Mexborough & Swinton Times – Saturday 18 June 1904
“All a Delumeration.”
A Conisboro’ Man’s Offence
Albert Frost and Bill Morgan, miners, of Conisboro’ were summoned by Henry Fisher, jun., gamekeeper to Mr. F. J. O. Montagu, of Melton Park, with using a gun to kill game at Barnboro’ on the 5th inst.
Frost appeared and pleaded not guilty.
Mr. W. Baddiley, who prosecuted, in detailing the facts said that at four o’clock in the morning of the previous Sunday, when the complainant Fisher, who was accompanied by two other gamekeepers named Fred Fisher and Edwin Massey was on duty in the parish of Barnboro’, he saw the two defendants on the road, Frost having in his possession a gun.
The latter went into a seed field in the occupation of Mr. William Stables while Massey remained at the gate. Shortly afterwards the defendants appeared to have heard a pheasant get up and Frost, who was in the field, shot at it and killed it. Frost then took the pheasant to the gate and handed it to Morgan, and both then proceeded up the field.
The three keepers then came forward, when Morgan threw away the pheasant and the bag into which he had put it.
Defendants eventually went away, but the keepers made enquiries, which resulted in the men being traced. The pheasant and the bag were now in the possession of the keepers and would be produced in court.
Complainant, Fred Fisher, and Edwin Massey gave evidence, bearing out the statement of Mr. Baddiley.
Frost in reply to the Bench denied the charge, and suggested that someone in the locality had shot the pheasant and thrown it away.
Massey: I saw you shoot it.
Defendant: You never did. If I’m convicted this time, I’m convicted wrongly.
Continuing, he addressed the Bench at great length stating that it was a case of “delumeration.” (Laughter).
Addressing Frost, the Chairman said there is a long list against you.
Frost: Excuse me, gentlemen, I hope you are not going to try me on the previous convictions.
The Chairman: Oh no. You will have to pay £5 and the costs 17s., and Morgan 30s. including costs.