Mexborough & Swinton Times – Friday 11 September 1903
Conisbrough Miners’ Wanton Behaviour
James Barton, Aaron Bailey, William Holland, Dennis Flanaghan, and John Hoyland, miners of Conisbrough, were summoned for damaging growing grass on 29th August.
The complainant stated that a number of men and boys had trespassed on his land to play football, causing repeated damage and frequently breaking down fences when leaving. Police evidence supported this account, and the damage was assessed at 2 shillings and 6 pence for each defendant.
All defendants except Holland were ordered to pay damages and costs; Holland, who did not appear, was fined and also ordered to pay.
A Similar Offence at Conisbrough
Richard Rodgers and Stephen Greatorex, both of Denaby, along with William Davies of Conisbrough, were charged with damaging clover on 23rd August.
Evidence showed that the defendants had deliberately entered the field by climbing over a hedge and repeatedly trampled the growing crop. There was no public footpath, indicating the act was intentional.
Each defendant was fined 15 shillings and 6 pence. Mr. W. Baddiley appeared for the prosecution.