The Sun.
London, England, 1856-11-21 00:00:00

THE GREAT NORTHERN RAILWAY

FRAUDS.

--
EXAMINATION OF REDPATEI AND KENT.—
CLERKENWELL.—(THIS DAY).
The further examination of the two prisoners, Red path
and Kent, charged with fraud and forgery on the Great
Northern Railway, took place this morning before Mr.
Tyrwhitt. The prisoner Redpath it will be recollected,
was the registrar of shares and transferer of stock in the
company's employ, and the prisoner Kent was a clerk
is his office. The amount of which they have defrauded
the company is supposed to exceed 200,0001.
The enormity of the offence, and the position of Red-
path, coupled with his mode and style of living in
Chester-place, has created great sensation throughout
the country as well as the metropolis. One o'clock was
the hour fixed for the hearing of the case, but for some
hours previously, and for a considerable period before
the opening of the Court, a large crowd of persons had
assembled around the Police-court, which increased as
the day advanced.
The usual hour for commencing the ordinary business
of the Court is half-past 10 o'clock, but, not-
withstanding there were thirty night charges to
be disposed of before this can could come on,
the magistrate did not take his seat on the bench till
past eleven o'clock. At this court all the officials appear
to have a peculiar way of conducting the business, eon-
trail' to that usually adopted at other police-courts; and
from the continual and audible running commentaries of
the magistrate and clerk on each case that comes before
them much valuable time is lost ; and the sound of the
two voices, one driving to be heard above the
other, is anything but dignified or agreeable. No
arrangements had been made for the accommo-
dation of the representatives of the press, most of
whom had to discharge their onerous and arduous
duties as best they could, with their note-books, &c., on
their hands, knees, or hats, presenting a striking con-
tract to the admirable arrangements made for the accom-
modation of the representatives of the press at the Man-
sion-house during the examination of the gold robbers,
and at Lambeth Police-court during the examination o
Robson for the Crystal Palace frauds.
The court was densely crowded.
After a delay of about three-quarters of an hour from
the appointed time for the examination of the prisoners
they were placed in the dock. Kent walked first into
the dock, and a=surned the brisk air and demeanour as
on the former occasion. Redpath followed, and looked
pale and haggard. He stood most of the time with his
bands behind his back.
Mr. Mewatt, the secretary to the company, and Mr.
Farquhar, of the Messrs. Johnson, Farquhar, and Such,
solicitors to the company, attended to watch the pro-

Mr. Henry Atterbury, c'erk in the Great Northern
Railway Company's employ—l have calculated the
amount of consolidated A stock standing in Leopold
Redpath's name up to the sth February, 1854, when
the books closed for the December dividends in
1853. There were 7,5001. standing in his name,
and out of his name to his debit 1,8751. The
balance would be 5,6251., the amount on which he would
be entitled to receive dividend. I produce the dividend
warrant of that date to the prisoner, representing 1,6251.
consolidated A. stock. In page 558, and transfer No.
11,668, I find a transfer from him of 1,0001. If that
1,0001. entry had originally been 5,0001. it would have
made thedividund, as paid, right. The transfer was dated
12th Feb., 1854, after the books for the transfer had
been closed. The transfer was from the prisoner for
5,0001. Consolidated A stock. In page 553, and refer-
ring to No. 8,431 transfer, I find the amount of stock
transferred into the prisoner's name, 1,1251. The trans-
fer to which that number refers states the amount to be
1251.,—a difference of 1,000/. The transfer No. E',451 in
the register-book represents 1,212/. 10e. Od., and the
original transfer to which that entry refers 2121. 10s. Od.,
again making a difference of 1,0001. In page 553 of the
register, and transfer 9,455, I find the amount entered
1,2501. The transfer itself represents only 2501., making
again a difference of 1,0001. In the same page is en-
tered transfer 9,456, for 1,212/. 104. Od., whilst the origi-
nal transfer represents only 2121. 10e. Od., making
another difference of 1,0001. The gain to the prisoner
on the transactions to which I have referred was 10,0001.
stock mere standing in his name in the register than the
original transfers represented. The dividend-warrant
for the December, 1853, dividends produced is signed by
the prisoner Redpath, which is a receipt for the money.,
Cross-examined by Mr. Wontner--I entered the com-
pany's service in 1851, and I am still in the service, in
the audit department. I belonged to that department in
1854. The books did not then come under my notice.
There is a regular staff in the audit department, who
supervise the recounts.
Cross-examined by Mr. Hawkins—Since the payment
of the last March dividends I have been engaged in the
transfer-office
By Mr. Gifford—The signature of the prisoner Kent
I is affixed to the dividendlwarrant. It was necessary at
that time to have an attesting witness to the document.
Any clerk or indifferent person might have done it. I
never attested one. The warrant represents the dividend
to be paid, if 5,0001. remained in the plaee of 1,0001.
Mr. Thos. Williams—l min inspector of the Great
Northern Railway line. I searched the prisoner Kent
on his apprehension, and found some letters upon him.
(The further examination of the prisoner was not pur-
sued, Mr. Gifford being informed by Mr. Mould, the
chief clerk, that the evidence had been already taken,
and would be used against both prisoners.)
Cross-examined by Mr. Hawkins—He searched Kent
at his residence, and found on him a telegraphic message,
which I now produce.
By Mr. Gifford—l afterwards found in Kent's drawer
in the office a letter addressed to him by Redpath.
The evidence of Williams on Kent's first examination
was then read.
By Mr. Hawkins—When Kent said he would not tell
me where Redpath was to be found, I believe I had read
the telegraphic message which I found on Kent, and
which had been sent to him by Redpath. I did not call
Kent's attention to the fact that the telegraphic message
mentioned "Hotel, Windsor." Kent said he had not
sent an answer to Redpath's message for reasons of his
own. I made no memorandum at the time of the con-
versation. I gave my evidence on the following day.
K.mt was in custody before I found the letters, and I did
not see him again until before the magistrate.
Sergeant Mason, of the Metropolitan Police Force,
No. 25, S division—l found at Redpath's residence, in
Che,.ter place, on Wednesday, the 12th, a letter, signed
" Charles Kent," which I produce.
The letter was then read by Mr. Mould, the chief
clerk, and was as follows :
" My dear Sir,—l enclose you three letters. Nothing
has been wanting. You may depend on my keeping every-
thing straight [this word was underscored], and I will not
leave the office. I am very- much obliged for your card. I
am much in want of 301. Had I not better sell some of my
etocke—Yours very truly, " CHAS. KENT."
Mr. Atterbury was called, and proved that the letter
was in Kent's handwriting.
By Mr. Hatvkirs—l believe the clerks frequently re-
ceived assistance from Redpath. Re was very kind to
them.
Mr. Gifford said that this was the whole of the evi-
dence he should adduce at present In support of the case,
and asked for a remand of a few days. On another occa-
sion he should prove the regular execution of the trans-
fers and other !natters to complete tho case. He now
proposed to proceed with the forgery of the name of
Sidney. He re-called
Mr. Atterbury--I produce a transfer of B stock of
the Great Northern Railway Company for 1,0871. 10a.,
No. 16,774. It purports to be from Stephen George
Haniniaod, Barge-yard, Bucklersbury, gentleman, to
George Sidney, No. 20, Edward-street, Hampstead-
road, gentleman. It was dated 10th February,
1855, and purported to be signed by Stephen
George Hammond and George Sidney. The attesting
witness to Sidney's signature is Chas. Kent, King's-
cress (the prisoner). I blieve the signatures, Hammond
and Sidney, to be in Redpath'e handwriting. That of
Kent's to be in his own handwriting.
Cross-examined by Mr. Hawkins—The body of the
transfer is in Freeman's handwriting, a clerk in the
registration department. I know a person named Ham-
mond used to come to the office occasionally, but I do
not know him personally. He used to call before I was
removed to the transfer office. The person I allude to
l 3 a young man.
Mr. Robert Mayman—l reside at No. 20,11ampstead•
road, and I have done so for 13 years. At no time
during that period, has a person named Sidney lived
ti ere. Redpath lived there about eight or nine years
ago. I think he was out of employment when he first
resided there.
By Mr. Tyrwhitt—l never knew of any letters comiug
there when Redpath lived there in the name of Sidney.
Cross-examined by Mr. Hawkins—Edward-street is
a small street. Redpath lived there between one and
two years. He lodged with me.
By ;Mr. Tyrwbitt—There has been no other No. 20
I in the street besides mine during the time I have lived
there. I am not aware that the numbsrs have been in
any way changed during that period.
Mr Gifford said that was all the evidence he proposed
then to call.
Mr. Atterbury recalled, and examined by Mr. Haw -
kins—lt is the practice of the office to have every sig-
nature to a transfer attested. Transfers have been regis
tered without it, but it is an irregularity ; the registrar
ought not to register a transfer without it. Mr. Frees
man is still in the company's employ.
Mr. Gitfird asked that thee prisoners should be re-
manded till this day.week.
Mr. Hawkins applied for bail for Kent.
Mr. Tyrwhitt said on a former occasion Kent was
offered bail, but the amount was considered too large—
two sureties of 4001. each. The charge of felony by
forgery no v altered his position, and it was a question
for further consideration.
Mr. Gifford objected to the prisoner being admitted to
bail. I was of the greatest importance to Redpath that
Kent should not be forthcoming at a future period.
This was but one of a series of charges to be brought
against him.
Mr. Tyrwbitt said he was not more unwilling to
admit Kent to bail now than on a former occasion ;
but in a case of this magnitude, and in London, he
thought it would be better for an application to be atade
to a Judge in Cnambere to fix the amount of bail. Under
that impression he refused the application for bail.
The depositions were then read over, and the prisoners
were formally remanded till this day week.
IMr. Wontner said there was a very anomalous state of
propeedings connected with Redpath's case, which con-
sisted lathe police, under the direction of Superintendent
Loxton, having taken possession of Redpath'e residence
in Chester-place, notwithstanding his servants were
there, and were capable of taking care of the property.
Superintendent Loxton, in taking possession of the pre.
moms, had taken possession also of Redpath's clothes
and his private papers. He (slr. Wontner) had applied
thet M
subjectr
of
f Humphreys,e the
clothes,
eao
df.o r
that the prosecution,
gentleman
. hadon
directed that they should
Mr. Tyrwhitt said he could
refused, except under the d' •
ghiavveen
no objection
bb
juetatihoen police
tictes
direction of the magistrate.
being done.
doTirYoigrbwioehenittiwto—hni,cTheheeyt I have nothing to do
Superintendent Loxteomuna—Ggoispnwtroedatirl n
askp
authdgetrstoanhdouthat I am
to give up all the clothes in
diwdhantwoist atouthehoserlos'enet.hils
pharol:cleeren.
Loxton had a
Mr. Wontner said that Superintendent Lo
number of letters addressed to Redpath'e residence for
him, and he (Mr. Wontner) asked that they
might be
given up to the prisoner.
Mr. Tyrwbitt said be should have no objection to
sanction any proceedings the prosecutor might think
proper to adopt, and Superintendent Loxton must be
guided by them.
Mr. Humphreys said the railway authorities autho-
rised Superintendent Loxton to take put essssion of the
premises, and now he refused to go c or allow the
railway authorities to enter.
Mr. Superintendent Loxton said that he could not
give up possession without authority.
Mr. Humphreys said that Shperintendent Loxton was
placed in the premises in order that the railway autho-
rities might have an opportunity of inspecting Redpath's

ceedings.
M. Gifford, barrister, instructed by Mr. Humphreys,
attended for the company, to prosecute. Mr. Wontner
defended Leopold Redpath, and Mr. Hawkins barrister
instructed by Mr. D .dd, of Ne 4 Broad•street, defended
James Charles Comyns Kent.
Mr. Gifford said that, in addition to the evidence
already given, with reference to two items of fraud
against Redpatb, four other charges would be proved,
and it would be shown that he had transferred more
stock to himself than he ever possessed, and that he
bad received dividends from them. Kent, it would be
shown, was cognisant of this fraudulent transfer. He
shoall show that in other transactions the prisoner
Kent acted in concert with Redpatb, and was aware
that in the transfer of shares from Stephen G. Allen to
George Sidney; by being the attesting witness, that the
signature of Mr. George Sidney was a forgery. It
would be shown that Mr. Sidney did not reside at the
address given, but that Redpath formerly lived there.
He called

Mr. Henry James Wood, who deposed—l am a cierk
in the office of Messrs. Ford, Wood, and Co., of 9,
Warnford-court. In April, 1853, I completed a transfer
of 5001. A. Consolidated Stock in the Great lisrthern
Railway from Henry Baker to Leopold Redpath. I
paid the money by check te Mr. Fa scrtt, the selling
broker to Mr. Baker, and I received the transfer deed.
It was numbered 8,518. I completed a similar transac-
tion on the same day of 2501. A. stock, from Wiliiam
Kitchen to Redpatb, numbered 8,519. I got a check
for 1181. 2s. 61. signed by my firm, which I handed t.o
Mr. Salter, Mr. Kitchen's broker.
Mr. Walter Fawcett—l am a stockbroker, of 22,
Threadneedle-street, in partnership with Messrs. Hill. I
recollect the completim of the purchase of the consoli-
dated stock A 500/. I attested the transfer. Mr.
Henry Baker executed the transfer in my presence.
The attestation is in my handwriting. I received 236/.
5a., including the stamp, from Messrs. Field and Co,
on the completion of the purchase.
Mr. Hargrave Grylla—l am in the service of the Gresi
Northern Railway as clerk. In April:llBs3, I was em-
ployed at the London Terminus. I saw Redpath exe-
cute the transfers 1,518 Baker's, and 3,519 Kitchen's. I
attested both the transfers.
Mr. W. H. Clarke—l was formerly the registrar of
the Great Northers Railway stock. I left in April
1854. I have the register of stock before me, and on
looking at the register I find that a figure of
"one" has been added to the amount in each case, mak-
ing it 1,500/, instead of 5001., and 1,2501. instead of
2501., according to the transfer. If genuine they would
show that stock to that amount had been trankferred
into Redpath's name. The whole of the figures making
the above amounts I believe to be in Redpath's hand-
writing. (The effect of this evidence was to prove
that the figure "1" had been added in each in-
stance surreptitiously by Redpath.) There are
figures on page 83 of the registry in Kent's hand•
writing. There were also entries on the same page in
Redpath's handwriting, In page 558 there is a esti-
tinuation of Redpath's account, and entries of figures
there by Redpath and Ymt.
Cross-examined by Mr. Hawkins—The figures to
which I allude are in the colmun headed " A dsferz ed."
It appears to me the greater part of tile entries on page
553 are in Kent's handwriting. The first four lines of
Redpath's account are in Kent's handwriting, The rest
is in Redpath's handwriting. On page 558, the con-
tinuation of Redpath's account, there are 11 lines
in Kent's handwriting. The last entry in the account is
in Itedpath's handwriting. which follows Kent's last
entries. Those preceding Kent's are in Redpath's and
another clerk's handwriting, whose name I don't now
recollect. The entries made by that clerk were made
subsequently to my leaving. I think that clerk's name
is Freeman. I believe it is a
common practice for per-
sons having a quantity of stock belonging
to them
standing in other persons names.
jvr. Hawkice—Has not a gentleman, whose name I
do not wish to mention, 100,0001. worth of stock in
this line standing in other persons' names?
Witness—l don't exactly recollect.
y
Mr. Hawkins—l'll giveon the name. Has not
Mr. Hutchinson that amount in other persons' names ?
I
Witness—Yes, I believe he had when was in thp
office.
Mr. Hawkins—ls it not recognised don,by the directo.rs
I t know how tney
Witness—Yes, I believe so.
o mid help it.
M,s. Gitford—Certainly not. How could they I
Cross-examined by Mr. Wontner—The entries were
I, ad in the register, when I was in the company's ern-
llny, by a clerk under my directions. It was my dy
to Ist ti 0 entries were properly made. I almost daily
aoked the entries. The transfers, when they came
to m i office to be registered, were under my control,
lad I frequently looked at them.
Itr Mr. Tyrwhitt—When the transfers of shares are
1 goo ;ht to the office the numbers are entered on the re-
tint y by a clerk from the actual transfers, and not
from any second-hand information. The transfers are
Vien pasted into a book kept in she register's office, and
was a part of my duties.
By Mr. Gifford—In April, 1853, Redpath was the
registering clerk. As a general rule the clerks all
register, more or less. As Redpath was a superior
clerk be did the bulk of the registering business. Red-
pal, Kent, and Cawkill made entries as clerks under
me. Referring to the figures 1,2501. and 1,5001., in
my judgment the figure "1," in bah instances, was
written at a different time from the other figures 2501.
and 5001. Referring to transfer number 8,431 in Red-
nath's stack, I find the account stands 1,1251. The
first figure " 1," adding 1,0001., appears to have been
written at a different time from the other figures. The
whole of the entry is, however, in Redpath's hand-
writing. On looking to transfer No 8451, I find the ac-
count 12121. 10s. The first "1 " has the appearance of
having been written after the others. The whole of the
entry is in Redpath's Faod-Writing, In transfer No.
9455, account 1,2501., the figure " 1 " has less the ap-
pearance of being so added than the others ; and the

Same applies to transfer No. 9456, amounting to 1,2121. property. The anxiety of the police ought to be to pro- 1
105. In page 558 transfer No. 11,668 the stock trans- mote justice, and not to impede it.
ferred by Red path to his transferree I find to be 1,0001. Mr. Superintendent Loxton said he wished to promote
entered. There is an erasure to the right of the figure justice.
"1 " which is written at the extremity, and partly on it. i Mr. Humpbreys--Then why not give up possession of
The whale of the entry is in Redpath's figures. the premises to the railway authorities'?
Cross-examined by Mr. Wontner—The next account Mr. Superintendent Loxton handed in several letters
to Redpath's, on page 554, is Robertson and Watson ; had received, addressed to the prisoner Redpath, at
it is a joint account, and comprises a considerable num- his residence, Chester-place, and asked what he should
be? of item 7. do with them?
Mr. Wontner—Now, look at this, and see if nearly Mr. Wontner suggested that they should be banded
all the items are not written on erasures. in to the magistrate, for him to read them, but if they
Witness—l don't see it. were of a private nature they might be banded to Red-
Mr. Wontner—Look again, and be particular. path.
Witness—l think I see two. The letters were handed in and read by the magistrate.
Mr. Wontner—Can't you find four or sit there. If One had reference to an attachment on Redpath's pro-
not, my eyes have deceived me. perty, and another to a charitable application. The
Witness—l really cannot see more than two. nature of the others did not transpire.
(A. lighted eandle was procured, against which the The letters were handed over to the prisoner.
witness held the page, and minutely examined it. It was then arranged that the police should give
Witness—l really do not see more than two—if two. the railway authorities every facility wick reference
I think there is but one. (Witness again minutely ex- to the prisoner's property at Chester-place.
amined the page, and said he could see but one erasure. I The prisoners were then removed from the dock.
After examining it with Mr. Wontner, he said that
possibly what Mr. Wontner pointed out were erasures,
but be would not swear that they were.)
By Mr. Tyrwhitt—There't one—if not another.
Witness—Yes. He would not swear to more. The
light was bad, and the candle was not much assistance.

LONDON GAZET'T'E—(This Evening.)

WAR-DEPARTMENT, Nov. 19.