Sheffield Daily Telegraph – Friday 05 February 1909
Conisborough Arson Case
The first case taken in the Crown Court was the Conisborough arson case.
Harold Booth (47), accountant, was indicted for setting fire to saw mill belonging to his father, at Conisborough, on the 7th November.
Mr. Yarborough stated that prisoner had been living with his father, but owing to his drunken habits he was told he could stay no longer.He went away and wandered about the country for some time, and then appeared to have returned and set fire to the mill. The place was practically burnt out, and damage was done amounting to £1,000.
Prisoner pleaded guilty, stating that as a result the hardships he had undergone, and the death of his mother during his absence from home, his mind, at the moment, was practically unhinged.
His Lordship said when seen on the premises just before the fire, prisoner was under the influence drink. He was, however, sufficiently sober to realise what was doing. His object seemed to be to have revenge- on a good father, who only turned him out when he was forced, because of his drinking habits.
Prisoner was sentenced to ten months hard labour.