WOMAN DEFRAUDED

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 84, Issue 17, 20 January 1940, Page 6

WOMAN DEFRAUDED

SENT MONEY TO SUPPOSED JOCKEY "GOOD JOKE COMING OFF" FARM LABOURER CHARGED I Per Preys Association ] AUCKLAND. Jan. 19. Charged that, with intent to defraud, he obtained from Ethel Wackrow, of Frankton Junction, two money order telegrams of a total value of ill by falsely representing that he was Clift Spratt, a jockey, a smartlydressed farm labourer, Clifford Douglas Keane, aged 25, appeared voluntarily in the Police Court to-day and pleaded guilty. The police produced a statement in which Keane said that he and a man named Allan Brown left a train at Frankton Junction and visited a counter-lunch place for a meal. Mrs. Wackrow asked if Keane was a jockey and Brown said: “Yes, his name is Spratt.” Mrs. Wackrow asked it he knew anything good for the races. Brown said: “Yes, there’s a good joke coming off. We will put you on it.” Mis. Wackrow said she would wire the money if they let her know where to send it. They telephoned her from Wellington, and the next day Keane received two telegraphic money orders, one for £5 and the other tor £6. Keane had had words with Biown the previous night and he (Keane) came back to Auckland with the money, losing £6 from an overcoat pocket and spending £5 on himself. He had no intention of putting the money on a racehorse. Detective-Sergeant McHugh said that Brown was arrested on another charge and was at present serving a sentence. Mr. Robinson, appearing lor Keane, admitted that defendant had been in trouble two years ago, when he was discharged from prison. He had since married and made a serious effort to lead a better life. Keane also made a strong plea for i "just one more chance.” The magistrate, Mr. Moiling, adjourned the case till Monday, ordering Keane to remain in custody until he was sentenced.