FALSE PRETENCES

Hokitika Guardian, 20 May 1931, Page 3

FALSE PRETENCES

AN EX-JOCKEY CHARGED

AUCKLAND, May 16

An ex-jockey, James McNeill, aged 21, appealed in the Police Court charged with having, on May 1. forged the name of J. W. Hill to a cheque foi £l5O, and on the same date attempted to obtain £25 from Elizabeth Mc-Kin-rion by a valueless cheque. On the application of Detective Sergeant Kelly the forgery charge was vvithdfawn and the other count reduced to false pretences to enable the magistrate, Mr F. K. Hunt, to deal with it.

Detective-Sergeant Kelly said that McNeill, wearing the uniform of the Salvation Army, went to a bank and requested to be supplied with a cheque book. This was given him, and he asked that it be debited to his account. He gave his name as “J- A\. Hih . However, alter accused left the hank it was found that there was no account in such a name. Later Mc-Niel] wrote out a cheque for £25 and attempted to cash it with his landlady. Subsequently he wrote out another cheque for £lof) and said that he intended to buy an overcoat and cash this cheque. When arrested h.v Detective Packman he was found in possession of another cheque for £27.

The Dectective-Sefgennt added that McNeill was once a licensed jockey, blit he bad not ridden for eighteen months. For the last seven months inhad been out of work. His parents had died when he was young and he was left on his own resources. He was not mentally strong. He actually had .-Clin the bank in bis own name.

Major Holmes, of the Salvation Army, said McNeill had never been Ltrouble previously and lie asked that he be given another chance “Well, he has not swindled anybody. ' said Mr Hunt, “so taking all the facts | into consideration, I will adjourn the charge for three months to see how he behaves. ”

McNeill is to remain in the Salvetior Armv home during that period.--