Arrest of the Cabmen

LEGAL.
MARYLEBONE POLICE COURT.

Charge Against Cabmen. - A Hampstead Robbery.

Henry Epton, aged 45, a cabman, badge 739, of Brand Street, Blandford Square, and George Everest, aged 47, a cabman, badge 15319, of York Street, Marylebone, were charged with being concerned in stealing and receiving on the 20th November, between Paddington station and 52, Holmdale-road, West Hampstead, a Gladstone bag, containing amongst other things, two cheque books, belonging to Mr. Thomas W.G. Bryan, a captain of the Royal Artillery.
Mr. Superintendent Saunders watched the case for the Great Western Railway Company, and Mr. Chief Superintendent Copping, the London and North-Western Railway Company.
Detective-sergeant Dew, Scotland Yard, explained that he had a man named Lester (Flash Harry) in custody for uttering cheques stolen from Captain Bryan. On Saturday last Lester was committed for trial from Bow Street. In consequence of information received, witness went to Epton's house, and ascertained that he knew Lester by his alias "Flash Harry." Witness told him that Lester had stated that he received a cheque book on Cox's bank from him (Epton) in December last. After some hesitation, Epton said he was at Victoria station about last Christmas, when Lester asked him if he could get him some cheques. Some days later he saw Lester at Paddington station and gave him two cheque books. Epton was told that Lester said he had only received one book, and then Epton, after searching about, produced a cheque book on Watson's bank, Waterloo Road, from an overcoat pocket. He had received it, he said, from another cabman at Paddington station last Christmas. The cabman was known to him as "Darky" or "Black George," and said he had found the books in his cab. Subsequently witness saw Everest (Darky George) and arrested him at Paddington station, and told him he would be charged with being concerned in stealing the property of Captain Bryan, whom he (Everest) drove from Paddington to West Hampstead. He denied all knowledge of Epton, and at the same time admitted being the cabman who drove Captain Bryan to West Hampstead. All the captain's luggage, he said, was left at the house. When Everest entered the police station, Epton at once recognised him as the man who gave him the cheques. Everest was then told that the cheques stolen from Captain Bryan had been handed by him to Epton. The latter interrupted with the remark, "I think he is the man, but of course I am not sure." Everest added, "I know nothing about it, I know I drove the gentleman to West Hampstead." At this juncture the case was remanded, the prisoner being offered bail, two sureties in 10 pounds, or one in 25 pounds.

Source: The Middlesex Courier, April 18, 1896, Page 3