South Yorkshire Times July 7, 1956

Note: The name of the accused has been changed

Fraudulently Converted £471
18 Months for Conisbrough Cashier

William George Smith (40), cashier, of Gomersall Avenue Conisbrough, who was found guilty at the West Riding Quarter sessions at Wakefield last Friday of fraudulent conversion of £471 0s. 9d. Belonging to his employers, falsification of accounts relating to the offence and fraudulent conversion of £8. 6s. which he should have paid a workman, was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment.

Mr Geoffrey Veale, Q. C., Presiding, said it was a clear case of fraud and the least pleasant aspect was the way Smith had attacked Mr H. R. Friend, the agent of the site at which he worked, and the police. Smith, who was the cashier for a Birmingham concern, building a power station at Mexborough, alleged the police had forced him to make a confession. The prosecution said that Smith, instead of buying insurance stamps had pocketed £471. To make good his deficiency he had asked the company for checks to pay wages and insurance larger than required.

Smith denied taking the money and said he had been victimised.

Mr A. M. Huritz, prosecuting, alleged that Smith had stolen £471 0s. 9d. A charge of fraudulent conversion, two or false prentences and two of falsifying of accounts had, he added, arisen out of the thaft’s “attempts to stave off the evil day of discovery.” On two further counts, it was alleged, the accused had fraudulently converted £8 6s. When he should have paid a workman.

It was claiming that Smith had not for insurance stamps for the employees, for which he had received money. Smith had asked for checks for £566 and £797 for wages and insurance contributions from the head office. These were far in access of his needs and were to make good his deficiency.

Seen by the police, Smith was stated to have said: “I cannot help you. It must be head office.”