QSR1896/4/5/6b

Depositions of Harry Strange, Horatio Harry Wigg, Frank Charles White and William Chamberlain. In the case of Herbert Fulcher alias Evans, indicted for obtaining from Harry Strange 3 mackintoshes and 3 suits of clothes, of the combined value of £9.8.0, by false pretences.

11th January 1896

From: 1896 To: 1896

Harry Strange, clothier carrying on business at 38 Wellington St. Luton: On Saturday 11th January the Prisoner came to the Witness’s shop about 7 or 8 p.m. He bought a shirt collar and made enquiries as to a mackintosh and suits of clothes. He asked the Witness if some could be sent across to his lodgings. He told the Witness he was lodging with Miss Lee in Wellington St., that he was Superintendent for the District for the National Telephone Co. He gave the name of Evans. He saw several suits and mackintoshes and the Witness sent that evening three suits of clothes and 3 mackintoshes or waterproof coats. The Prisoner asked that they might be left until Monday as it was late and he would pay on Monday. Fully believing his statements the Witness sent the goods on approval. On the Monday following the Prisoner came to the Witness’s shop about 10 o’clock. The Witness was very busy attending to other people. The Prisoner said he had selected a suit and a mackintosh and he thought Mr. Lee would have one of the other suits if the Witness would send for them later on. The Witness went over to Miss Lee’s later in the day and the goods were not returned to him. Subsequently on the same day Mr. F. C. White of Manchester St. came to the Witness and in consequence of what he said the Witness went with him to the Police Station. On Tuesday 14th Mr. White handed the Witness one of the mackintoshes he had sent to the Prisoner’s lodgings. The Witness values the goods at £9.8.0 with the exception of the one handed to him by Mr. White. None of the goods have been returned to the Witness. Cross-examined by the Prisoner: “I have not made a mistake in the number of suits. I sent you 2 handkerchiefs with the suits. The suit you have on is one you had from me.” Horatio Harry Wigg of 13 Market Place St. Albans, local manager of the National Telephone Company: The Witness has made enquiries and cannot find that the Prisoner was ever a Superintendent of the Company in this district or in their employ. William Chamberlain, Detective Sergeant in the Luton Borough Police Force: On 22nd September the Witness apprehended the Prisoner on the previous charge [QSR1896/4/5/6a]. This morning he charged him with obtaining on 11th January 1896 from Henry [sic] Strange etc. [?] 3 Mackintoshes and 3 suits of clothes, value £9.8.0. The Prisoner made no reply. Statement of the Defendant, Herbert Fulcher alias Evans: “If the Chief Constable likes I can give him information of where the mackintoshes and dustcoat can be found.”

item

Fulcher, Herbert,
Evans, Herbert,
Wigg, Horatio Harry,
White, Frank Charles,
Chamberlain, William,
National Telephone Company

false pretences, clothing, Luton Wellington Street