Alleged Shop Breaking.

March 1900

York Herald – Saturday 24 March 1900

Alleged Shop Breaking.

At Doncaster on Monday Harry Clark, who gave an address at Manchester, was charged with breaking into the shops of Messrs Plant and Sons and John Shires.

Just before four o’clock on Saturday morning Mr. Tomlinson, who lives at Mr. Shires, was awakened by the ringing of the electric bell. He switched off the bell, called up his neighbour, and then want for the police.

On returning Tomlinson’s wife called out that there was a man. Directly after two men rushed away and were followed. One was seized, but his shirt gave way and he got off.

An investigation of the premises showed that a piece had been taken out of a door leading to the upstairs rooms. Higher np an inside wall separating Plant’s from Shires was found to be partially cut through on Plant’s side, admission being obtained to these premises by forcing a window at the back. A quantity of house-breaking tools were found and also an over- coat and a pair of gloves.

Subsequently from what he heard P. C. Yates went to Conisbro. Returning he met the prisoner and after questioning him, brought him to Doncaster. He was then recognised as the man whose shirt gave way. In his pocket was found a paper bag and this bag was proved to have been given to the prisoner (who bought a sandwich) by a local pork butcher.

Prisoner, who .had nothing to say, was remanded till Monday next.