Police Officer Faces Corruption Charges

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 534, 11 December 1928, Page 11

Police Officer Faces Corruption Charges

CONSTABLE’S STORY A LIBERAL SUPERIOR (United P.A.—By Telegraph — Copyright) (Australian and N.Z. Press Association) Reed. 1.30 a.m. LONDON, Monday. On the resumption of the case in which former Police-Sergeant Goddard is charged with corruption in connection with bribes allegedly given him by club proprietors, evidence was given by Constable John Wilkin. This witness served under Goddard until October 31, when Goddard retired after 26 years’ service. The witness gave evidence that Goddard handed over numerous sums varying from £1 to £2 10s, which he stated he received from various West End clubs and cabarets which were under observation. These sums were handed over 20 or 30 times in the 18 months. At the beginning of 1927. Goddard handed over several pounds, saying this came from Mrs. Meyrick. At this stage Mrs. Meyrick's counsel objected to the name being mentioned. The magistrate over-ruled him, saying: “Do not interrupt.” Wilkin, proceeding, said Mrs. Meyrick's club was under the observation of himself and Goddard throughout the period of her gifts. Superintendent Morton gave evidence that the anonymous letter previously referred to and leading up to the inquiries, was signed by an exwaiter, and spoke of heavy bribes to the police. The case was adjourned. A remarkable story was told at Bow Street, of how Scotland Yard, acting upon an anonymous letter, discovered two safe deposits in the name of former Station-Sergeant Goddard, who was in charge at Vine Street, containing £12,000 in new Bank of England notes in denominations of £IOO downward. Sergeant Goddard was cnarged with receiving bribes from Luigi Ribuffi, a prominent night-club manager, who was running the Victors’ Club in 1924 with Mrs. Kate Meyrick (known as the NightClub Queen). They are also charged with giving the bribes. The prosecution pointed out that an anonymous letter accused Goddard of flagrantly accepting the bribes. It added that he had considerable house property and a valuable motor-car. Goddard supplied explanations to the effect that reliable racing information and dealings in foreign currency were responsible for his financial position. When Goddard was informed that Scotland Yard desired the key of the safe deposits in his name he reeled as though faint and said, “I am done for.” The safe deposits contained new notes which were traceable to a Soho restaurateur and others were traceable to Ribuffi and Meyrick. The Disciplinary Board of Scotland Yard dismissed Goddard on October 29 The prosecution added another charge of receiving bribes from the keeper of a disorderly house in Soho.