Old Bailey Proceedings Online (www.oldbaileyonline.org, version 8.0, 01 June 2023), February 1866, trial of THOMAS GREEN (32) (t18660226-291).

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THOMAS GREEN, Deception > forgery, 26th February 1866.

291. THOMAS GREEN (32) , Feloniously forging and uttering an endorsement to an order for the payment of 25l., with intent to defraud.

MR. COOPER conducted the Prosecution.

ALEXANDER BINNIE . I am a tailor, of 31, Old Bond-street, under the name of A. Binnie and Co.—the prisoner entered my employ in May, 1861—his duty was to take charge of the stock, which amounted to 1, 000l. or 1, 200l., and to measure all goods coming from the drapers, and to put the numbers upon them—this cheque (produced) never came into my possession—the writing "A. Binnie & Co.," on the back, is the prisoner's, and "T. Green" is his writing also—I have often seen him write.

COURT. Q. Was it payable to your order? A. To our firm, and not crossed—I had seen him write "A. Binnie & Co." while with us—the writing on the back of this cheque is disguised.

REVEREND ROBERT BINGLEY . I reside at Braizeworth Rectory, Suffolk, and am a customer of the prosecutor's—on 6th June, 1865, I sent a letter to Mr. Binnie, in which I enclosed this cheque—I have the counterfoil with me—I did not post it myself—I left it to be posted with other letters—I received intimation from Mr. Binnie, before Christmas, that he had not received any money from me—it was before my bankbook was made up—I communicated with Messrs. Binnie.

THOMAS FREDERICK YATES . I am a tax-collector, of 31, Lower Belgrave-street, Pimlico—the prisoner occupied the house No. 309, Vauxhall-bridge-road—he owed 4l. 1s. 3d. for Queen's taxes, due in March last—on 17th August he brought me a cheque, and offered it in payment of the taxes—I gave him change for it, and crossed it "London Joint Stock Bank"—my impression is, that I asked the person who brought it to sign his own name on the back—I paid it into my bankers.

THOMAS NEILL . I am the prosecutor's porter, and have been so fifteen.

years—I go to the shop at seven in the morning in winter and six in summer—the prisoner used to come about half-past eight—I then used to go upstairs to breakfast—the letters came between 8 and 9, and the prisoner generally took them in—I never touched them—the prisoner's duty was to put them in the back room.

THOMAS BINNIE . I am the prosecutor's son and clerk—I have seen the prisoner write "A. Binnie & Co." occasionally—I believe the writing on the back of this cheque to be his writing disguised—the "&" is made exactly the way he used to make it, and there are other characteristics about it.

(The prisoner received a good character).— GUILTY .— Confined Twelve Months .