On This Day, 4 April 1917

Birmingham Mail

Wednesday 4 April 1917

TRADING WITH STOLEN GOODS

BIRMINGHAM STOREKEEPER’S THEFTS

Reginald Wallens (25), storekeeper, 91, Vincent Street, Balsall Heath, pleaded guilty before the Stipendiary at Birmingham Police Court, to-day, to stealing a piece of cloth, value 25s. 6d., belonging to his employer, Fredrick Marsh, tailor, 60, Bromsgrove Street. Evidence was given that owing to cloth being missed a piece was marked, and this was purchased on April 2, prisoner receiving the money, which went into his own pocket. Detective-sergt. Barnes stated that it had been traced to prisoner. He appeared to have been dealing in stolen cloth for some time.

The Stipendiary said this was one of the worst cases of theft from an employer that had come before him. Prisoners not only stole the cloth, but had evidently been carrying on a lucrative trade at his master’s expense. He would have to go to gaol for three months’ hard labour.