Assault and Refusing to Quit at Conisbro’.

Francis Watkins, collier, Conisbro’, was charged with assaulting Mr. Smith, landlord of the Eagle and Child, Conisbro’, and also with refusing to quit his licensed premises on the 11th inst.

Mr. Smith, landlord of the Eagle and Child, said on the 11th inst. he was having a sale at his house by Mr. Harrop, of Mexboro’. He heard a disturbance in the house and he found the defendant singing and making a great noise. Asked him to give up. He became abusive. Asked him to go and he would not do so. Took him by the elbow and tried to make him go, when defendant took hold of complainant and tried to strangle him on the floor. He had no wish to press the case, but he desired to keep his house respectable.

James Hudson, a witness, stated that he was having a glass of beer at the Eagle and Child when the disturbance took place. Saw defendant fall on the floor. He took Watkins off Smith, put him on a seat and asked him to be quiet.

Mrs. Smith, the landlady, gave similar evidence, adding that she sent for the police when he refused to go and Sergt. Morley came.

Sergt. Morley stated that at 10 minutes to 10 on Monday night he was sent for to the Eagle and Child and found Watkins there. The landlord said he had assaulted him. Defendant was very violent.

The Bench fined the defendant [amount not visible in image] and costs for the assault, and also fined him [amount not visible] for refusing to quit.