REMARKABLE STORY

Hokitika Guardian, 2 June 1930, Page 2

REMARKABLE STORY

EXTORTION BY THREATS ALLEGED.

AUCKLAND, May 29

A remarkable story of a man being menaced in a Parnell house late at night while his aged father slept in another room, and ol £4O being extorted by threats, was told before Mr F. K. Hunt, S.M., in tile Police Court this morning. For two years the police had a warrant out for the arrest of George M’Williams, alleged to be the offender. Two, detectives made the arrest of a man near the city markets on May 17, and this morning he was charged, under the name ol George M’Williams, aged forty-one described as a labourer or seaman, on three counts—with demanding from Hugh Gilmer, of Parnell, on April 13 1928, the sum of £4.0, with menaces with intent to steal; with stealing £4O in money, a pearl handled pocket knife and a pair of gold sleeve links, the property qf Hugh Gilmer; n?id 'with o.i April 28, 11)28, demanding £2O from the complainant with menaces.

High Gilmer, of Albion road, Parnell, in evidence, recalled a scries of meetings with accused, They met first on Friday, April 18, 1928, oil the Nelson Wharf and adjourned to a city restaurant for a fish supper, At accused’s suggestion accused afterwards went home with witness and they had a drink each, Accused showed no deside to leave and, as it was gotting late, witness suggested he should go. Accused became truculent and said he was going through the house first, as (here was money there, Wjtness tried persuasion and said lie father was in bed, hut arcqsecl brandished a bottle over witness’s head and threatened to use volerice on both witness and his father, Accused demanded some keys which he hoard rattle in witness’s pocket. He declared they were the keys of the cash box. After further threats witness, afraid of being struck with the bottle, asked accused how much he wanted to get out. He said £63. Witness explained that he did net have it. "Well, give me £4O and you can owe me the rest,” accused had said. Witness went into a bedroom and got £4O in two £lO notes and the balance in shillings. The money was handed over and accused went away, taking a bottle of wine as well. That was after 11 o’clock, Accused promised to return on the following Monday for the £2O. Witness told his father after the Monday visit that he had given the mnn £4O. When witness saw the man coming on the Monday he told his father.to say he was.not in. A fortnight later another man named Stewart called for the £2O and asked witness to go along the road to see accused. Stewart went away and returned with accused a few minutes later, "The so-iety is giving me fits uacause yon Jiav.n’.t; given me the money,” accused said, Witness said the society would have to wait two days, "Well, give us £3, tq sweeten them up,” accused persisted, Witness evaded requests for a pheque, He described hjs attempts tq get rid qf t|?em until hjs father arrived aiid tqld them iq <! get qut.O . ~ Or? the advice of a detective witness’s father arranged a meeting at a city bank the following Tuesday, :Stewart came along tq the hank and was arrested, F Soqn afterwards accused disappeared, Stewart stood his,trial at the Supreme Court and was acquitted. Stewart ha dtold a detective that M’Kenna was the real offender, This detective said, in giving evidence this morning, "Stewart is in court to-day.” Stewart, who was lean<ng on the rail at the hack, smiled. .

M* Williams, who was represented, pleaded not guilty and was committed for trial.