EXPLORER’S HOLD-UP

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 114, 11 February 1928, Page 10

EXPLORER’S HOLD-UP

THE MITCHELL-HEDGES CASE , PLAINTIFF’S EVIDENCE (Rec. February 10, 8.20 p.m.) London, February 9. At the hearing of the claim of F. A. Mitchell-Hedges against the “Daily Express” for alleged libel, Mr. Jowitt, K.C., continued his cross-examination of Mitchell-Hedges, his questions being directed to showing that Hedges was aware that the hold-up was being arranged, and that he frequently saw the men concerned, Hedges admitting that he now knew about the abortive attempt to hold up his car on January 6, though he denied that he told his chauffeur to stop and return to London when the place of the hold-up was passed without' result. Mr. Jowitt also elicited from Hedges that he saw the attackers between January 7 and 14. This time Hedges had a new chauffeur, Kenneth Taylor, who had been engaged after the abortive attack of January 6, his brother- Eddie Taylor, driving the car of the attacking party on January 14. Hedges explained that he learned these facts later. Mr. Jowitt pressed Hedges to explain why he carried four shrunkep heads in his car. Hedges said he kept them in his room every night. Mr. Jowitt: Are they very precious? Hedges: A sort of mascot. Hedges said he also had with him in the car a cheque for £3125, his proceeds of a share in a deal. He did not notify the police because it would have seemed ridiculous. He added: “This is a serious matter for me. I am fighting for my life.” When informed that the whole thing was a practical joke. Hedges said he was fiendishly angry, but-later shook hands. -He had threatened to prosecute Bagit and Gray, who took the whole blame, but said he would have been the laughing-stock of Britain if he had done so.