Mexborough & Swinton Times – Friday 01 September 1893
Assault at Conisborough.—Singular Proceedings.
Enoch Davies, pit sinker, Conisborough, was charged with having assaulted Wm. By. Green and Elizabeth Green, his wife, on the 18th August. Mr. Hall appeared for the complainants and Mr. Baddiley defended.
The complainant, a glassblower, said on the day in question he was in the Castle Inn. When he came out he saw Davies. Witness had a lodger at his house named Booth, and Davies said he wanted to see him. That was about five minutes to ten o’clock. He told him Booth was inside and that he could see him when he came out. When Booth came out Davies did not appear to see him, and witness said “There’s Booth, why don’t you speak to him?” There had been a quarrel between Davies and Booth about some apples being given to a little girl. Witness did not interfere between the parties and all walked on together in the direction of his house. On the way there Booth and Davies had words. Booth said if he had done wrong in giving the apples he would not do it again.
When Booth had got into the house Davies said he would fetch him out, using a bad word, but witness said “This is my house; you won’t go there.” Witness’s wife was at the door, and although she was enceinte, the defendant deliberately struck her, knocking her down and rendering her unconscious. Defendant also struck him in the face and in the body, and he had to defend himself. Several persons came up. His wife was ill for some time.
Cross-examined: We had been good friends. I did not know the friends of the defendant had been to the police about the matter. The quarrel was not with me at all.
Elizabeth Green said she was at the door when the disturbance occurred. Davies struck her across the temple. She did not remember any more. He was near her confinement.
Cross-examined: I did not hear what took place between my husband and the defendant; my husband did not push him.
By Mr. Hall: Davies struck me on the side of the head and I knocked me down.
The Chairman: He struck you without provocation?
Witness: Yes, sir.
Agnes Harrop said she heard the defendant say he would fetch all the lot out of the house. Mrs. Green had spoken to no one when she was assaulted. It was half-an-hour before she “came round.” Vinegar and brandy was used. She also saw the defendant push at Mr. Green.
Mr. Baddiley, for the defence, said his evidence would be a complete denial of the statements of Mr. and Mrs. Green and Mrs. Harrop as to the assault. The man Booth had been remonstrated with about his conduct in reference to a young girl. There was no reason for any quarrel with the Greens. His client had never been in a court before. The man Booth had left the village and had gone to a colliery district near Leeds, or he would have been summoned.
Richard Alfred Tillman, deputy at the new Cadeby Colliery, then gave evidence for the defence to the effect that Davies was not to blame.
Mr. Hall: Had you been at the public-house that night?
Witness: Yes.
And you have been at one to-day?
Yes. (Laughter.)
Did you back him to fight for £100?
I didn’t say so. I said “If you want to fight Davies can lick you for £1.” (Laughter.)
Elizabeth Tillman, wife of the last witness, was also called. She said Green took Davies by the neck and struck him in the eye and said “I will fight you and anyone belonging to you.” Mrs. Green took hold of her husband and then fell. When told about it Green said “You must look after her; I can’t help it.” The defendant went away quietly.
Mr. Hall: He was as quiet as possible?
He was as quiet as a lamb. (Laughter.)
Was you quiet?
Yes, I was. (Laughter.)
Ellen Liversidge, being called, also denied the assault, and said, in answer to Mr. Baines, that the woman was under the influence of excitement.
Cross-examined, the witness said Mrs. Green was not carried into the house, as had been stated by one of the witnesses. She walked in with some one, who was holding her shoulder. She looked ill. The defendant had not the chance to strike anyone.
Mr. Baddiley: And you have no interest in this matter?
Witness: No.
This concluded the case. The Chairman said the case of assaulting the man Green would be dismissed, but the assault on Mrs. Green was most cowardly, especially considering the state she was in, and the penalty would be 40s., including costs.