peacably if possible, otherwise at the pistol point. When he met Thornton he seemed very upset. He was not disguised and said that the candle had fallen and burnt his wig and that the scheme must be postponed. He asked witness to drive away quickly and change the number plates. Ramsden suggested that it would be necessary to telephone if he wanted another appointment with Lord Nuffield. Thornton agreed, saying: “Say the car broke down.” Ramsden then telephoned the police. He added that Thornton previously instructed him to remove a mirror from the motor car to prevent Lord Nuffield from recognising him again. Also when he visited Lord Nuffield aboard the Pierette on the journey to France

to wear a bag over his head. Witness said he wrote the new numbers Thornton gave him on a telegraph form, on which he instructed him to write a telegram to Lord Nuffield’s secretary, announcing he had been called away and to cancel all appointments, which would be sent before the kidnapping. Damsden, continuing his evidence said that Thornton himself motored to Oxford on the morning of May 24, where they separated to avoid arousing suspicion. Ramsden then disguised himself, Thornton supplying the materials, darkening his face and blackening his moustache and eyebrows, whitening his hair and wearing a chauffeur cap. After that he drove to the police station, where th: police assisted to put the false number-plates on the car. While Lord Nuffield was working late at his private office at Oxford on May 25 a saloon cai drove up and two men entered Lord Nuffield’s office and ordered him to enter the car. Mr Kennedy Rumford, a friend of Lord Nuffield, who was in an adjoining room, hearing voices, telephoned the police, who surrounded the building. As a sequel to the incident, John Bruce Thornton was chart ed before a special Court with being in possession of firearms with intent to endanger life.