Theft at Denaby Main

June 1906

Mexborough & Swinton Times June 2, 1906

Theft at Denaby Main

At Doncaster Court, Elizabeth Sullivan, 83 Bamburgh Street, Denaby, was charged with having stolen 13/6 from the person of John Rogers, collier, residing at 41, Doncaster Road, Denaby.

Prosecutor stated that on Saturday he was at his lodgings about 7 pm., and at that time he had 13/6 in his possession, the money being in his pocket. He lay down on the hearthrug and went to sleep, there being in the house the landlord and the landlady, fellow lodger, and another friend. He woke up between 8-30 and 8-45 and found no one in the house. Immediately after the lodger came in and made a communication to him and he examined his pockets and found the money had gone.

Later in the evening he went to prisoner’s house and said: “you’d better turn my money up. You’ve taken it, because a man called James saw you with your hand in my pocket.”

He told defendant that if she failed to find it he should hand her over to the police. Prisoner at first denied taking the money, but afterwards handed him one shilling and 11d, and said she would give him the remainder in the morning. Prisoner said he had 13s. 6d. In his pocket. Then he left her and gave information to the police he did not wish to press the case against her.

William James, collier, lodging with the last witness reported that he saw the prosecutor lie down and witness left the house at 8-35. When he left there was no one in the house. Superintendent Hickes put several questions to witness. The answers of which varied, and he was told to stand down and leavethe court.

Kate Gates, the landlady, deposed that on Saturday evening she saw the prosecutor with some money in his possession she did not know how much. He was drunk and he lay down on the hearthrug and went to sleep. When she left the house, accompanied by her husband, she left the prosecutor and James in the house. On returning from Mexborough she went with the prosecutor to prisoner’s house, where the conversation previously mentioned took place

PC Glitheroe disposed that from information received he apprehended the prisoner and charged her with the theft. She replied “it’s a lie. I’m as innocent as a child. I haven’t copper in the house. Katie sent her girl up to tell me to clear out of the police were coming for me.”

Prisoner pleaded not guilty. She said that on Saturday evening she went down to the house about 7-30, and the prosecutor was seated in a chair. He asked her to fetch beer, and she did so. He gave her 2/6, and she gave him 2s change.

Prisoner was bound over to come up for judgement when called upon during the ensuring six months.