Mexborough and Swinton Times September 28, 1928
Alleged Neglect Of Children
Conisboro Miner Sent for Trial
A summons for wife desertion, brought by Elizabeth Hinchcliffe, of Conisborough, against her husband, John Hinchcliffe, miner, was amended to one of having neglected his six children in a manner likely to cause them unnecessary suffering, at Doncaster on Saturday.
Mrs. Hinchcliffe said they had six children, the eldest being eight years’ old. In consequence of her husband’s conduct towards her, he was turned out of the house where they occupied rooms. He had threatened her on several occasions and had done nothing to maintain the family. He drew relief from the Guardians and was on the “dole.” When an inspector of the N.S.P.C.C. called at the house she and the children I were outside.
After hearing the case the magistrates amended the summons to one of neglecting the children, and Hinchcliffe pleaded “not guilty,” saying he had tried to get work.
It was stated that he was sent to prison for six months with hard labour in 1996, on a similar charge, and the Clerk (Mr. E. W. Pettifer) told him he was utterly unfit to have children.
The Chairman (Mr. J. Dymond) said the Bench took a very serious view of the case, and they felt they could not deal satisfactorily with the defendant. He would, therefore, be committed for trial at the Quarter Sessions.
Mr. Pettifer (to Hinchcliffe) They consider six months is not enough for you.
The defendant was remanded in custody until the Sessions.