Mexborough and Swinton Times October 1, 1897

Curious Case From Cadeby
Fighting Underground

Benjamin Collinridge, collier, new Conisborough, was charged with assaulting James William Mullins, filler, new Conisborough at Cadeby on September 17 and on a cross summons Mullins was charged with assaulting Collinridge at the same time and place.

Mr Taylor, solicitor, Barnsley, appeared for Collingridge and Mullins was represented by Mr C.W.Andrews of Doncaster.

Mr Taylor in opening the case, said he could not understand the matter coming into court, it ought to be settled outside.

Regimen colliery said on the morning question Ian defendant were working together. There was an old standing grievance between them. The defendant began collaring with witness, and then picked up a Spragg said he would not witness down. He did not carry out the threat, but through a wedge at witness, which struck him in the back of the neck. Witness then closed with the defendant Mullins and therefore. Mullins uses feet, and witness thought with his face. He (witness) got the best of it, and whatever injuries Mullins received were after he had thrown the wedge.

Cross-examined by Mr Andrews: You got considerably the best of it did you not, because when the defendant left the pit he had to be assisted and he not? – Perhaps he had.

But had not two men to help him to lead out of the pit? – I don’t know.

I think he kicked because you held so tightly he could do nothing else? – He had his hands free.

I think you got him on the ground and kicked him in the eye? – No.

You jumped upon him? – No.

Did you not stick your knees into him? – Yes, I did that.

Do you know you cut his neck open? – No, I don’t know that.

Do you care? – Perhaps not.

You pride yourself on being a bit clever with the fists, don’t you? – I shan’t answer that question.

Well don’t if you would rather not. You are head and shoulders taller than this man, aren’t you? – Yes, and he should take warning from that. (Laughter.)

Mr Taylor intimated that he should call no more evidence.

The Chairman: It is ridiculous going on with the case. One man throws a wedge at another, and the other gives him a good hiding. I don’t know what the case is brought here for.

The charge against Collinridge was then dismissed, and that against Mullins proceeded with.

Benjamin Collinridge stated that on the day in question defendant set about him without any provocation and knocked him out so badly he had to be assisted out of the pit. It was now in the case of Dr Gilchrist, the club Doctor.

Benjamin Auty said after the fight the defendant Mullins told him he had given Collinridge a good kicking, and he did not care whether he got a summons or not. He was satisfied with what he had done.

The Chairman said the Bench could not decide where the blame rested, and dismissed the cross summons.