Source:  The Essex Chronicle, 8, 707 7d
Date:  31 July 1931
Place: Romford

THREE MEN AND TWO GIRLS

ASSAULT CHARGE WITHDRAWN

At Romford on Friday (24 July 1931), Alfred Henry Pluckrose, Joseph Thomas Tootill, costermongers, and John Johnson, labourer, all of Armagh Road, Bow, were charged with improperly assaulting Molly O’Neil and Edna O’Neil, step-sisters, giving an address in Burgess Road, Stratford.

Supt. Knights said the two girls spent the day at Epping Forest, and in the evening set out to walk home. After proceeding a little way they were overtaken by a motor car in which the three accused were riding. The men invited the girls to have a ride home. They got in and the car moved off. It stopped at one or two public-houses, where the men had drinks, and brought out drinks to the girls. Each time the journey was resumed it was alleged that the men attempted to interfere with the girls. Eventually the car passed through Romford and one of the girls landed in the road. Later she alleged that she was pushed out of the car. The other girl, left alone with the three men, became frightened and put her arm through one of the windows. This, and the sight of a girl lying in the road, attracted the attention of a pedestrian, who took the number of the car and telephoned for the police. The car was stopped at Forest Gate, where the accused were arrested and identified by the girls, who had since received treatment in hospital.

Accused were remanded on bail until yesterday, when the three men surrendered to their bail, but when the names of Edna and Molly O’Neil were called there was no answer.

Supt. Knights said these girls were the witnesses. When the case was first brought to his notice they gave an address, and were warned to appear on the following morning to identify the men. This they did. Although he had warned the girls to appear that day (Thursday), he asked the Metropolitan Police on Wednesday to direct them to attend. On going to the address given, however, the Metropolitan Police found that the girls were unknown there. The police had since made extensive inquiries, but had failed to find them. In these circumstances, he would have to withdraw the charge, and would not offer any evidence against the defendants.

The accused were discharged.

This is probably the Alfred H Pluckrose whose birth was registed in the Mile End registration district in Q1 1911.
If so, this is PL412 in Tree 1006.