QSR1896/4/5/6c

Depositions of Frank Charles White, Horatio Harry Wigg and William Chamberlain. In the case of Herbert Fulcher alias Evans indicted for obtaining from Frank Charles White by false pretences 3 silver watches, 2 gold watches, 2 silver chains and 4 gold rings, of the combined value of £15.10.0.

13th January 1896

From: 1896 To: 1896

Frank Charles White, watch-maker and jeweller in Manchester St. Luton: On Sunday 12th January 1896 the Witness was introduced to the Prisoner at his lodgings, Miss Lee’s, Wellington St. Luton. The Prisoner was introduced as Mr. Evans. He told the Witness he was Inspector of the National Telephone Company, that he was working at the post office and superintending the works in Luton and District. The Witness and the Prisoner went for a walk. The Prisoner talked much of his improvements and inventions in telephone work. He said his salary was £450 per year, that he kept a pony and trap for his duties, that he could not get a watch to keep time for use in his business. The Witness said he could supply him with one that would keep time. The Prisoner said he would call at the Witness’s shop on the following morning at 9:30. He came at the time named and asked to look at the watches the Witness would recommend. The Witness produced some watches and the Prisoner selected two gent’s silver watches, Waltham Levers, one he said for himself and another for his gentleman apprentice. He also selected a lady’s Geneva silver watch. He also said his sister was coming next day, that he had taken an extra room for her at Miss Lee’s, and that he wished to give her a present of a gold watch. The Witness showed him some lady’s gold keyless watches. He asked for some gold rings, saying he was going to make some presents as he had just drawn his salary. The Witness let the Prisoner have one 9 ct. gold keeper ring, one 18 ct. gold keeper, one 18 ct. gold ring with coral and pearl stones and a 15 ct. gold ring set with small diamond chips. The Prisoner said he would take them to his lodgings at Miss Lee’s and return at 4 o’clock the same afternoon those that he did not select. The Witness fully believed his statements that he was an inspector of the National Telephone Company and in receipt of £450 a year. If the Witness had not believed the Prisoner’s statements he should not have let him have the goods. The Prisoner did not return at 4 o’clock, nor did he return the goods. The Witness made enquiries and at 7 o’clock the same evening gave information to the Police and obtained a warrant for the Prisoner’s arrest. He never saw the Prisoner again until he saw him in custody last Wednesday in this court. The Prisoner is the man he let have the goods he has mentioned. The Witness values the goods at £15.10.0. Cross-examined by the Prisoner: “On Sunday we went to the North Star Public House and the Plough Inn. You stated you had 4 mackintoshes allowed you by the Telephone Coy. I did not have a deal with you. You lent me a mackintosh on the Sunday night as it was raining. On the Monday morning my apprentice was in the shop when you came for the watches. You told me you would pay me at 4 o’clock for the articles you selected. I did not see the name of Strange on the mackintosh.” Horatio Harry Wigg of 13 Market Place St. Albans, local manager of the National Telephone Company: The Witness’s District includes Luton and the District as far as Dunstable in Bedfordshire, and all Hertfordshire. In January last they had no Inspector of the name of Fulcher or Evans. The Witness does not know the Prisoner. The Prisoner was not in the employ of the Company in this district. The Witness has made enquiries and cannot find that the Prisoner has ever been in the employ of the Company. Frank Charles White, jeweller carrying on business at Manchester Street Luton: On Sunday evening 12th January last the Witness was with the Prisoner at his lodgings. It was raining. The Prisoner asked the Witness if he would like the loan of a mackintosh. The Prisoner lent the Witness one which the Prisoner said had never been worn. The Witness went home wearing it. The Prisoner came to the Witness’s shop on Monday with reference to some goods which the Witness mentioned in the previous case. The Witness asked the Prisoner if he would take the mackintosh and he said he would have it at 4 o’clock when he brought the Witness’s goods back. The Prisoner did not come back again. On the Tuesday following, the Witness gave the mackintosh to Mr. Strange. Cross-examined by the Prisoner: “I am sure it was raining when you lent me the mackintosh. There were others present when I had the mackintosh.” William Chamberlain, Detective Sergeant in the Luton Borough Police Force: On 13th Januray 1896 the Witness received a warrant for the apprehension of the Prisoner. The Witness found that the Prisoner had left the town about 12 noon on 13th January. On 22nd September the Witness apprehended the Prisoner at Rochester on his release from Borstal Prison. The Witness read the warrant to the Prisoner. The Prisoner made no reply. Statement of the Defendant Herbert Fulcher alias Evans: "I have nothing to say".

item

Fulcher, Herbert,
Evans, Herbert,
White, Frank Charles,
Wigg, Horatio Harry

false pretences, watches, chain, rings, Luton Manchester Street