BLACKMAIL CHARGE

Hokitika Guardian, 2 March 1933, Page 5

BLACKMAIL CHARGE

YOUTH’S OFFENCE

EFFORT TO OBTAIN MONEY.

(Per Press Copyright )

WELLINGTON, March 1

Frederick Howard Davis, aged 18, pleaded guilty to a charge'of attempting to extort money from Walter Nathan Coy, the manager of the National Club, by blackmail. Davis sent a letter from Motueka signed “ Pa.t Readpn,” threatening to inform ' the police that Coy was sly grog selling, and demanding ten pounds. Giving evidence, Coy produced the blackmailing letter which ho received on February 2. He said he replied to it the same day by means of a letter written at the dictation of. a detective, stating he would see what lie ' could do. Ort February 4y •he . received a collect telegram-,;from Motueka which read, ‘.‘Three more .days.—Reafion.” Witness did not remember having seen accused before. .The letter stated inter alia:' “A few lines, which I don’t suppose, will make you any the more. pleased, after you . have reau them. 'My mate and myself have decided you are to bo stung for a tenner, which you are getting , off with, very light, If you don’t come aerbss with £lO, ye are going, to tip the cops off, and see that you lose . your, license and go up.” The letter proceeded ; “Next night we waited behind a tree, just by your gate, and was going to sock you with a lump of iron bar, but you can thank me that you didn’t get relieved of all your money. We a re uot ordinary crooks. We have been at , this game for four years, and-that’s how we live. Well, wb are going to give you a week from to-day to come across with the money, or reply; and. if we don’t get money we' will tip the cops off.”" . ..' r . ' . -C. ■ ■

Detecive-Sergeant, Revell produced a statement in which accused admitted; he sent the letter. ' \ '',

. -;A constable and. accused’s employer at Motueka' "gave • accused an * excellent character. His employer, was willing to re-engage;him. ’' '' '‘ . ~ Accused was committed to the supreme Cout for sentence, and was admitted to bail. -, ' ...