Mexborough and Swinton Times March 27, 1896
Brutal Assault at Conisborough
James Pugh, pit sinker, New Conisborough, was charged with being drunk and disorderly at Conisborough on March 7. Superintendent Blake intimated as the prisoner had already been in custody a fortnight on another charge he should not proceed with the charge against the prisoner who was therefore discharged on this summons. The prisoner was also charged with assaulting Mary Goulding at Conisborough on March 7.
Thomas Gilchrist, surgeon, said that the March 7 he examined complainant who was suffering from loss of blood. He found a large wound in her forehead, about an inch and a half in length and extended to the bone. There was another wound under the eye. Both wounds had been caused by violence. In reply to the Chairman witness said the wound might have been caused by a fall, but it was very unlikely there being two distinct wounds.
Mary Goulding, the complainant, stated that the defendant lodged with her, and came home the worse for drink. He was making a disturbance, and being remonstrated with struck her below the eye with a boot. On saying she would go and see if you could get any remedy, he struck her with the tongs and knocked her down rendering her unconscious.
Charles Barker corroborated, and PC Jarvis testified that he received a complaint from Mrs Goulding as to having been assaulted. He found the defendant concealed in the pantry on going to the house. The defendant was very drunk. Prisoner told the magistrate that he remembered throwing the tongs, but it was not with intention of hitting the complainant.
Prisoner was fined 50 shillings including costs or one month hard Labour.