Mexborough & Swinton Times – Friday 30 October 1903

Denaby Colliers Summoned

Squabble At The Denaby Main Hotel

Peter and Edward Monoghan are brothers, sons of Erin, and at present are following the occupation of colliers at Denaby. Both were summoned on Saturday for drunken and disorderly conduct and for refusing to quit the Denaby Main Hotel, on the 13th inst.

Edward pleaded guilty, but Peter wasn’t having any and denied the offence, cross-questioning the witness for the prosecution, and exhibiting brogue, found occasionally outside the Emerald Isle.

Henry Pazakerly, barman, said at 7.30 p.m. on the 13th of the present month, the two defendants were in the Denaby Main Hotel. Edward Monoghan created a disturbance and struck a customer named Moss. Witness asked him to leave, and, on his refusing, sent for Mr. Gibbs, who ejected him.

Peter Monoghan then commenced to use obscene language, and he, too, was turned out by Mr. Gibbs. When outside Peter used some threats towards Mr. Gibbs, and said he would do for him if he got him outside. He had a knife in his hand, and said he would cut Mr. Gibbs’ liver out.

The defendant, Peter, asked if he had any questions to put to witness, gave a series, which were not satisfactorily answered, defendant eventually making him admit that he had never created a disturbance before, and used no violence on this occasion.

Mr. Gibbs, landlord, said about 7.30 on the night in question, he was called into the bar by the previous witness, and saw Edward Monoghan with his cap off. He had just struck the man named Moss. Witness saw there had been a squabble, so he ejected him.

Witness then turned to the rest of the customers in the place, and said “If there is any more barmy I will clear the lot out.” There was a party of them. Previous to that the defendant Peter had been playing an accordion, and witness told him to take it away. Defendant said “You are not Jesus Christ, are you?” and witness told him to go, but he said he would go when he was ready.

Witness then went round, caught hold of Peter’s right arm, and said “Come on, you have got to go.” He turned him out, and on the way to the door defendant said “Remember, I am going to kick up no bother this time.”

Defendant then stood on the steps and used threatening language, and soon after his brother rushed in again and struck Moss a second time. Witness got hold of him, and he turned round to strike, but was struck instead, and was again put down the steps.

Witness then saw Peter with something like a knife in his hand. Peter shouted “If you come out here I will rip your liver out.” He continued using abusive language, and witness sent for the police.

The defendant Peter had again many questions to ask, endeavouring to get witness to admit that he went out quietly, but Mr. Gibbs did not deviate from his statement. William Moss, the man who came in for Edward’s animosity, corroborated the previous witness.

P.C. Lunn said at eight o’clock on the evening named he was called to the Denaby Main Hotel. He found Peter Monoghan outside, and the defendant said “I have been accused of using a knife. I want you to search me and see whether I have got it.” Witness saw the man was a little excited, and told him to go home, and prevent further trouble. He went after some persuasion.

In reply to defendant, witness admitted he did not hear him use any foul language.

The defendant Peter was then sworn, and gave evidence on his own behalf. He said he went to the hotel, and saw his brother was drunk, and having an argument with Moss about the late strike. His brother struck Moss, and the landlord came and put Edward out and left Moss in. Witness was sitting down, and Moss came to him and said it was not his fault. Witness got up and went away when requested. It was not true that Mr. Gibbs put him out.

P.C. Lunn, recalled, at Mr. Gibbs’ request, said neither Murray nor Peter Monoghan were drunk, but he could not say for Edward, as he did not see him.

Mr. Gibbs said Edward Monoghan was not drunk. Had he been he would not have been served. Michael Murray, a witness for the defence, said Peter went out by himself. Answering Mr. Gibbs, witness said he ran out when the bother was started.

The Chairman, addressing Peter Monoghan: Would you like to call your brother at all?

Peter Monoghan: No, sir, of course he was drunk, your Worship. (Laughter.)

Peter was fined 25s., including costs, having three or four previous convictions against him, and Edward, who had nothing against him, was fined 15s., including costs.