Mexborough & Swinton Times – Friday 16 September 1892
Aggravated Assault
John Blackburn was charged with committing an aggravated assault upon a girl named Bertha Picard, at Conisborough on the 5th inst.
Complainant, who is only about six years of age, give evidence, the nature of which is unfit for publication.
The assault took place at the house of Mrs Spinks, Burcroft, where prisoner lodged. Complainant also live there, having been adopted by Mrs Spinks. Mrs Cutts came in the house and caught the defendant in the act.
P.c. Truman, who apprehended prisoner on the following day, said he charged him with attempting to commit a rape upon a girl named Bertha Picard, at 8-45, the previous night and he replied, “No, not a rape.”
Defendant, the charges read over to him said, “I am clear as possible sir; I never did.”
The Chairman remarked that the bench were quite satisfied that the offence had been committed in the charge against prisoner was of the most serious nature.
He would have to go to Wakefield prison for six months hard labour