South Yorkshire Times and Mexborough & Swinton Times – Friday 25 May 1934
A Conisboro’ Nuisance
Persistent Beggar
“He is a source of continual trouble in the Conisboro’ district. He goes from shop to shop begging, and never tries to work. We have received many complaints about him,” said P.C. Ambler at Doncaster on Wednesday, when giving evidence against Albert Platt, hawker, of Conisboro’, who was charged with begging for alms.
The constable said at 8-15 p.m. on April 26th he watched Platt enter a number of shops in Conisboro’. He made no purchases, so witness asked a shop assistant what Platt had wanted. The reply was that he had begged for bread. Witness apprehended Platt, who for some time refused to give his name.
The Magistrates’ Clerk, to Platt: “How old are you?”
“That does not matter.”
“You are described as 46, but surely you are older than that?”
“Perhaps I am.”
“How are you living?”
“I do the best I can. I just dodge about.”
Inspector Wylde said the police had received “a terrible lot of complaints about begging” recently. Platt was a complete nuisance.
Platt, who has moustache, beard, and long hair, was sent to prison for a week.