South Yorkshire Times – Saturday 1 March 1952
21 Months for Attack on Woman
Assize Sequel to Denaby Robbery
“Women who have for the purpose of their work to go about with money in their possession must be protected.” Mr. Justice Lynskey, at Leeds Assizes last Friday, told John Burns (29), labourer, of no fixed address, who had pleaded guilty to robbery with violence at Denaby. Burns was sent to prison for 21 months.
Mr. G. Norman Black, prosecuting, said Mrs. Mary Hutchinson, of Windhill Crescent, Mexborough, who was engaged in part-time work collecting for a friendly society, was attacked by Burns, who stole her handbag containing £11.
Mrs. Hutchinson was hit in the stomach, and she screamed for help but Burns got away with the bag. He gave himself up at a police station.
Mr. Black said it was clear from a statement he had made that Burns lay in wait for her.
For Burns, Mr. J. F. Pratt said the offence could not have been brought home to him apart from his own confession. He was out of work, had no place to sleep, and was short of money.