A Neighbours Feud

July 1896

Mexborough & Swinton Times July 17th 1896

A Neighbours Feud

John Rowland Adams, filler, Conisborough, was charged with using threats to Walter Teague at Conisborough on July 5th, and further with assaulting the complainant on July 8th.

There was a cross summons in which John Rowland Adams charged Walter Teague with assaulting him on July 8th.

Walter Teague said that he and the defendant Adams were concerned in a case at the court the week before, and when they got home the defendant said: ‘I’ve had to pay 15s., and I’ll knock it out of you.’

Complainant denied that he threatened to send the complainant to Wakefield and called his wife who, however, could only give hearsay evidence, and was ordered to leave the box.

The defendant, on the charge of threats, said the ‘case was only due to spite.

The charge of assault was then dealt with. The complainant said that Adams came to his house and began swearing at him, and then struck him several times. In reply to the defendant the complainant denied that he gave any provocation, and that his wife hit the defendant with a ‘peggy.’

Complainant’s wife was called and corroborated his evidence.

The cross summons was then gone into, and Adams stated that owing to his wife’s illness, he went to Adam’ house and asked him to let the charge of using threats stand over until his wife got better. Teague then seized him by the throat, and tore his collar and hit him several times. –

Mary Shuter, who was called by Adams, said she saw the assault take place. Teague got Adams on the ground, and punched him ‘scandalous.’ Then Mrs. Teague came out with the ‘peggy,’ and hit Adams on the head.

Mrs. walker said she saw Teague after the fight, his shirt collar was ripped and she appeared to have been trashed.

The bench passed the charge of using threats, and on the charge of assault said there was evident had feeling on both sides, and bound both parties over to keep the peace in their own recognizance of £5.