Sentences in the Clarkson will case were passed at the Old Bailey on March 29, on Edmond O'Connor (53), who formerly practised as a solicitor Lane, London, was sent to pei for seven years and William Cooper Hobbs (74), countant, of New Maiden. sen-was tenced io five years' penal servitude, and as ordered to pay a sum not exceeding £500 towards the costs o! the prosecution states the "Manchester Guardian.
Recorder stated that the sentences would start from the beginning of last Sessions, March 8 Hobbs and O'Connor were found guilty on March 28 on all five counts of an indictment charging them with. conspiring to forge and utter a will writing to be that of the late Mr. "Willig" Clarkson, the theatrical wig maker and costumier, and of forging: and uttering the will. The Recorder had post to conside sentence O'Connor's request to take into consideration four cases of fraudulently converting clients' money amounting to £11,700, The Recorder, sentencing O'Connor, ald: It is unnecessary for me to harrow your feelings by adding anything but that I am unable to accede to the requi t made last night that I should take into account the fraudulent conversions which you admitted were committed by you when cre practising as a solicitor, These matters in which I have to inquire. They are a different nature and may require give in due other judge. sentence upon I do not take lanation of them to be course before some Therefore, in passing you I am unable and into account the other offences.
Hobbs a d His Means Hobbs, an aged, whiterbearde:
re dressed in black, asked permission to gddrei the Recorder before sentence was passed. Speaking in a firm, clear voice, which only once or twice faltered, he said: Be fore you pass sentence, my lord, I was told last night that something was said about ordering me to pay the costs, and I do not want you to be under any misapprehension as to my position.
"or some two and a half years have had a continual drain upon my resources from illness to myself and o one of the members of my family. That drain will always go on so far s a member of my family is con cerned. I do not think for a single ament you desire to punish the person I could refer to. I have done the best I possibly could for members.of my family, but owing to the nvestments—railways and all thatit beea e absolutely impossible so fa:
my rel ives are concerned, Fror ne to time I had to hi course to my bank.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.