Alleged Big -Fuel Swindle Uncovered A N alleged swindle in
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the supply of fuel was uncovered at Grantham Guildhall last week, when details were given of 21 charges of conspiracy, false pretences and attempted false .pretences upon Fina .Petroleum Products, Ltd., and lorry drivers from many parts of
the country. .•
Four Grantham men were stated to have been operating a large-scale swindle 'likelyto have " put every honest petrol' filling station owner out of business." Over 30 Witnesses.gave.evidence.
After a two-day -hearing, the accused men, Anthony George .Wakley, 62 Westgate, Grantham, and his brother, Philip. Edward Wakley, .28. Rutland . Street, Grantham,. directors of a filling station . and cafe known as "Tony's Place," Spitalgate Level, Grantham, and two of their employees. Arthur Reginald Parkes, • Bluegate. Granthatn, • and Raymond Cyril Massey," Castlegate, Grantham,. were committed for -trial at Grantham Quarter Sessions.
A charge of alleged false pretences against the Wakley brothers was dismissed because of lack of evidence. All four men were allowed bail.
The prosecution stated that the case had ramifications throughout the country. Drivers were iaid to have received 2s. for each gallon of oil fuel booked to them but not supplied, and 2s. 6d. for each gallon of petr91. The brothers therefore had a surplus which they sold later elsewhere at cut prices:
It was also alleged that inflated delivery notes were sent to the Fina concern and the. owners of various lorries, so that the brothers obtained credit notes accordingly. One day, Parkes was said to have supplied 15 gallons of fuel to a driver who had no lorry and was not employed by' the company whose name he gave. The company, had, in fact, sold the lorry which was claimed to have been fuelled NO SPECIAL A .LICENCE A CCORDING to the current issue of fTh Applications and Decisions for the North Western Traffic Area, Mr. E. Crabtree. Deanstones Lane, Queensbury, near Bradford, has been refused a special A licence for a lorry (31 tons) based in Rawtenstail. Mr. .Crabtree has been buying and selling ex-British Road Services' vehicles for a year. 113