Mexborough and Swinton Times August 12, 1898
Assault at Conisborough.
Wm. Hy.Hawley, labourer, Conisborough, was charged with assaulting a child named Shepherd, at Conisborough.
Mr. Baddiley defended.
Frederick Gregson, miner, said about a quarter past one on the previous day he was nearing, the Conisborough Castle, when he saw the prisoner interfering with a girl. The man ran away.
A constable, in answer to the solicitor, acknowledged that the defendant was “simple-minded.”
Mr. Baddiley pointed out that the defendant was very respectably connected, indeed, and his relatives were greatly troubled at the disgrace which he had fallen into. The man was scarcely responsible for his actions.
Supt. Blake said he agreed with the remarks of Mr. Baddiley, but children must be protected.
The prisoner was ordered to pay the costs and was bound over to come up for judgment when called upon.