Mexborough & Swinton Times, July 21, 1917
Bogus Letters
Denaby Miners Gross Fraud
Sent To Prison For 12 Months
A contemptible fraud on the public was revealed at the Doncaster West Riding PoliceCourt on Tuesday, when George William Slatter, described as a miner, of Denaby, was charged in custody on remand on five charges with obtaining small sums of money by false pretence in respect to a bogus lottery.
Superintendent Minty said the charges related to dates between January and April, and the amount involved was one shillings and 9 pence (7 ½ p). The prisoner had been residing at 40 Barnburgh Street, Denaby and had been employed at the colliery, and was a discharged soldier.
During that time he had promoted a bogus lottery, ordering a considerable number of lottery books containing about 2000 tickets from Mexborough and had had them distributed among various persons, who had been selling them for the benefit of soldiers who did not exist.
Edith King, munition worker of, Barnburgh Street, Denaby said prisoner was her brother in law. On February 10th she accompanied him to Mexborough to Mr J.Venables stationary shop in Hirstgate . He sent her in for an evening paper, asking her to see who was in the shop. She did so, and when she came out she told him who were in. Prisoner then went in, returning with 15 lottery books. He put eight into her bag and told her to take them home. The others he put in his pocket. He told her she could sell some of the tickets if she wished.
Witness believed the tickets have been printed and were for the benefit of the three disabled soldiers, and in that belief she sold a number, realising 12/6. Prisoner spent the money she gave him, appropriating itto his own use. She asked him how they were going to pay out if he did that and he replied “there will be no paying out. I shall win all the prizes.”
As soon as she discovered it was a bogus affair she refused to have anything more to do with it and left the prisoner’s house.
John Henry Carpenter, miner, 38 Barnburgh Street, Denaby, said the last witness came into his house with a ticket for a lottery, the tickets purported to be for the benefit of the soldiers disabled through the war. He purchased a ticket and filled up the counterfoil. He was entirely under the belief he was assisting disabled soldiers that he purchased a ticket. In consequence of what he heard subsequently he informed the police.
Henry Jackson, miner, 47 Blythe Street, new Conisbrough, said early March whilst in the small room of the Denaby Main hotel, he saw the prisoner there selling tickets. Prisoner asked himto buy one. Enquired what they were for, and prisoner replied “three wounded soldiers, and I am one of them.” Witness bought a ticket.
Joseph Hill, miner, 36 Doncaster road, Denaby, said on April 1 whilst in the Reresby Arms Hotel, Denaby, prisoner asked him to sell a book of tickets for him. He declined, but said if it was for charity he would go round the room with prisoner. They went round, prisoner selling tickets to the amount of 17 shillings and sixpence. Witness purchased two tickets. Prisoner told witness that those who sold the most books would get a nice prize.
John Thomas Ingram, miner, Denaby, said he purchased a ticket from the prisoner in the Reresby Arms. He also agreed to sell the book of tickets for him. They realised 11 shillings and sixpence and he sent the money to the prisoner by his eldest daughter. He was allowed to keep for tickets for sale in the book.
George Walters, miner, 45 Bolton Street, Denaby, bought two tickets from the prisoner which, he said, were being sold for the benefit of wounded soldiers roundabout Swinton. He knew prisoner as a Corporal at the Denaby main colliery.
PCStott said he had made extensive enquiries for the three wounded soldiers, and was unable to find anyone answering their description. He ascertained that 2,000 tickets have been put into circulation. He recovered a large number of books and arrested prisoner who, when charged, said “I was selling the tickets for a man named King. I don’t know anything about the draw or the men who itis for. I don’t know who Edward James King is. He lived in Mexborough. I just met him casually, and he asked me to selling some tickets.”
He produced 12 books of counterfoils andnine books, the tickets of which were partly sold, representing a value of £11 1s 3d. He said the other books were out, andwould be returned to E.J.King, 40 Barnburgh Street, which was the prisoner’s address. Witnesshad made enquiries for King but failed to find him.
Prisoner pleaded not guilty and handed in a written defence to the effect that he was selling tickets for another man, and gave him all the money except 1s 6d, he was to receive for selling.
As tothe genuineness of the draw several people to whom we sought tickets said they knew one or other of the parties to benefit by it. He believed the case had been brought for the purpose of smashing up his home. And that the witness Kinghad acted out of revenge. He asked for lenient treatment for the sake of his wife and children
Superintendent Minty said there were several convictions against the man.
The chairman (Mr John Brocklesby) said prisoner had been guilty of a very mean and contemptible fraud. He would be sent to prison for 12 months, fourth consecutive three months on the five charges. Prisoner said he should appeal.