Police-Sergeant Goddard Reported That Night Clubs Were Not Breaking Law.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18641, 19 December 1928, Page 10

Police-Sergeant Goddard Reported That Night Clubs Were Not Breaking Law.

SUPERINTENDENT GIVES EVIDENCE AGAINST OFFICER WHO, IT IS ALLEGED, ACCEPTED BRIBES.

(United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.— Copyright.) (Received December 19, 12.25 p.m.) LONDON, December 18. ON THE RESUMPTION of the Goddard case bank clerks gave evidence that several notes of high denominations were traced as having been passed from a Soho night club to Sergeant Goddard. They eventually were found in his safe deposits. Superintendent Morton, of Goddard’s division, submitted various reports from Sergeant Goddard in connection with the clubs, which, as a result of complaints, Goddard was instructed to watch. These stated that there was not a tittle of evidence regarding the illegal sale of liquor. The allegations were characterised as foundationless and unsubstantiated. Witness submitted other reports by Goddard replying to anonymous charges, in which Goddard said that the writers must have been suffering from hallucinations, or were confirmed liars. The Superintendent added that considerable expense was incurred by Goddard throughout his observations. Once witness paid out £BO sterling in expenses to him. The hearing was adjourned.—Australian Press Association.

The inquiry has centred round the discovery of two packets, containing more than £12,000 in bank notes, which were left at a West End safe deposit, it is alleged, by ex-Sergeant Goddard. The discovery of the mysterious £12,000 and the complaints made that news of police raids on clubs had leaked out determined the authorities to make a thorough investigation, and Chief Inspector Cooper and other experienced officers were engaged in continuous day and night inquiries for some time. Meanwhile the £12,000 found in the safe deposit has been seized by the receiver for the Metropolitan Police. To recover it the owner will have to summon the Commissioner to show cause before a magistrate why the money should not be handed over.