This week 60 years ago: New father hauled before magistrate for not putting money in Hackney telephone kiosk

A new father was found guilty of making a phone call to Hackney Hospital where his wife had just had a baby, without putting any money into the telephone kiosk.

Alan Hughes, 24, unemployed of Moresby Road, Upper Clapton, was brought before the north London magistrate Seymour Collins where he pleaded guilty to fraudulently using electricity at the phone box in Lower Clapton Road.

Investigating officer Pc Arthur Johnson said the call the defendant had made was checked to special equipment. He went to the kiosk and told the defendant it was believed he had made a fraudulent phone call, as no money had been inserted into the coin box. The defendant admitted the offence.

“Has he told you how he learned the trick?” asked the magistrate.

“He said it was passed onto him,” said Pc Johnson.

Hughes said after he had paid for a first call he was cut off. he tried to get the operator but she must have been busy. Then he panicked a bit and tapped the number. At the time he did not realise the seriousness of it.

He was granted a conditional discharge and ordered to pay costs.