A Petty Charge

George Chatfield, pit lad, Denaby, was charged with stealing four hen’s eggs, the property of Matilda Cadman, at Mexborough, on July 18th, and George Heathcock and Walter Noble were charged with aiding and abetting.

The evidence given made it appear that the eggs had been laid in a nest in a hedge by the hens and the boys found them there. The boys picked them up, when a man shouted to them and they ran away, but did not take the eggs away with them.

Mr. Baddiley, who appeared for the defendants, said it could not be described as a case of theft in the ordinary sense of the word, as the eggs were never taken away, and the boys found them in the hedge at the first instance. He asked that the magistrates would consider the case one that might be met by payment of costs.

With this the Bench agreed, and the defendants were discharged on the payment of costs.