Alleged Assault

Henry Croft, miner, Conisborough, was charged with assaulting Mark Thompson, miner, Conisborough, on July 8th.

He pleaded not guilty.

The complainant said that on the night of the 8th he came home with his wife. When he got to his door the defendant, who lived in the same street, called him. Witness went to him, and defendant complained about his child having been struck by witness’s daughter. Complainant promised to chastise the girl if he caught her interfering with the defendant’s children, and the defendant then said: “If you don’t chastise her I will and all those who take her part,” at the same time striking witness on the face with his fist. He struck him a second time before witness could get away and go into his own home.

James Sutherland and John West corroborated.

The defendant denied the assault, and said that the complainant threatened him, and he only just pushed him away.

Mrs. Higgins and Mrs. Annie Butler swore that no assault as described by the complainant was committed, and in the end the bench dismissed the case.