'A. sensational story of an alleged aticmpt to kidnap Lord NumMelé, the famous British molar-car manufac turer, was told in the Oxford Police Court today when John Bruce Thornton, who was arrested outside the Morris Works on May 24, was charged with inciting another man to conspire with him to kidnap the motor magnate.
Mr. J. 1. Barham, appearing on rehair "of the Director. of Public Prosecutions, said that "this case, rather of an unusual character, (n= volving a. plot to kidnap Lord Numela end {o hold him for ransom."
scheme of this sort," Mr, Pat hom asserted, "obviously could not be carried out singlehanded, and the accused sought the. assistance, of a Major Ramsden to carry It out."
Planned on Motor Tour Thornton and Ramsden motored round England, counsel continued, and in the course of the trips Thorn ton explained a scheme whereby Lord NuMeld would be compelled write three letters: one to his sccrelary explaining. his absence, one to his bank ordering a loiter of credit the name of Dr. Webb. and a third identifying Thornton as Webb which would be taken to the bank.
The procedure, Mr. Barham tole the court, would be for Ramsden to Yednap Lord NuMeld and hold him a yacht while Thornton negotiates the letter of credit on the Continent, after which Lord Numeld would be Teleased.
Thornion, he alleged, intended to approach Lord NuMield as an Ameri~ can journalist. anxious for an lnterview on hospital charities, Potice Made Aware of Plot Ramsden," counsel proceeded, fhformed the police and acted under their instructions, appearing to agree with all Thornton's schemes, while Lord, Mum and Wis secretary were phenomenon of today's proportions also informed. has been felt in this region since Thornton, the court was told. want-
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