SENSATIONAL TRIAL

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 76, Issue 286, 4 December 1933, Page 7

SENSATIONAL TRIAL

CHARGE AGAINST MILES PROSECUTION’S ALLEGATIONS LONDON, Dee. 1. During the trial of Captain Brynmor Aliles at Bow Street, prosecuting counsel said that ever since 1930 Afilcs was alleged to have been in the pay of Leopold Harris for tho purpose of favouring him in the business of assessor. When the prosecution . for the fire conspiracy became imminent in September, 1932, he held the dee]) confidence of those having charge of the proceedings, and at a time when secrecy was paramount ho betrayed their plans to Harris for money. Aliles received a salary of £lO5O, free of income tax, free quarters for himself and family, light and fuel, and a manservant, and thus should have been ensured of being above this sort of temptation. He had received £25 monthly from Harris with extra for special services. Harris also guaranteed Aliles’ banking account for £lOOO. The case was adjourned to December 11. Captain By minor Aliles, chief officer of tho London Salvage Corps, was remanded on bail on November 20 on » charge of conspiring with Leopold Harris to prevent the due administration of justice. When arrested at. noon, Captain Aliles declared that it, was “absolutely preposterous.” Detectives indicated that more serious charges are being brought against. Miles whereupon the magistrate said that ho must impose very heavy bail. Bail was forthcoming in two recognisances totalling £10,006. Aliles is 38 years of age, and had a distinguished war record, winning the ATilitary Cross and being twice mentioned in dispute-lies. Tho arrest was apparently a sequel to the sensational fireraising conspiracy case, involving ten men, which camo to an end in London on August 18. Four men had previous! v pleaded guilty. Tho convicted men received sentences ranging from 14 years down to nine months’ imprisonment. Leopohl Harris, characterised by the Judge as the arch villain, was sentenced to 14 years’ imprisonment. The actions of the gang wore stated Ito have cost British insurance comI panics £2.500.000 in payment of fraudulent claims during the past few v e a r s.