Sowler v Potter and Others On 12 May 1938, the defendant, whose name was then Ann Robinson, was convicted of permitting disorderly conduct in a tea-room. On 4 July, by deed poll, she assumed the name of Ann Potter. However, on 16 June 1938, she had written to the plaintiff’s agent under the name of Ann Potter, offering to take a lease of certain premises belonging to the plaintiff, and on 4 August 1938, the plaintiff purported to lease these premises to the defendant for use as a restaurant or tea-room.