Unlawful Wounding at New Conisborough

Frances Walton, married woman, living at Edlington Street, New Conisborough, was brought up on remand charges of unlawfully wounding Julia Grant (Married), New Conisborough.

Mr W Baddily appeared for the defence.

Complainant, whose head was bandaged, stated that on Monday night she saw defendant near Strafford Terrace between seven and 8 o’clock. Arriving at the end of Sprotborough Street the defendant saluted her with the expression,, “You – – – Irish Cow,” following up the remark with a blow on the side of the head.

Complainant was evidently determined not to take the affront lying down, and blows were exchanged. The masculine element intervening, the parties were separated for the time. Witness then return to her own home soon to and subsequently seated herself on the doorstep – probably to enjoy the cool of the evening.

Defendant, it appeared, had again come upon the scene, and had repeated a certain offensive expression, which Mrs Grant required her to prove. Possibly, with this object, in view, defendant had returned to her home, and had brought from thence a poker, with which she dealt witness two heavy blows on the head, rendering her unconscious, and necessitating medical attention.

This statement was corroborated by James Grant, husband of the previous witness and Michael Ford, both miners of New Conisborough.

Dr Thomas Sanders, of New Conisborough, stated that when his assistance was called in the wound was healing over. He had examined the head, but had found no fractured bone.

PC Cousins stated that when arrested, prisoner had said, “I struck her in self defence.”

For the defence it was urged that the prisoner had received a great amount of provocation, and that in the course of mutual recrimination much bad language had been addressed by plaintiff to prisoner, who had exhibited a certain amount of self restraint, expressing desire to have nothing to do with complainant and various witnesses were called to prove Mr Baddily’s contention.

Having regard to the circumstances magistrates reduce the charge to one of common assault and defendant was fined £3.