Child Desertion at Denaby

Hugh Shaw, labourer, late of Denaby, who had been apprehended on a warrant, was charged with deserting his two children on or about the 4th April last. Mr. Nicholeon prosecuted, and stated that the defendant came to Denaby in January last, when they were taken in in charity by Mrs. Hepton. Defendant found work at Denaby Main, but suddenly about the 4th April he disappeared and left his two children. Since that date Mrs. Hepton had received out-door relief from the Doncaster Union to the amount of £1 8s., which is still owing.

It was a case which certainly deserved punishment, for the defendant last month was convicted for drunkenness, and on being searched 19s. 5d. was found on him.

George Colbeck, relieving officer, Doncaster Union, said that Mrs. Hepton applied for relief about the 4th of June for two boys, one the age of eight and the other twelve. The amount owing for maintenance was £1 8s.

Mrs. Hepton said that defendant came begging to her house in January last, when she in charity took him in until he could see whether he could obtain work at the colliery. He did obtain work and he then paid regularly for his lodgings until about April 14th, when he disappeared. Her husband lost several things when he left.

Mr. Baines (chairman) said the bench considered it a very bad case, and the defendant was committed to prison for one month.