| Reference Number | t18860405-470 |
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| Verdict | Not Guilty > unknown |
| Related Material |  |
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| Actions | Cite this text Old Bailey Proceedings Online (www.oldbaileyonline.org, version 8.0, 01 April 2023), April 1886, trial of JOHN THOMAS LOCKHART (20) (t18860405-470). | Print-friendly version | Report an error |
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470. JOHN THOMAS LOCKHART (20) , Forging an autherity for the payment of money, with intent to defraud.
MR. BODKIN Prosecuted.
GARDNER FRENCH . I live at 32, Catherine Street, Canning Town—I am a crane driver—I have been working for Messrs. Cory and Sons—on 6th March they owed me 1l. 1s. for my week's wages—Mr. Keeble is their cashier, whose duty it is to pay my wages—I owe the prisoner 15s.—this document is signed in my name; it is not my signature; I did not authorize anybody to write it. (Read: "Mr. Keeble,—Please to give bearer my money; you will oblige me.—G. FRENCH.") On 6th March, when I went to ask for my wages, in consequence of what I heard I went to look after the prisoner with a police-constable—I found him at his lodgings; I showed him the document; I said, "Have you sent for my money?"—he said "Yes"—I received the document from Messrs. Cory in pieces—I gave the prisoner in custody.
Cross-examined by the Prisoner. I did not owe you 22s. 6d., only 15s.—the money was lent.
JAMES ALLEN KEEBLE . I live at Banner House, Upton Manor—I am cashier to Messrs. Cory and Sons—French is in Messrs. Cory's employ—on 6th March he was entitled to 1l. 1s. in wages—the document produced was brought to me by a little boy—on the faith of it I handed the boy 1l. 1s., believing it to be genuine and signed by French.
GEORGE OFFORD (Policeman). On 6th March I went with French to the prisoner's house—I saw French show the prisoner this document—the prisoner said, "I admit writing the note because you owed me money and would not pay me, and I thought that was the best way to get it"—then I took him in custody.
The Prisoner's Statement before the Magistrate." I do not wish to say anything, only he owed me money, and that was the only way to get it; I had been out of work so long."
NOT GUILTY .