Penistone, Stocksbridge and Hoyland Express – Saturday 12 August 1911
Denaby Man’s Misfortune
A Severe Sentence.
With tears rolling down his cheeks, George Davies, miner, Denaby, appeared to answer a charge of deserting his wife and family.
Mr Frank R Stevens prosecuted on behalf of the Doncaster Board of Guardians.
Mr Stephen said stated that the defendant deserting his wife, Florence Davies, and her four children of February 6, 1911. They were admitted to the Workout of February 9 and discharged in July 8. The cost of their upkeep during that time was £30. The defendant had previously deserting his wife, but his family never been before in the workout. The ages of the children ranged from 1 to 10 years.
Defendant said he had been out of work 17 weeks, and was still out of work. He had tried all round the district, no employer would have been because he had the misfortune to lose one of his eyes.
In answer to the Chairman, defendant said he had never received compensation. His injury was done by a pint pot, which was thrown at him by a woman. At the time of the accident he was off work 39 weeks. The last place he worked at was Wath Colliery; he left there nine months ago. Defendant had worked in coal mines all his life.
In answer to a question by the Chairman, Mr Stephen said the Guardians wished to press the charge, as the prisoner had previously deserted his wife. He (Mr Stevens) could not bring the wife because he did not know where she was.
The Chairman said the defendant had made himself liable to 3 months imprisonment; he would have to do a month’s hard labour.