Embezzlement by Servant

October 1885

Mexborough and South Yorkshire Times October 23, 1885

Embezzlement by Servant

Thomas Cooper, labourer, Conisborough, was brought up in custody charged with having, on the 14th, embezzled the sum of 6s 3d, the property of his employer Mr Bosdin James Clarkson, confectioner, Conisborough.

Prosecutor stated that the prisoner had been in his employment as a labourer since last March. He had allowed him to sell hay and straw on his behalf, and when prisoner sold any it was his duty to hand the money over to prosecutor forthwith.

Prisoner did not pay prosecutor any money on Wednesday, the 14th. Witness met the prisoner on the evening of the 14th and asked him what he had got and he replied “I have got six stones for Mr Haigh.”

About 4 o’clock in the afternoon of the following day witness asked prisoner if Mr Haigh had paid witness, which he replied “yes” and gave witness 5s. Witness said six stones at 7½d , will be 3s 9d. On which prisoner said “yes” and asked him for 1s 3d change, which witness gave him.

George Haigh, greengrocer, Conisborough, said on the 14th, he purchased eight stones of clover five as per cwt. for which he paid the prisoner on the morning of the 15th.

In answer to the bench, witness said he paid the prisoner, on the Wednesday night 5s for what he had before, and at the same time told prisoner to take him another truss.

Prisoner took the truss the same night, for which witness paid him on the Thursday morning.

Sgt Noble stated that at 8:30 on Friday night he apprehended the prisoner, and in reply to the charge he said, “ I ought to have given my master the money.”

Prisoner, in answer to the bench, pleaded guilty, but said he was just about to hand over the money at the time he was apprehended. He never intended to steal it.

The magistrates imposed a penalty of 40 shillings and costs, or in default one months imprisonment.