An Indignant Defendant from Conisborough

John Kearn, collier, New Conisborough was charged with being drunk and disorderly at New Conisborough on May 9.

PC Jarvis stated that he was on duty along with PC Evans in Marr Street on the date in question. About 9.30 they saw the defendant very drunk and making use of obscene language. He would not go home when told, but wanted to fight the policeman.

PC Evans testified as to the truth of the last witness’s statement.

Defendant: I hope I shall have fair play.

Chairman: You can go into the Witness box if you like.

Defendant did so. He said the bother arose about a lodger was going on board a ship for America, or somewhere else, and would not pay for his board and lodging. He would not let the man have all his things as he would not pay.

PC Jarvis said: I shall lock you up if you don’t give this man his coat and waistcoat. As the officer was in the house he (the defendant) ordered him out, not considering he had done anything wrong. He told the policeman he could lock him up if he like, adding that he was “not going to pay the butcher and the baker for a man who was off to America.”

The officer said: “come on, John Thomas Milburn; we shall have him before the night is over,” and turning to the defendant he said: “I shall lock you up.” Defendant went to a public house, and while on the step the policeman told him to get off or I shall lock you up. He told policeman he was dry, and would like a drink. The landlord came out to see what was the matter. The man proceeded: “now you have got the lot. The man wanted to ‘slope me. ’Jarvis goes to private houses drinking instead of doing his duty. I never made use of any obscene language. I have never been before a bench of magistrates before. I always like policeman, and never have said a word against anyone. I am an honest man who tries to pay his way. It is a company affair; a swindling case.”

Fined 5s and12s costs.