Brutal Denaby Housekeeper.

At Doncaster, Saturday, Ellen Harding, housekeeper. Denaby, was summoned by Inspector Dolan. N.S.P.C.C., for cruelty to a child.

Mr. Baddiley prosecuted. Sydney Yokes (14), the child in question, said that whilst getting breakfast on the morning the he noticed piece of paper lying on the table, and picking it up defendant said, “Put it down, you —–.” He said nothing, but she struck him between the eyes, and knocked the cup of tea which he was drinking out of his hands. She then knocked him against the wall, hit him on the arm, scratched him on the face, after which, she told him go out of the house.

He did so, and she threw his breakfast after him, remarking that she would kill him. He was covered with blood, and had to seek shelter in a neighbour’s house.

Samuel Yokes, the father, and who was present all the time, said the boy gave her no provocation.

Defendant was committed to prison for one month.

Sheffield Daily Telegraph – Monday 26 July 1909

A Denaby Virago

Housekeeper’s Assault on a Boy.

At Doncaster West Riding Court on Saturday Ellen Harding, housekeeper, Denaby pleaded guilty to charge of cruelty to John Sidney Oates, aged 14.

The case was brought the N.S.P.C.C., and Mr Baddiley prosecuted.

It was stated the boy that on the 15th July was living with his father in Annerley Street defendant being the housekeeper, and at half-past five in the morning, whilst getting his breakfast, he picked up a butcher’s account, thinking it was a scrap of paper.

Defendant said “Put it down,” and as did not do she struck him between the eyes. He had a cup of tea which she dashed out of his hands, and she continued to strike him and scratch him in the face. She ordered him out of the house and threatened kill him. He was covered with blood. He went to a neighbour s house.

His father was present, and stated that when he interfered defendant had “a go” at him.

Evidence was given of the injuries to the boy, and defendant was committed prison for one month