An Unruly Railway Passenger at Conisborough Station

Mexborough and Swinton Times May 24, 1895

An Unruly Railway Passenger at Conisborough Station

Frederick Richardson, dataller, of Conisborough, was introduced the court as a delinquent under the primaeval offence of drunk and disorderly, the event in question are occurring at the Conisborough station on 12 May.

Defendant pleaded not guilty.

William Carter, a porter in the employ of the M.S.and L. Railway Company stated that being on duty on Sunday night at the station at 9:45 PM he came across the defendant on the platform. He was turbulent Lee drunk. Witness asked him for his ticket which he refused to tender. He also refused to pay his fare, and threatened the witness, being very abusive.

Witness then sent for the police, and as defendant was going up the station steps he used more threats towards the police.

Defendant: Didn’t I offer my ticket before the police came?

Witness: No

Sgt ambler stated that had been sent for to the station by last witness he found the defendant along with two other kindred spirits, in a quarrelsome state of drink and using bad language.

Defendant: Why did you lot me up when you lot that other fellow?

Witness: Because you’re given your ticket up.

Defendant was fined 20 shillings including costs or seven days.

Mexborough and Swinton Times’s May 24, 1895

An Ornament of the “Bar at Conisborough”

Julie Thompson, shoemaker, of Conisborough was charged with being drunk and disorderly at that place on 11 May.

PC Truman stated that on the Saturday night in question he was on duty in Conisborough. He there saw the defendant Thompson, and another “pal.” Then evidently both been indulging of the flowing bowl and were jovially drunk. They were also giving free play to their lungs in “cusses.” Witness speaking to them, defendant said “it’s all right, let me alone.” (Laughter)

When they got near the station Thompson again commenced to curse in an obstreperous way, and soon after was a centre of public attention through falling down and wallowing.

Defendant explained to the chairman that he wanted justice done to him, and designed it to other constables, excited tone, to leave the court while the conducted is inquisitorial cross examination. He then adjust the spectacles, and after referring to his “brief,” commenced to ask questions.

Defendant: When did you first see me?

Witness: on the road – defendant (solemnly): on your oath? Oh yes. (Laughter)

What time is it? – Half past 10 in the evening.

What was I doing then? – Oh, swearing a little.

What is your “little,” if you please sir?

Oh damning etc (laughter)

And then? – You are lying down in the middle-of-the-road

You did not knock me down? No (laughter)

Defendant (disgusted) Nothing more to say then

Sgt ambler was on duty on the Denaby road on the date in question, together with the last witness. Hearing a noise event in that direction found defendant face upwards in the middle-of-the-road, swearing valiantly.

Defendant: Was I not down? No – you weren’t there (laughter)

Did you pick me up? No, but someone else did

Well, there were enough PCs (laughter) there was a big crowd. Did you turn your lantern on?

Snow – police Constable Jarvis was quite 500 yards away and had the defendant swearing

Defendant (Crossley): Oh I say let’s have a bit of truth if you please. (laughter) Why that PC knocked the wind out of me (laughter) why didn’t you lock me up?

Another man did.

And you allowed another man to do wrong?

Defendant here entered the witness box and during a lengthy explanation said that he on the occasion which the policeman had taken umbridge to, had gone home to his lodgings and found the door locked. He therefore sat down trustingly on the doorstep to wait means of egress. While doing so he saw a policeman come round the corner, and before the witness could move the policeman knocked the wind out of him. Just because they were pressing after somebody else why they must nab him.

He eventually gave himself away however by apologetically admitting that he had only had one pint that night.

Fined 10 shillings and costs or 14 days.

Christopher Chappell, glasshand, Conisborough was fined five shillings for a similar offence.