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Cult man's paltry pocket money claim

Title: Cult man's paltry pocket money claim
Date: Wednesday, 6 April 1994
Publisher: East Grinstead Observer
Main source: link (708 KiB)

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A SOLICITOR defending a member of the cult Church of Scientology told Mid Sussex Magistrates his client received only £25 a week "pocket money".

Russell Owen, 29, of Stonelands, West Hoathly, admitted driving charges of having no insurance and no test certificate, after being stopped by police in September last year.

Jim Hinchliffe, defending, said Owen had been insured and had his car tested, but he could not now trace a friend of his who had the documents, and so must plead guilty.

£25 a week

Mr Hinchliffe said his client was a member of the Church of Scientology, and paid all his money to the controversial cult.

"He is given some £25 a week pocket money to spend as he pleases," said Mr Hinchliffe.

Owen was convicted of having no insurance or test certificate at an earlier hearing, but the court heard he had not received the summons.

Stipendiary Magistrate Paul Tain fined Owen £120 and put six penalty points on his licence for having no insurance, fined him £30 for having no test certificate, and ordered he pay £25 court costs.