“D. S. WINDELL.”

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9386, 4 March 1909, Page 3

“D. S. WINDELL.”

ECHO OF A FAMOUS FRAUD. The London bank frauds in which “D, S. Windell” figured were recalled at Windsor Quarter Sessions on a recent Friday. Charles Ronald Graham, a gentlemanly-looking man of 25, with a slightly foreign accent, was charged with obtaining a shave and breakfast at Windsor fraudulently. Prisoner went to a barber’s shop and had a shave and wash-up. He told the barber he had left his money in an overcoat in a motorcar up the street, and would go and fetch it. A few doors off he obtained breakfast at a restauiant, and told the same story when it came to payment. He told the police officer who was sent for that his “governor” was coming by £the 11.30 train from Newbury. There was no' such train. Prisoner said he was employed by Messrs Tressider and 00., estate agents ,f and papers were found on him showing that he was negotiating the purchase of an estate valued at £IB,OOO, the orders to view being amongst other papers found by the Windsor police. He also endeavoured to rent a flat at a rental of £IOO at Maida Hill, which he said he renuired for a personal friend “connected with the Emhasies.” The stranger alleged that his mother and father were of gentle birth, and that he was well connected. When asked by the chief constable where he got his frock coat, Graham admitted that it belonged to the manager of the London and South-western Bank at Olapham. He went to him at the time of the bank frauds and told him he knew “D. S. Windell.” The bank manager lent him his top-hat and frock coat for the purpose of going to the Hotel Russell and pointing out the man he suspected. On the way to Scotland Yard, however, Graham disappeared with the hat and coat. Several letters were put before the Recorder after the jury had returned a verdict of guilty. When sentenced to 12 months’ hard labour, prisoner asked that the .sentence might be delayed for a day or two. He,had written a book since he had been in custody, and wished it published as a means of getting a living. The Recorder said he had no power even if he desired to do such a thing. Accused should see the proper authorities when in prison, so that the- book might be published when he cameout. There were convictions against prisoner for similar-offences.