GOOD MAN’S ERROR

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8358, 19 February 1913, Page 3

GOOD MAN’S ERROR

DESERTED BY WIFE. THEFT OF A CHILD. SHEPHERD’S BUSH COURTSHIP AND SEQUEL. LONDON, January 12, The remarkable downward career of a young woman was briefly unfolded ah the luiiniiwwv Sessions tne outer afternoon, wneu VV mured Pollard, aged twenty-two, was cnargod wun stealing oiae cnild of Airs Edos, a lady residing ab Hayes, in addition to a sum ox money and a quantity of jewellery. Counsel lor the prosecution said the prisoner (.who pleaded “Guilty”) was not long since loading an irregular hie at Shepnerd's Bush, when she made the acquaintance of a respectable ■ young ma.ii, who became very fond of her and married her. They went to live at the house of Mrs Edes, at Hayes, Middlesex, but almost immediately prisoner disappeared, deserting her husband, and taking away with her the young child of Airs Edes, as well as a quantity of jewellery, clothing, and certain moneys. After diligent inquiry, the accused was traced to Lancashire, and she was ultimately found begging in the streets of Liverpool, with the child in her possession. Detective-Sergeant Case, of the Liverpool police, told an extraordinary story of the prisoner's career. He said she was born in a workhouse in 1892, and as a child was taken care of by an aunt. She then went into service, but quickly developed bad habits, and commenced a downward course. Several convictions were recorded against her in Liverpool and other Lancashire towns. Later she drifted to London,and became known to the police at Shepherd's Bush. A very respectable man, living at Hayes, although he knew of her position in life, married her, and they took apartments with Mrs Edes. A few days later Mrs Edes, when going out shopping, asked the prisoner to look after her child while she was away. On her return she found that the young woman had absconded, taking the child with her, as well as various articles of clothing and jewellery. It appeared that the prisoner proceeded to Liverpool, where she was joined by a man -with whom she had previously lived. During the day they went about the streets begging, taking the child with them, and at nights the three all slept in one bed at a common lodging-house. They were begging when the woman was arrested. In answer- to the charge, the prisoner asked to be dealt leniently with, as she had only been married six weeks. Mr Montagu Sharpe said he hoped the husband would obtain redress in another court. It was a deplorable case, and he sentenced the prisoner to twelve months’ imprisonment on each indictment, the sentences to run concurrently.