Sheffield Telegraph March 2, 1916

“They can’t hang me for it.”
Woman imprisoned for theft

A woman named Bertha Edwards, who said she was married and belonged to Sheffield, was charged at the Doncaster West Riding Court today with stealing a number of articles, including a 9 carat gold ring: worse 15 shilling, belonging to Amelia Lawson, single, 45, Adwick Street, Denaby.

She met the defendant on February 23 at Mexborough, and prisoner asked her to find a lodging. She had a baby of 11 months in her arms and thinking she wanted a home Lawson took her home and got her parents to take her in.

On Wednesday week the prisoner left without saying anything, and on prosecutrix examiner box you miss 1s 3d in money, two blouses, three aprons, a sheet and a ring

On 18 February prisoner pawned a number of articles at a pawn shop for 4s 6d, given her address at Clifton Street Denaby. Police Constable Sheedy, who apprehended her at Edlington on Wednesday, found 14 pawn ticket and, including one related to some of the stolen property. She had the ring in her possession.

In reply to the officer she said, “I know I have done wrong, but they can’t hang me for the.” She had a shawl which prisoner’s she said was lent to her to cover the baby.

Prisoner told the Bench that six years ago she married a sailor, she had not seen him since. She is 24 years of age.

Superintendent Minty said there was three charges against prisoner in Sheffield, which she would be dealt with later. In August 18, 1914, she was charged in Sheffield for stealing clothes and placed under a probation officer 12 months, and on March 5 last year there were 3 charges against her, and she receuived three months hard labour.

The Chairman said that this was a bad one.

Prisoner: It is only in the last two years.

The Chairman: we shall have to send you to prison for one month