CONFIDENCE TRICK.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 661, 14 January 1933, Page 22 (Supplement)

CONFIDENCE TRICK.

ADVENTURE IN LONDON. CHINESE DOCTOR ROBBED. “FARMER FROM NEW ZEALAND.” Harry Willis, 38, salesman, of no fixed address, was charged on remand at Marlborough Street Police Court, London, with being concerned with two other men not in custody in stealing £IOO by means of a confidence trick from Dr. En Shui Tai, a physician at the Chinese Legation, at Museum Street, W.C., on November 4. Willis was also charged with assaulting Dr. Tai by striking him with bis fist. After the case had been opened the confidence trick charge was withdrawn, and Willis was later in the day fined £1 for the assault and ordered to pay £4 4/ costs. I Mr. Claude Hornby, solicitor for Willis, said he pleaded “not guilty” to both charges. Mr. E. B. Knight, prosecuting, stated ; that Dr. Tai came from Hongkong, and he was in England getting further experience in the treatment of tuberculosis. Willis spoke to him in Southampton Row, and they arranged to meet again. On the following Sunday morning | Willis rang up Dr. Tai and asked the ! doctor to go with him to Hyde Park “to see the dukes and duchesses riding in the Row.” They went and arranged to meet again. Willis said he came from South I Africa, and that he would call at Hongi kong when he returned. He also asked Dr. Tai what time he had breakfast. Continuing, Mr. Knight said that Willis did not see Dr. Tai for some time. Meanwhile Dr. Tai had the misfortune to meet another man, and when they were walking together in Holborn a third man, who said he was a farmer from New Zealand, spoke to them. The first man, who said lie came from Ireland, represented that he had a large fortune distributed in various parts of the world. The “farmer” produced what looked like notes, and it was suggested that Dr. Tai should produce some money. Dr. Tai went to the bank and got out his money. The two men disappeared, and so did the doctor’s £IOO. He had not seen them since. Mr. Knight then described how Dr. Tai later saw Willis in the West End, and followed him. Willis boarded an omnibus, and Dr. Tai followed. Dr. Tai got hold of Willis’ arm and said he wanted to take him to the police. Willis tried to push the doctor off the omnibus. Both got off the omnibus; Willis apparently struck Dr. Tai in the face, making his mouth bleed. In reply to the charge Willis said: “I had not seen the man for two days before he was ‘done.’ ” Mr. Knight said he thought there was some doubt about the confidence case, although certain incidents were very significant. The Magistrate: I share your doubt as to whether this is a proper case for committal. That being so, you offer no evidence on that charge? Mr. Knight: No, sir. Willis was discharged on the confidence charge, and the assault charge was adjourned. Later in the day Willis was brought up before Mr. Drummett on the charge of assaulting Dr. Tai, and withdrew his plea of “not guilty.” Mr. Hornby said that, apart from this assaxilt, Willis was a man of perfectly good character. He had been in custody seven days on the theft charge. Mr. Dummett then fined Willis as stated.