South Yorkshire Times, July 24, 1943
Policewomen’s Hands “Read”
Sequel to Denaby Incident
Ali Mohammed introduced a breath of the mystic east into Denaby market-place. Dressed in a silver-coloured robe and a turban, and with a crystal on his stall, he “read” the hands of women—including two women police officers. His operations cost him £3 at Doncaster West Riding Court on Tuesday,
Wearing an ordinary brown suit he stood in the dock and heard Supt. J. Walker describe to the magistrates the scene at Denaby market on Friday afternoon last.
The Supt. said that Mohammed, a 38-year-old Indian, described on the charge-sheet as a palmist, lodging at Rotherham, was seen by two policewomen to be occupying a stall surrounded by a crowd of women. He was wearing a silver-coloured robe and a turban, and on the stall was a glass sphere.
- card was displayed which read “No fortune telling, and no charge made.” Mohammed, said the Supt. “read” the hands of several women and charged them 1s. each.
One of the policewomen had her palm “read.” Mohammed told her:
“You have had a disappointment. Your heart is worried. Don’t worry too much about it because everything will come all right.”
Lifting the glass sphere, he then asked her if she would like to ask any questions. She replied “No.,” and gave him 1s.
Ali the “read” the hand of the second officer, telling her: “You are worrying about something, there is no need to worry.
Everything will come right. in 13 months and 13 days you will have what you are worrying about.” The policewoman then paid him his 1s and the women then fetched P.c Parker.