Damaging Growing Grass At Conisboro’

William Dalton, James Rodgers Thomas, and William Waterfield, datallers, of Conisboro’, were summoned by John Norwood for damaging grass at Conisboro’ on the 29th May.

Mr. Baddiley prosecuted and stated that it appeared that on the date in question, late at night, the defendants were seen going to their work, but instead of them keeping to the proper footpath they proceeded across a field belonging to Mr. John Norwood. Notice boards warning trespassers were fixed all round the field. A great deal of damage had been done to growing grass in Conisboro’, and it was the desire of the owners to put a stop to it.

P.c. Dufin said on Friday, the 29th May, at 9.15 in the evening, he was on duty at North Cliff Hills on a footpath, when he saw the three defendants come across Mr. Clarkson’s field, and then across Mr. Norwood’s field. They were walking in the grass. A great deal of damage had been done. It was a short cut to their work.

Mr. John Norwood, the complainant, estimated the damage done at 1s. each.

The defendants, who said they walked up the hedge-side and not on the grass, were each ordered to pay £6 and the costs 5s. 6d., and the damage 1s.