On This Day, 2 October 1917

Birmingham Mail

Tuesday 2 October 1917

STORY OF A £1 NOTE

MEAN THEFT FROM A CHILD

Minnie Jukes (21), 1 back 19, Gee Street, was charged in the First Birmingham Police Court today with stealing a £1 Treasury Note by means of a trick from Ethel Gladys Bilsbury (12), 9, Grove Terrace, Lennox Street.

The girl went to the Unique Unity Cycle Works, St. Stephen’s Street, about 5.20 on Friday evening, and her brother, who works there, gave her the Treasury note to take to her mother. On the way home she was stopped in Summer Lane by the accused, who said, “Your brother George wants you to send the money back. It is wrong.” Believing the story, the child handed her the note. On doing so Jukes said, “You come down again, and I will give you your mother’s proper money,” and disappeared along Ormond Street. When arrested by Detective Jones on Saturday morning prisoner at first said she knew nothing about it, but later said, “I did take the money. I am very sorry. I have lost it.” The officer said the accused’s employer gave her a good character.

She was placed on probation for twelve months, and ordered to repay the £1.