Mexborough and Swinton Times April 23, 1897
Damaging Fences at Conisborough
John Thompson, Thomas Thomson and Thomas Clark, colliers, of New Conisborough, were all charged with wilfully damaging a fence, the property of Bosdin James Clarkson at Conisborough on 9 April.
PC Richardson said that on the day which was Sunday, at about 20 minutes to three, he saw the defendants at Denaby enter and cross a field, the property of the prosecutor. They ran across the field and broke down the fence and got through. He stopped them, took their names and addresses, and told him he should report them.
Thomas Brian gave evidence as to the state of the fences, an estimated damage up one shilling against each of the defendants.
John Thompson was fined 2s 6d and 1s damages, and costs, and other two defendants, against whom previous convictions were recorded, were fined 5s and 1s damages and costs.
Agnes Brownsword and Annie Wilson were also charged with doing wilful damage to a fence belonging to Mr Clarkson.
PC Richardson said that at 5 minutes past 4 he was on duty in Denaby Road, when he saw the two defendants go across the field, and break down the fence, and cross over.
Thomas Brian gave evidence and stated that the damage amounted to 1 shilling against each. He did not see them go across the field.
Defendants stated that there was a footpath across the field, and it was always used, and there was no noticeboard up. There had only been in the district a few weeks, and did not know it was wrong to cross the field. There was a regular path.
Ordered to pay 1s each damage and 1s 6d costs each.