Serious Charges Against a Doncaster Bankrupt

At the Doncaster Sessions on Monday John Benjamin Bentley (32), warehouseman, of Doncaster and Denaby, was indicted that, being a bankrupt, he did, within four months of the presentation of his bankruptcy petition, by means of false representations, obtain credit from Messrs. James Sook and Co. (Limited), Nottingham, to the extent of £167 8s. 3d.; from Messrs. Rylands and Sons, Manchester, to the value of £159 0s. 4d.; and on the 7th January, 1893, did incur credit from Messrs. Stewart and McDonald, of Glasgow, to the amount of £187 15s. 3d.

Mr. C. Mellor (instructed by Mr. Baddiley) appeared for the prosecution; and Mr. Statham (instructed by Mr. Bescoby) defended. Great interest was taken in the case, the defendant being a prominent Wesleyan Methodist, and until recently a local preacher.

In defence Mr. Statham contended that there was no intention to defraud. Defendant began business with £700 capital, and times becoming bad his affairs got gradually worse, but, having a sanguine disposition, he went on hoping against hope. He could not get his debts paid, and then in order to make them pay he resorted to the Bankruptcy Court and filed his petition.

The jury found Bentley guilty, and the Recorder committed him for three months.