Mexborough and Swinton Times November 7, 1908
Despicable Theft by a Cadeby Pony Driver.
Steals a Watch From His Injured Mate
A lad named Tom Lent, who is a pony driver at Cadeby, was before the Doncaster West Riding Magistrates, charged with stealing a silver watch and chain belonging to Fred Woodmansey, pony driver Denaby, on October 14.
Prosecutor was injured in the mine and on being brought to the top , and before going to the hospital he handed his watch and chain to prisoner, telling him to take it to his home.
He asked for it, but prisoner denied that he had it. Some days before prisoner showed the watch and chain to a pony diver named George Burt, and said, “Fourpence ready money for it.”
Burt replied that if it was not stolen he would give him a shilling for it on Saturday. Prisoner replied that his uncle Albert had given it to him, and Burt ultimately bought it. When apprehended he told the officer that he had the watch at home and Lent could have it back.
Prisoner’s father said the lad was beyond control, and what with paying fines and other things it was getting unbearable.
Mr Hodgson said the magistrates would give the lad another chance, but he came again he would be sent to a reformatory or prison.
A fine of 10 shillings was imposed.