Mid Sussex Times - Tuesday 15 December 1914

WANTED IN 19 COUNTIES

FIVE YEARS PENAL SERVITUDE FOR FRAUD

CUCKFIELD AND OTHER CASES.

At the Sussex Assizes on Friday Albert Richens (42), farmer, was indicted at the Sussex Assizes at Lewes on Thursday for unlawfully obtaining from James Rowland a bay mare by means of false pretences, at Kirdford, on September 9th; a bay mare from Alfred Bulbeck, at Funtington, on September 5th and a brood mare from James Thomas Sands, at Cuckfield, on March 14th, with intent to cheat and defraud.

Prisoner pleaded guilty, and admitted a previous conviction for false pretences, at Reading in 1910.

Mr. James Flowers outlined the case for the prosecution. Superintendent Alce stated that there were warrants out against prisoner in regard to other similar transactions, representing a total sum of £985.

Mr. Flowers : I understand he is wanted in 19 counties.

Mr. Justice A.T. Lawrence said prisoner had been guilty of most elaborate and deliberate frauds. His previous character was a decidedly bad one, and he would be sentenced to five years' penal servitude.

Before leaving the dock prisoner wished the Judge "A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year."