BLACKMAIL STORY TOLD IN COURT

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 356, 17 May 1928, Page 1

BLACKMAIL STORY TOLD IN COURT

YOUTH VICTIMISED A MYSTERIOUS SOCIETY Passing reference to a mysterious Auckland Society was made at the Police Court to-day during the hearing of evidence in a blackmail case. The accused was John George Steware, aged 20, who was charged with demanding, through menace, the sum of £2O from Hugh Gilmer. He was alternatively charged wijth attempted theft. A second man. a well-known criminal. is alleged to have obtained £4O under similar circumstances. Hugh Gilmer, a young man, living at 2 Albion Road, Parnell, described himself as being of independent means. He said that on the evening of April 14. he met a man while walking on the wharves. They had a meal together, and accused then invited him to his home. THREATENED WITH BOTTLE There they consumed liquor, and the men then demanded money, threatening to hit witness .with a beer bottle. The man went on to say that he knew there was money in the house, and if it was not handed over he would hit witness and his father, who was asleep in the house, and then take what he liked. W itness gave-him 4. 40, and the man said he would return for more. He did not come back, but a fortnight later accused called at the house about midday, saving* that 1m had come for the “other chap's money.” Accused then said that if the money was not forthcoming he would give a note to witness's father. A MYSTERIOUS SOCIETY When witness would not hand over £2O, Stewart went away, and the other man came back with him, saying: “The society will be getting me into hot water for not having the rest of the money.” Chief-Detective Hammond: Do you know what the society is? “No,” replied witness. The man then asked for to “sweeten” the society. Robert Gilmer, father of the complainant, said that accused had come to the house asking for his son. The son was out, and witness arranged a meeting at the National Rank next day. In the meantime the police were informed. Detective-Sergeant McHugh, who attended that meeting, o aw Stewart accost Hugh Gilmer, and arrested him. In a statement to witness, accused said he had met the other man casually, and had been sent to the house by him. “I have Ascertained.” said Mr. McHugh, “that the other man Is a wellknown criminal, but he has not yet been found. Stewart, who was represented by Mr. Marchand, pleaded not guilty, and was committed to the Supreme Court for triaL