On This Day, 24 December 1917

Evening Despatch

Monday 24 December 1917

LOITERING OUTSIDE THE STATION

TWO SUSPICIOUS CHARACTERS SENT TO PRISON

Richard Westney, aged 35, haulier, of 164, Moseley-street, and Frank Lester, aged 27, haulier, of 125, Upper Highgate street, were charged at Birmingham today with loitering in Worcester-street last Wednesday with intent to commit a felony.

Detectives Price and Richardson saw the prisoners first of all look at the back of a trap outside the London and North Western Railway Parcels Office, and then they went to a van some little distance away and tried to move a box at the back. After this they stood in the middle of the road in Worcester-street for a time, and then got inside a covered motor van, after which they ran along Phillips-street, with detectives in pursuit.

When caught the prisoners said they were going into the Market Hall to buy a turkey for Christmas.

Prisoners, who were represented by Mr. Hall Wright, gave evidence and absolutely denied loitering in Worcester-street as stated by detectives.

The magistrates found prisoners guilty, and numerous previous convictions having been proved against them, Westney was sentenced to six months, and Lester to three month’ imprisonment.