Sequel to the Denaby Strike

The Melee in a Doncaster Inn

Union Officials Fined

At Doncaster yesterday morning, the disturbances which took place at the Three Cranes Inn, on the night of Saturday, the 21st ult., between Denaby strike hands and the so-called “blacklegs,” was investigated at length. The defendants were Philip Humphries, chairman of the Cadeby Branch of the Union, and James Casey, the treasurer, and both were charged with inflicting grievous bodily harm, and also with assaulting Thomas Burns. They were also charged with assaulting Charles Littler and David Smith, and there was a summons against Humphries for assaulting Henry Kelsall. He was further charged with committing wilful damage.

The charges of inflicting grievous bodily harm were withdrawn, and the assault summonses were proceeded with.

Mr. Gichard, of Rotherham, appeared for the prosecution, and Mr. Muir Wilson, of Sheffield, for the defendants.

Mr. Gichard, who prosecuted, explained that on the Saturday night Burns and some friends were in the Three Cranes, and Casey commenced to talk to Burns about having gone to work. Burns was disinclined to talk, whereupon Casey became abusive, and among other things called him a “blackleg.” Casey afterwards left the room with his mates, saying, “Come here, don’t stay with those Staffordshire —. They are no class, and only ‘blacklegs.’”

Shortly afterwards Casey and his friends conversed together, and two of the party left the house, to return in a few minutes with 20 men. They were taken to Casey, who said, “Now, lads, now or never. Up, Guards, and at them.” The whole of the men proceeded to Burns and his seven friends, and Casey gave the former a black eye.

The band then made an organised attack on the others, Humphries using a poker freely. Blows were showered on Burns and his friends, glasses and other things were thrown at them, and much damage was done. Seven of the men managed to escape from the house, and Burns, who was left, was further ill-treated. He was knocked down, and whilst on the floor Casey kicked him. Humphries then struck him on various parts of the body with the poker, but on Casey saying, “Come away, he’s just about dead,” he desisted.

He returned, however, and striking Burns across the loins with the poker, said he would “kill the scoundrel.” Burns was confined to his bed for several days, and had been unable to work since. Evidence was called in support of this statement.

In defence, Mr. Muir Wilson denied that the case had anything to do with the Denaby strike, or that Humphries either had a poker or used one. Both defendants were called, and gave evidence on oath.

Casey denied that anybody said, “Up Guards and at them.” Humphries said that when he got to the Three Cranes there was a riot going on. He never saw Casey. He was stopped and knocked down and dazed. He did not retaliate or hit any one. He jumped over the counter because he did not want to be mixed up with the case. He had lost his hat, and thought the police might pitch upon him.

Edward Jackson, collier, and Zechariah Aston, John Kirby, John Sawyer, Isaac Darrycourt, and Patrick Prendergast also spoke for the defence.

The Mayor said they were of opinion that Humphries had committed an assault in four cases. For the assault on Thomas Burns he would be fined £5, including costs, or one month, and in each of the other three cases 40s., including costs, or 14 days to prison, the sentences to follow each other.

In Casey’s case a fine of £3, including costs, was imposed, or one month to prison.

Mr. Wilson asked that the payment of the fines should be held over for seven days, in order to consider the question of appeal.

In the charges of malicious damage, Mr. Andrews agreed to withdraw the case on payment of the damage.