Mexborough & Swinton Times – Friday 10 August 1894
An Impudent Attack – Conisborough
Peter Boyle, a Conisborough miner, was charged with assaulting Edward Williams, also a miner of Conisborough, on 30 July.
Williams stated that he had been sitting on the roadside with another man when Boyle and a companion approached and demanded 5s.
Williams refused, whereupon he alleged that Boyle’s companion knocked him down and kicked him. Williams said he had given neither man any provocation.
The Chairman questioned why Williams had subsequently offered the men 5s. Williams explained that he had done so to prevent further ill-treatment, fearing that he might otherwise be seriously injured.
Boyle denied assaulting Williams.
The Chairman observed that there was little doubt Williams had been badly assaulted, but the magistrates required corroborative evidence before proceeding.
At the complainant’s request, the summons was adjourned to allow another witness to be called.