Mexborough & Swinton Times, February 5, 1926

Conisborough Woman’s Curious Impulse.
Stole Without Need.

A curious case of theft was heard at Doncaster on Tuesday, the defendant been Annie Robinson (25), a married woman of Conisborough.

Eliza Salt, who was stated to be a friend of Mr Robinson, was the complainant, and Mr. W. L. Crawford, who conducted the defence, did not dispute the facts put forward by the police.

Mrs Salt had left her purse containing 18/3 cash on the piano in her house, and, after Mrs Robinson and another woman had been to the house, she missed the purse and contents. She spoke to Mrs Robinson about it that day and the next, but first met with a denial.

Later Miss Robinson said, “I will tell you the truth. I took your purse. I shall not get over this. I will do myself in and the baby too.”

When spoken to by a policeman later still she said, “I will tell you the truth I took it I don’t know what made me do it.” When formally charged she said “Yes I took it and spent some of the money.” Mrs Robinson had already returned 10s to Mrs Salt and promised to repay the remainder.

Mr Crawford pleaded for Mrs Robinson that ever since the birth of their first she had been receiving medical attention, and suffered badly from nervous trouble. The only explanation that could be offered was that her physical trouble cause her to not be herself. She had no cause to steal, for her husband was giving her nearly £3 a week for housekeeping.

Mrs Robinson had told him (Mr Crawford) that she spent the money on food, but in view of the fact just mentioned he could not believe that.

Mrs Robinson had never been known to do anything of the kind before, and in view of her poor health he asked that she be treated as the first offender and bound over.

The bench took that course, on the husband’s assurance that he would look after his wife. He agreed to pay Mrs Salt 15s and the balance of the money and the cost of the purse.

Mrs Robinson was bound for 12 months.