On this day in Yorkshire

February 13, 1951

After giving evidence in a case Leeds yesterday, the stage and screen actor George Formby hurried by taxi-cab to Yeadon Airport, where caught a ‘plane for Belfast, where he is appearing.

He arrived there at about 4pm, in good time for his evening performance.

The Leeds case was one in which William Milne Rennie (49), motor dealer, Linton Road. Wetherby, was committed for trial at the West Riding Assizes in Leeds on charges of false pretences, fraudulent conversion. attempting to steal a motor car and stealing a motor car. He reserved his defence and was allowed bail.

It was alleged that Rennie, who is the brother of the film actor Michael Rennie, allowed a Leeds shop to believe he was acting as agent or manager for Mr Formby, and bought a wireless set there for which he was alleged to have said Mr Formby would send a cheque.

The other alleged offences, it was stated, concerned motor cars.

Mr Formby, in evidence, said he had never given authority to anything on his account or on his behalf.