THE NEWS CHRONICLE

London, England

25 July 1934

(page 7)

LOST LETTERS FOUND IN COURT

ALEISTER CROWLEY ACCUSED

OF RECEIVING THEM

Edward Alexander (Aleister) Crowley, the author and explorer, pleaded not guilty at the Old Bailey yesterday to the charge of receiving letters alleged to have been stolen from Mrs. Betty Sedgwick, known as “Betty May,” a model.

Mr. Melford Stevenson (prosecuting) said it was alleged that Crowley received the letters between June 21, 1933, and April 10, 1934. He explained that in 1932 Crowley was plaintiff in a libel action brought against Messrs. Constable, the publishers, and Mrs. Sedgwick was a witness against him.

When she left Seymour-street, where she was living, she found that letters had been stolen from her attaché case. She did not see the letters again until last April. They were then produced in court by Crowley’s counsel.

“PART FABRICATION”

Mrs. Betty Sedgwick, who gave her address as Southill Park-gardens, Hampstead, gave evidence and, replying to Mr. C. Gallop (defending), said the book “Tiger Woman, My Story, by Betty May” was issued as her autobiography. Part was written from articles she had supplied.

The Judge: Some of it is true, then?—Yes.

Mr. Gallop” But a great deal of the book is utter fabrication?—A lot of it is.

And upon whom does responsibility for this fabrication rest?

There was no reply to this question.

A FRIEND

Mrs. Sedgwick said she was divorced.

Mr. Gallop: Who is Captain Eddie Cruze?—He was a friend of mine.

The Judge: Where is he now?—We cannot find him.

Mr. Gallop: Was he taking drugs?—He was taking something as a sleeping draught.

Mrs. Sedgwick denied that she let Captain Cruze have the letters as a security for money owing.

“THAT IS ALL PUFF”

Referring to a passage in the book, Mr. Gallop said: This book is supposed to be of your life, and it is of appalling depravity, whether it is true or false?

Mrs. Sedgwick: Well, that is all puff.

Detective-Sergeant Davidson said there was a summons against Cruze alleging the larceny of two envelopes, but it had not yet been served.

For the defence, George Mather, a merchant, of Cambridge-terrace, W., said he told Crowley that Captain Cruze had told him he was anxious that Crowley should have the use of the letters. Cruze told him he had been acting as Miss May’s agent.

The trial was adjourned until to-day.