A SERIOUS CHARGE.—At the magistrates’ clerk’s office at Petersfield, on Thursday, a painful and melancholy  circumstance occurred. Mr. Wardroper, for many years in practice as a solicitor, of Midhurst, Sussex, was brought up from the police-station, in which he was incarcerated on the previous day, on the charge of fraud and embezzlement to some considerable extent. A pro forma examination took place, after which the prisoner was remanded by the Hon. J. J. Carnegie, the presiding magistrate, to a future day. The prisoner will remain in custody at the Petersfield police-station until the necessary evidence confirming the charges can be completed.—Hampshire Independent.


Hampshire Independent - Saturday 26 November 1859

     PETERSFIELD.]—CRIME IN HIGH LIFE.—We are unable to give a detailed account of the exact defalcations of Mr. Wardroper, of Midhurst, who surrendered himself to the police authorities, at the Petersfield station, on the 15th inst. When brought before the Hon. J. J. Carnegie, on Thursday, the prisoner was remanded on his own admission of embezzlement and forgery, &c., &c., on the London and County Banking Company, and others to a considerable extent, the amount of which is not yet known. The prisoner is now lodged in Winchester Gaol, waiting a further examination on Friday, the 25th inst., at Petersfield. This painful affair has caused a deal anxiety in the neighbourhood, in consequence of his high position as a professional gentleman, practising for many years in the borough of Midhurst, where he was always looked upon as an individual of the strictest confidence and honour.


(See also
07-Dec-1859
26-Nov-1859)