CRIMINAL AS A DOCTOR

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2585, 20 August 1909, Page 7

CRIMINAL AS A DOCTOR

CHEATING THE CREDULOUS. REMARKABLE IMPOSITION. A most audicious caso of fraud and deception by a well-known criminal was brought to light at the Newtown Police Court, Sydney, a week ago. For some time past a notice has been exhibited in the window of a shop in King Street, bearing the following intimation TREE ADVdOJfi. “A retired army surgeon of over 40 years’ experience, who was a bachelor of medicine and master of siii;ge'ry at the University of Edinburgh, licentiate of the Royal College of Physicians] licentiate of the Royal College of Surgeons, and licentiate in midwifery, will give advice every evening from 7 until 9 p.m., and Thursdays from 2 till 9 p.m.”

Senior-conetable Develin was aware that a noted criminal named London Wyvil, who, it is alleged, had spent the greater part of 40 years in gaol for all kinds of offences, started practising as a doctor elsewhere some while back, and kept his name up until he was arrested iff connection with passing cheques. His suspicions were aroused, and he decided to investigate this “advice free” matter. He was not long in making the discovery that the place was frequented by Wyvil. Develin detailed Constable Williams to visit the shop, and be treated for some imaginary ailment. The bogus medical man received him most affably, and, as a result of the examination, told Hie patient:—“it will take a long time to cure you. I have had a great deal of practice in hospitals in treating people with the same complaint as you have. I was head doctor and surgeon in one of the largest hospitals in England for 14 years. I was doctor and surgeon in the British array for 35 years, and I have piactiesed in nearly every country in the world.” Ho then told Williams:-—“I’ll make up a prescription for you, but as 1 can get it cheaper than you I’ll go out and get it for you.” The supposed medicial expert left the premises, bringing back a bottle of medicine for which ho charged 2s for. A second visit was made by Williams for more medicine and advice. The constable said he was going lip country, and asked the. “doctor” to write his name so that he would know to -whom to send if he required more medicine. The request was complied with, “Dr. Wyvil” being the name given. This occurred on a Monday night, and a night later a surprise visit was paid to the “advice free” establishment by Senior-constable Develin and Constable Prior. It was ascertained that “the doctor” had a fair practice.. Y/yvil declared that he was not a duly qualified medical man, and that he was simply acting as locum tenons of the “army doctor,” but he admitted that he had been prescribing for patients. The officers made a search and found a considerable stock of hand bills and other advertising material, a stethescope, a considerable quantity of pills in boxes, as -well as bottles supposed to contain medicine. In a portfolio were found a number of standard prescriptions for various complaints. The arrest of the bogus doctor followed. London Wyvil, alias Doyle, _ alias Robert, alias Angus M'Leod, alias Dr. Stedman, alias Meyers or Thomas, alias Cook, alias Hayes, whose ago was given as 74, appeared at the Newtown Police Court to-day, charged with unlawfully practising as a legally qualified medical man. He pleaded guilty, and was fined £SO, or six months’ imprisonment with hard labor. On a further charge he was fined £2O or four months’ imprisonment with hard labor, the sentences to be cumulative. Wyvil went to gaol.