On This Day, 29 March 1917

Birmingham Mail

Thursday 29 March 1917

FRAUD BY WEST BROMWICH SOLDIER’S WIFE

At West Bromwich, to-day, Fanny Preen (27), 50, Guns Lane, was charged with obtaining £7 6s. from the Postmaster-General by false pretences. Mr. J. S. Sharpe, who prosecuted, explained that defendant was the wife of a soldier in the South Staffs. Regiment, who enlisted in September, 1914. He went to France, but deserted about August 26, 1916, and appeared to have returned to his home at West Bromwich, where he remained until the end of January this year. During that period defendant continued to draw her separation allowance of £1 1s. per week. Defendant, who pleaded that she had acted under the direction of her husband, was fined £5 10s., or 56 days’ imprisonment.