Preece Family Tree

ALLEGED CONVERSION

WELSH SOLICITOR COMMITTED FOR TRIAL AT ASSIZES

Six charges of alleged fraudulent conversion of moneys entrusted to him to pay other people were preferred against David Moy John, aged 33, formely a solicitor of Porth, Rhondda, at the Porth, Glamorgan, Court yesterday.

John was arrested at Liverpool on Saturday night, and was brought up in custody after having failed to obtain sureties.

Mr. David Rees, Pontypridd, who appeared for the Director of Public Prosecutions, stated that John had received from four different persons sums of £100, £110, £120 and £160, to be invested upon mortgages in the district. He did not complete the deeds, nor pay over the money, but, it was alleged, converted it to his own use.

At the Glamorgan Assizes in November he acted for the Century Assurance Company, who defended an action brought against them in respect of the death of a man who was killed in a motor car accident.

The company lost the action, and judgment was given against them for £500. Of this amount £150 was to be paid the widow, and the balance paid over to the Pontypridd County Court in trust for the children of the dead man.

The insurance company paid John this sum, with his own costs, amounting to £250, and later they sent him a cheque for £212, the taxed costs of the solicitor for the plaintiff.

It was alleged that John converted the whole amount to his own use, and had not paid any of these sums to the persons entitled to them.

John, who pleaded "Not guilty" and reserved his defence, was committed for trial at the Glamorgan Assizes.

Identical articles appeared on the same day in the following papers:
Western Daily Press - page 8
Newcastle Journal - page 5
The Scotsman - page 5

OBITUARY

Mr. David Moy John, Usk

The death has occurred at the age of 45 of Mr. David Moy John, joint proprietor with his brother-in-law, Mr. A. W. Butcher, of the Three Salmons Hotel, Usk.

Mr. John has been an enthusiastic supporter of the Rugby and cricket sections of Usk Athletic Club, and in his younger days played Rugby as a forward with many well-known clubs.

During the last War he saw service with the Royal Welch Fusiliers and reached the rank of captain. He was awarded the Military Cross for conspicuous bravery. He is survived by his wife and a baby daughter.

B8. John, David Moy, 33, solicitor.
Committed from Pontypridd, 21 September 1927.
Bailed at Court, 22 September, 1927. Surrendered 10 November, 1927.
Offence. - On or about 15 December, 1926, in the County of Glamorgan, being entrusted with a cheque for £120 by James Williams, did fraudulently convert the same to his own use.
2nd Charge. - On or about 21 December, 1926, in the County of Glamorgan, being entrusted with a cheque for £100 by Caroline Ann Williams, did fraudulently convert the same to his own use.
3rd Charge. - On 23 December, 1926, in the County of Glamorgan, being entrusted with a cheque for £752 0s. 6d., by the Century Insurance Co., Ltd., did fraudulenty convert the same to his own use.
4th Charge. - On or about 23 February, 1927, in the County of Glamorgan, being entrusted with a cheque for £212 6s. 5d., by the Century Insurance Co., Ltd., did fraudulently convert the same to his own use.
5th Charge. - On or about 16 October, 1926, in the County of Glamorgan, being entrusted with a cheque for £160, by Alfred Edward Taylor, did fraudulenty convert the same to his own use.
6th Charge. - On or about 22 January, 1927, in the County of Glamorgan, being entrusted with a cheque for £100 and Treasury Notes valued £10, by Edward Thomas, did fraudulenty convert the same to his own use.
Tried before The Hon. Mr. Justice Wright, Kt. 10 November, 1927.
Plea. - Guilty on all counts.
Sentence. - 4 years p.s.

In very loving memory of David Moy John MC died Dec'r 10th 1940 aged 45 years.
Also Mr and Mrs Radcliffe Three Salmons Hotel from 1933-1964.