Preece Family Tree

SINGULAR CONDUCT OF A GIRL AT EXETER.

At the Guildhall, Exeter, on Saturday morning, Ada Annie Sweetland, daughter of a widow of respectable position, residing in Hopkins-place, Blackboy-road, was placed in the dock on a charge of obtaining money by false pretences. Sufficient evidence was given to justify the prisoner being remanded, the effect of it being that on the previous day she called on an elderly woman, named Elizabeth Northam, the occupant of an almshouse, stating that she was the daughter of Mr. Edward Sanders, banker, and had been sent by him to say that a fowl would be sent by her father in the afternoon. In the course of conversation she asked Northam if she could change half a crown. While the latter was looking for the change the prisoner said, "Oh, never mind, you can let me have a shilling, and I will send it back with the fowl." She added that she wanted the shiling to give a boy who was looking after her horse and carriage, which was just round the corner, and further explained that the coachman and groom had gone to get some refreshment. The shilling was advanced, and the prisoner had not been seen again until the fraud was discovered. - Inspector Symes said there were other charges of a similar character against Sweetland. - Prisoner's mother, who was in court, and appeared very much distressed, said she had several children, and they were all more or less afflicted. Her eldest daughter was in an asylum, she had another in the Western Counties Idiot Asylum, and two boys at home who ought to be sent away. - The Bench admitted prisoner to bail on her mother's recognisances, the case being adjourned until to-morrow.