Theft of a Purse at Conisbro’

December 1900

Mexborough & Swinton Times – December 21, 1900

Theft of a Purse at Conisbro’

Anna Ford, aged 14 years, living with her married brother at 16, Firbeck street, New Conisbro’ was charged with having stolen a purse containing money, the, property of Martha Saul, a widow, Doncaster Road, Conisbro’.

The prosecutrix stated that about 4 p.m. on Friday, the 30th Nov., the prisoner called at her home. She was hawking herrings, and the prosecutrix bought three pennyworth, after laying her purse on the table. The purse contained half a sovereign, half a crown, threepence in copper and two penny postage stamps.

She turned her back on the prisoner to do some housework, and at the same time told the prisoner that she did not want anything more that day. On the previous occasion she had allowed the prisoner to shelter in the house during the rain. About half an hour after prisoner left she wanted her purse, and then found that it was gone.

On Sunday, the ninth inst., the prisoner, accompanied by a man and two women, came to her house, and one of the women produced a purse, containing all the money, except for the threepence in coppers. As she had previously given information to the police, she again reported the matter.

Police constable Duffin said he received a complaint from the last witness, and after making inquiries as to the whereabouts of the prisoner, was successful on Sunday the 9th and found that she lived at 16 Firbeck Street. He went to the house at 5:15 p.m. and saw her there. In answer to his questions the prisoner denied having had the purse and said she knew nothing about it. About 7:30 p.m. the same day the prosecutrix again came for him and showed him the purse. He arrested the prisoner and took her to Mexborough police station, where he charged her. She replied “I am very sorry: I will not do it again.”

At this stage the prisoner began to weep, and when formally charged pleaded guilty.

She was bound over under the first offenders act to come up for judgement when called upon.