The record-union., 1898-02-16

LONDON, Feb 15.-In the Central
Criminal Court to-day Lord William
Neville, fourth son of the Marquis of
Abergavenny, who was placed on trial
charged with fraud in connection with
the suit of Sam Lewis, the money
lender, against Spencer Clay to recover
I'll, 113 due on two promissory notes
cashed by Lord Neville, pleaded guilty
of fraud, but claimed he was not guilty
Of forgery. He was sentenced to five
years penal seryitude.
No celebrated case has ever before
brought such a fashionable crowd to
the Old Bailey. Broughams blocked
the approaches. and ladies in their
smartest frocks overlooked the jury
box and barristers' seats. Lady Ne
vile was present The prisoner was ev-
identity i'll at ease, but he answered to
the indictment in clear tones.
After the fiutter caused by his plead
ing guilty of fraud had subsidized, the
prisoner was allowed to take seat in
the dock, as he is recovering from Sc
rious illness. Prosecutor Matthews
narrated the circumstances of the fraud
as already known, and at the conclu-
sion of his remarks he minated that
he would accept the prisoners pleas as
satisfying the requirements OF justice.
Lawson Walton pointed out that Lord
Neville had voluntarily come forward
to face the consequence of his decep-
ton, and had fully confessed. The
prisoner, counsel added, was in great
financial difficulties, and had not real
lied that he was committing breach
of the criminal law. The. prisoner,
Mr. Walton further said, never intend
ed that Lieutenant Clay should suffer.
He believed the securities would remain
in the hands of Sam Lewis until he
secured money elsewhere.
Mr.. Walton's effort at extenuation
was applauded by the spectators.
Prosecutor Matthews again arose.
and adverting to the statement regard
ing Lord Neyille's illness, which has
been ascribed to oyer-indulgence in
morphia, prevented the prisoner from
making an arrangement with Mr.. Lew
is in regard to the notes. and thus OBJ
waiting the present prosecution. He
said that Lord Neville's other debts to
Mr.. Lewis amounted to 10000 when
the notes We're signed.
Here Mr.. Walton interposed the re-
mark: Il believe the 10000 has been
paid"
Judge Lawrence summed up stern
", but with voice which shook, and
at times almost broke with emotion.
The Judge said:
In my opinion, the crime is as great
as though he had distracted the sun,
from Lieutenant Clay's pocket, or had
burglarized Mr.. Lewis office and had
stolen it. elf it had been some
wretched clerk with a wife and seven
children who had incurred heavy loss
and helped himself at his masters till.
| am afraid there would have been no
one to speak in extenuation, but the
higher position the person holds the
higher his responsibilities.
II am sorry TO say / have looked in
vain for extenuating circumstances. 1t
is as bad a case of fraud as ii is pos
sibIe to conceive. You have brought
shame and dishonor upon an ancient
and noble family, and sorrow and suf-
fering upon your nearest and dearest.
Your crime is great and your sentence
must be severe 1t is that you be kept
in penal servitude for five years"
The prisoner was hurried off to New
Gate Prison, where he was allowed an
interview with his wife and another
lady. After the interviews Lord Ne
Vile was removed to NORWOOD
Scrubs Prison.
The prisoners face did not evince
much surprise at the severity of his
sentence. hut his unsteady gait on leav-
ing the prisoners dock showed that he
had been hard hit.
The sentence caused a great sensa-
tion among those present in court. and
many of the ladies broke into sobs