PIOUS FRAUD

Waikato Times, Volume 110, Issue 18440, 22 September 1931, Page 10

PIOUS FRAUD

METHODISTS SWINDLED. A DRAMATIC PLEA. Gordon Simpson, (66), be-spec-tacled and plous-looklng, was sentenced to 23 months’ hard labour by Judge Thomson at the Bathurst Quarter Sessions on a charge of having misappropriated £2O from the funds of the Brown’s Creek Methodist Church says a Sydney paper. Simpson, described by the police as one of the oldest and most astute criminals in the State began his career of crime when a young man, and had received sentences aggregating more than 40 years for such offences as bigamy, conspiracy to bring about an illogal operation, Impersonating a doctor, and false pretences.

Simpson, after having been convieled at Parkes police court, of having impersonated a doctor, went to Blayncy. There lie became associated with Methodist and Church of England people, and on several occasions officiated as a lay preacher. He was also very proficient at the organ, and played at several churcli functions. Impassioned Appeal. ' When the trustees of the Brown’s Creek Methodist Church decided to buy an organ, Simpson said an excellent second hand instrument could *be obtained for £2O at Wellington, and he undertook to fetch it. The money was handed to him, and when one trustee remarked that il was a strange thing lo trust a comparative stranger with'that amount. Simpson replied that it would lie all right. The churcli authorities did not see him again until lie was arrested. When lie was convicted, Simpson broke down and pleaded that lie did not want to die in prison. “ What chance lias a man got wiio has been in prison?” lie asked. "Every man's hand is against him. A man tries to drag himself out. of Die mire of a mis-spont and wasted life, and just when he feels he lias readied firm ground, he, is thrust hack into the night of despair." Judge Thomson at first sentenced Simpson to two years hut :il Die latter's request reduced it to 23 months, as Simpson declared " that it would save him much suffering under Die gaoi regulations."