Denaby Miner Fined for Assault on a Woman

A young Denaby miner, a discharged soldier, John Coope was summoned by Maria Godber, wife of a soldier, for assault.

He pleaded guilty under provocation.

The complainant, who appeared in court with a black eye, said defendant called and asked for her, but when she came from upstairs defendant had gone.

Therefore she went on to his mother’s, and while standing talking to her defendant came up and struck her in the eye. She never said a word, and defendant as he struck said “I will swing for you.”

Evidence was given by Emma Jane Embleton and Nelly Stainrod.

Defendant said he was constantly being subjected to annoyance by the women all over a child, and he had told them he did not want to have anything to do with them. He knew he had no right to strike a woman, but they had given him such provocation and they were driving him crazy.

The chairman said whatever the provocation the defendant should not have struck a woman. In the ordinary course he would have had to go to prison, but as they did not desire to deprive the country of his services he would be fined 40 shillings.