Mexborough & Swinton Times – Saturday 20 February 1904
A Complicated Affair
Geo. Gleadhall, labourer, Fred Gleadhall, carter, and Tom Benrose, labourer, all of Conisboro’, were accused of having obstructed the highway by fighting thereon at that place on the 7th inst.
They were further charged with having assaulted Thomas Clark, whilst there was a cross-summons issued at the instance of Fred Gleadhall, charging Clark and Chas. Lindell, labourers, Conisboro’, with having assaulted him, both offences taking place on the date in question.
The cases were heard separately, and Mr. Allen, who defended Coe and Gleadhall, asked the magistrates to reserve their decision until they had heard the whole of the evidence.
This request was acceded to.
In the obstruction case, P.C. Duffin stated that at 4.15 p.m. on the date in question he was called from his station in consequence of a disturbance which was going on in Sheffield Road. Witness went in that direction, and opposite the brickworks he saw the defendants fighting and kicking each other. There were a number of people about, and the highway and footpath were obstructed. When witness approached he saw Coe and Gleadhall attacking a man named Clark. Benrose was present, and on seeing witness the three defendants made off. Witness followed them, and told them they would be reported.
Cross-examined by Mr. Allen: Clark was bleeding. I saw the defendants on the ground, and they were kicking Clark.
Chas. Lindell and Thos. Clarke gave corroborative evidence.
The assaults complained of, which consisted chiefly of kicking, were alleged to have taken place during the fight.
A number of witnesses were called on each side, and the Bench considered the evidence in the assault cases so conflicting that there could be no conviction.
The defendants in the obstruction case were each fined 5s. and costs 8s.