Charles Goff – Fraud 1944

This document is a newspaper clipping from the Newark Advertiser, dated March 1, 1944. It is a court report detailing the prosecution of an elderly man for welfare fraud (obtaining money by false pretences from the Public Assistance Board).

  • Historical Context: During World War II (1944), rationing and economic hardship were common in Britain. The Public Assistance Board was responsible for administering supplementary pensions to those in need. The article highlights the strict regulations surrounding these pensions and the authorities’ desire to make an example of offenders to deter others, noting that such practices were “becoming increasingly common.”
  • Genealogical Significance: Court reports in local newspapers are goldmines for genealogists. This article provides a precise snapshot of Charles Goff’s family structure, including his age, his wife’s age, and the existence of two dependent children, which is particularly useful for bridging the gap between the 1939 Register and later records. It also gives insight into their socio-economic struggles.

OLD AGE PENSIONER’S OFFENCE

A Warning to Others Making False Statements

Granted legal aid because of his deafness and consequent inability to conduct his own case, 78-years-old Charles Goff, of Carlton-on-Trent pleaded guilty at the County Police Court on Wednesday week to a charge of obtaining £3 10s. from the Public Assistance Board by false pretences.

When the charge was read out to defendant, because of his deafness, it was some time before the Clerk (Mr. J. B. Norman) could make him understand what was being said. The Bench decided to grant defendant a certificate for legal aid, and Mr. R. L. Williams (Messrs. Colton and Franks) was asked to appear for him. Later, when the case again came before the Bench, Mr. Williams said he had talked with Goff who desired to plead guilty.

Major J. K. Lane, Southwell, who prosecuted for the Public Assistance Board, said defendant had made application for a supplementary old-age pension and had stated in a form that he was not earning over 5s. a week. He had been receiving the supplementary pension in addition to his old-age pension and the case dealt with the dates October 18th, 25th, and Nov. 1st. On those dates, in consequence of the statements made he received a total of £3 10s. to which he was not entitled, for it had later been ascertained that during that period he had receivied other wages of £3, £2 10s. and £1 13s. 9d. “Defendant was aware that he had to make another statement if he received wages above 5s.” said Major Lane “for he had previously notified the Area Officer of an increase in his income.”

“Hard Up”

For the defence, Mr. Williams said Goff pleaded guilty, but in mitigation had added that at the time of the offence he was “hard up” and needed new shoes and clothes for his family. There was his 53-years-old wife, a boy of 14 who was still going to school, and an unmarried daughter. “That is why he did it” continued Mr. Williams. “He says he didn’t think it was so very wrong at the time, but now realises the seriousness of it. Because of his age and that, according to him, this is the first offence I hope the Bench will deal as leniently as possible with him.”

Major Lane told the Bench that the Public Assistance Board were not so much concerned about the size of the fine, but thought a conviction would bring it home to other people that it was a very serious type of offence. “The practice is becoming increasingly common in this district” he said “and we want to put a stop to it.”

Fining defendant 5s. and granting him a month to pay, the Chairman (Colonel H. Thorpe, D.S.O.) said that because of his age the Bench were dealing leniently with the case, but Goff should realise that the offence was definitely dishonest.

Principal Individual:

  • Name: Charles Goff
  • Role in Document: Defendant
  • Biographical Details:
    • Age: 78 years old.
    • Residence: Carlton-on-Trent.
    • Health: Described as deaf.
    • Family: Married to a 53-year-old wife. Has a 14-year-old son (in school) and an unmarried daughter.
    • Financial Status: Old age pensioner receiving a supplementary pension; stated he was “hard up” and needed shoes and clothes for his family. Earned additional wages of £3, £2 10s., and £1 13s. 9d. during the period in question.

Associated Individuals:

  • Name: Mr. J. B. Norman
  • Role: Clerk of the Court.
  • Name: Mr. R. L. Williams
  • Role: Defence Solicitor (of Messrs. Colton and Franks).
  • Name: Major J. K. Lane
  • Role: Prosecutor for the Public Assistance Board, Southwell.
  • Name: Colonel H. Thorpe, D.S.O.
  • Role: Chairman of the Bench.
  • Name: Unnamed Wife
  • Role: Wife of Charles Goff (Age 53).
  • Name: Unnamed Son
  • Role: Son of Charles Goff (Age 14, schoolboy).
  • Name: Unnamed Daughter
  • Role: Unmarried daughter of Charles Goff.

Key Events:

  • Event Type: Court Appearance (Criminal Charge for False Pretences).
  • Date: “Wednesday week” (relative to the publication date of March 1, 1944). The offences occurred on October 18th, 25th, and Nov. 1st.
  • Location: County Police Court (likely Newark, Nottinghamshire, England).