Mexborough and Swinton Times, December 5, 1902

False Pretences at Houghton

Annie Birkett, single woman of Houghton Magna, was charged with having obtained the sum of £11 by false pretences, from Herbert H. Tomlinson, landlord of the Old Hall Inn, Great Houghton, on the 2nd Sept.

Mr. Rideal appeared to prosecute, and said up to the date named defendant was employed by Mr. Wm. Guest, farmer, of Great Houghton, as housekeeper.  On the date in question defendant sent a servant in Mr. Guest’s employment to prosecutor to ask him if he would cash a cheque for £11 for Mr. Guest, as he was short of money to pay the wages.  Prosecutor cashed the cheque, giving £10 in gold, and £1 in silver, but at the bank the cheque was dishonoured, as the signature differed from that of Mr. Guest.  Mr. Guest would tell them that he did not sign the cheque, nor did he authorise anyone else to do so.  Since that time Mr. Guest had learned that a cheque was cashed on the 14th July by forgery.  He was at a loss to know how defendant had obtained his cheque book because it had always been under lock and key.

When prosecutor was informed of what had taken place at the bank he went to see Mr. Guest, but met the defendant, who said her master was out.  She said Mr. Guest had been expecting him coming, as he had written the cheque out with a bad pen, and that Mr. Guest would either give him a fresh cheque or cash for the amount.  Mary Lawton, domestic servant, Herbt. Hy. Tomlinson, prosecutor, William Guest, farmer, and P.C. Moore gave evidence bearing out Mr Rideal’s statement.

The Bench committed defendant to take her trial at the ensuing Leeds Assizes.  Defendant at the outset, expressed the wish that the case should go to the Assizes.