A CLEVER CONCOCTION.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume LXV, Issue 11754, 18 August 1913, Page 3

A CLEVER CONCOCTION.

THIEF BOUND AND GAGGED

The mystery of the robbery which, in the guise of a clover burglary, took place in the Berkeley Hotel, London, in May, was cleared up by the confession of Arthur James, one of the night porters, who was bound, gagged, and wounde-d in the buildings.

This man and .Tames Sharman and William Fell were charged with being concerned together in stealing on May 29th jewels worth £0200 from the Berkeley Hotel, and attempting to murder tho night porter, Henry Gowers.

Mr Travers Humphreys, for the prosecution, related how the safe was found to have been rilled, and how Gowers was discovered with severe cuts on his head, his legs bound, and a scientific gag round his neck. James, the other night porter, was also found bound and gagged., but the gag in his case was only a napkin, while the wounds on his neck were quite superficial.

James, a/'ter his arrest, continued counsel, made a statement, in which he said:

" About two or three months ago I was introduced by the stoker (Sharman) to his brother, whom he called Steve. They suggested a burglary at, the Berkeley Hotel. They both said that they thought it would be all right, and a friend of theirs named Bell (this, said counsel, was Kelt) who was with them also said it would be all right.

"Bill told me how* to get an impression of the key. T got the impression after borrowing the key .from the cashier, and about a week after gave it to Bill. They used to talk about the job, and said it could be done very easily without hurting anyone; all they would have to do would be to get a piece of lead and give us both a tap ou the head so that we could be tied up.

"It was arranged that T should get Bill and Steve in by the luggage lift, and Sharman (the stoker) was to hide them. They told me when Gowers had gone on his round to get the jewellery out of the safe, put in a bag of some sort, and take it down to them. The stoker brought me a white pillowcase sort of hag when Gowers was on his first round, and we all went to the safe and took out the jewellery.

"Gowers called me, and T "got up to do my round. They were all sifting in the ladies' cloak-room. They were deciding what they should do,' and they said, 'You wait here, and we'll go and see Gowers.' Soon afterwards I heard Gowers groaning. I was going to give it up, when Steve Sharman said, -Come back.' and put the marks on my neck. 1 had nothing to do with the knocking about of Gowers. ''

Tn another statement, continued conn sol, the stoker Sharman said:

"We were in the restaurant—Steve, Bill, and me. Gowers was lying on the couch in the hall. Steve had a bit of lead in his hand and said, 'Wo must tap him.' pointing to Gowers. T said, 'For God 's sake, don 't. '

"T went downstairs and shut the door, and T saw them go towards Gowers. Before T went Steve was holding the lead in his hand. I wish to God 1 had given the alrin then. lam an ass. That's all.

The case was remanded, and Stephen Sharman was arrested next day. He was found guilty with his brother and James, and the following sentences were imposed:—Stephen Sharman. 14 years; James Sharman. 10 years; anil Arthur

James, seven years