Father Censured

Two young women, sisters, married, name Patience Pearson and Isabella Kendall, of Denaby, were charged with stealing three jerseys, blouse etc from Lucius stores, High Street, Mexborough, the previous afternoon.

Dorothy Annie Cowling, of More Top, Ackworth, the manageress of the shop, said she saw the prisoners in the shop, and from something said by another assistant she instructed her to follow them and see where they went. She herself give information to the police. She identified the articles produce, which were valued at 10s 10 ½d.

Mrs Pearson denied the charge, but Mrs Kendall admitted she took the goods.

An assistant in the shop said at 5 o’clock the previous afternoon she saw the two prisoners there, and asked them if you could show them anything. They then said they were just looking round. She kept then under observation, and suddenly she saw Kendall hurry out with something under her shawl. She followed them.

PC Ward said he apprehended the prisoners at 5 Sarah Street, where they were along with a lot more women. On the way to the police station Pearson threw a blouse over a wall. It was recovered by PC Mowbray.

When charged Kendall replied “I am sorry, I admit it.” Pearson reply, “Well if you’re going to admit it, I shall. It is the first time I’ve done anything like this.” They were both under the influence of drink.

Pearson denied through the blouse away. Mrs Kendall, she said, threw it over the wall.

PC Mowbray corroborated.

Both prisoners now pleaded guilty. Kendall saying that their father and just come successfully through an operation, and they bought some liquors. It was the first time she had had any, and the first time she had stolen anything.

Mrs Pearson said her husband was in the army.

Superintendent Minty said the facts disclosed a very disgraceful state of affairs. It was a fact that this was a result of a drinking bout, and the father of the two young women was responsible. He was informed that he had been with them at some house in Mexborough, and before closing time in the afternoon sent for two bottles of Rum, which were consumed by the parties. These two women, whilst under the influence of drink, committed this crime.

The father was called into court.

The Chairman: We are informed that you are responsible for the trouble. Were you drinking together? – Yes

it is a very serious matter. I hope you realise that. If it had not been for excessive drinking these young women would not probably got into trouble. Your influence over them has not been good.

The father: I never “ticed” them into drinking.

All they are accustomed to indulge to excess in drink? – No sir.

Don’t you think it is a disgraceful saying. We should have thought that your natural affection for your own daughters would have protected them. It is most disgraceful.

In ordering the defendants to pay the costs and to be bound over, the Chairman said they considered the father was largely responsible for their position.