Mexborough & Swinton Times – Friday 3 August 1894
Theft of Strawberries
John Baker and Arthur Moody, errand boys, and William Walters, wood turner, all of Conisborough, were charged with stealing strawberries belonging to Katherine Francis at Conisborough on 11 July.
Police-sergeant Ambler stated that he passed the complainant’s garden and saw the defendants picking strawberries. The two boys were eating the fruit, while Walters was collecting strawberries in a handkerchief to carry away.
Walters claimed that they had permission to gather the strawberries, but the officer made enquiries and discovered that no permission had been given.
Katherine Francis confirmed that Walters had approximately a quart of strawberries in his handkerchief.
The Bench ordered Baker and Moody to be discharged on payment of 6s. 6d. costs each. The Chairman remarked that Walters was evidently to blame and imposed a fine of 10s. and costs, or 14 days’ imprisonment.