Alleged Wife Desertion at New Conisbrough – “My Lady Nicotine.”

August 1910

Mexborough & Swinton Times – Saturday 06 August 1910

Alleged Wife Desertion at New Conisbrough

“My Lady Nicotine.”

A charge of desertion was preferred against Horace Bedford, miner, New Conisbrough, by his wife, Christina Bedford.

Defendant was represented by Mr James Baddiley.

Complainant stated that they were married on March 24, 1909, and there was no issue. Six weeks ago, on Mexborough Feest Monday she went to Mexborough to see her mother, who was ill. This was at 5 o’clock. Her husband told her that if she was not home by 10 she would not be allowed in. She arrived home at 11.20 and defendant refused to let her in. She fetched a constable, and defendant then opened the door. She got her clothes together, and went back to her mother’s, as defendant told her to clear out. He had not given her any money for six weeks.

Cross-examined by Mr Baddiley, complainant said she had not been used to keeping late hours. She had only been late twice. She had only neglected to find her husband’s meals wants. Her mother came back with her on the night in question, as she was afraid of him. Yes she broke a window before the constable came. She stayed away until Wednesday, and saw her husband on the Thursday. He told her to sell all the furniture and share the money with him. She did not sell all the furniture, only part of the drawers and ringing machine. She did not leave her husband stranded. She knew Mrs Watson, Mrs Robinson and Mrs Stokes. They were all false witnesses. She did not threaten what she would do to them if they paid against her. She had not smoked three packets of cigarettes a day, but she admitted she did smoke.

Robert Jones, a foreigner, who gave evidence in very broken English, deposed to passing the house where defendant lived and to seeing the husband using violence towards his wife.

Martha Ann Utley also gave similar evidence.

PC Rutter spoke to complainant coming to him to make defendant opened the door. The wife said she would pack her clothes up – not the husband.

Mr Baddiley said that no desertion had been proved, and the magistrates concurred and dismissed the case.