Case 942

"Gentleman" Goes to Hard Labour.
Gross Case of Indecency.

Alfred Burnett, seventy-five, a tall and grey-haired gentleman, of Newton-road, Bayswater, was charged on a warrant with grossly indecent acts in the presence of three young ladies on July 23 and divers other dates. Three young ladies in the employ of Madame Caté, milliner, carrying on business at 77, Westbourne grove, were called as witnesses and spoke to gross acts of indecency committed by the prisoner on July 20, 21, and 23, at a window overlooking the window of the bedroom occupied by the young ladies in the employ of Madame Caté. The evidence given was of the most conclusive character. In reply to the magistrate, Warrant Officer Sellers said that in September, 1894, prisoner was charged with indecently assaulting a young servant girl in his employ. He was convicted on this charge and sentenced to a term of imprisonment, but was released by the Home Secretary in consequence, it was said, of ill-health. Mr. Curtis Bennett now sentenced him to three months' hard labour in each case, making in all nine months.