The Case Of Amy Bock (Press, 8 May 1909)

On 8 May 1909, Amy Rock appeared in a Dunedin court to plead guilty to charges of false pretences and making a false declaration related to her fraudulent marriage. Rock was accused of deceiving Miss Margaret Henderson out of £41 by fabricating a story about losing her valuables at the Nuggets while fishing. She claimed a large sum of money was lost when her pocketbook fell into the sea, and purported to need funds to hire a diver to recover it. Henderson, believing Rock’s story, lent her all the money she had, only to find out later that Rock had no intention of repaying the loan. Witnesses testified that Rock had posed as a man named P.C. Redwood while staying at a boarding house run by Mrs Butcher and had managed to maintain this charade for months. Rock had even gained the trust of George Ottaway, the father of her fiancée, by portraying herself as a wealthy individual. A marriage ceremony was conducted at Ottaway’s house on 21 April, where she had invited numerous guests. Further evidence revealed that Rock had misleadingly filled out marriage documentation on 8 March, claiming to be a bachelor, and had misrepresented her financial situation to various individuals to extract money from them. Detective Hunt, who arrested Rock, indicated that she had previously suggested her intention to plead guilty during questioning. In another instance, she approached a barrister named B.S.J. Irwin for a temporary loan of £10, alleging that she had lost it at sea and that her financial resources would soon be replenished. Irwin ultimately provided the loan but later discovered that Rock's claims were without merit. Despite the overwhelming evidence, Rock’s attorney expressed a desire to reserve her defence. However, she did demonstrate a degree of gratitude towards her lawyer and the public press for portraying her as a woman despite her actions. She acknowledged her wrongdoings and indicated a willingness to accept punishment. Rock was committed to the Supreme Court for sentencing on the charges of fraudulent behaviour, and although her lawyer sought bail, the magistrate declined on the grounds that it would not be in line with the Supreme Court's directives. Thus, Rock remained in custody pending her sentencing.

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