Mexborough and Swinton Times September 20, 1895

An Excellent Character Ruined at Denaby Main
A Repentant Thief

Benjamin stones, miner, Denaby Main was charged with the theft of a piece of beef, the property of Frederick Swallow, Denaby Main, on the 14 September.

The complainant deep bowls that at 5 o’clock on Saturday afternoon the day in question he was in a shop, when the prisoner, with whom he was acquainted, came in and purchased a sheep’s head and half a pound of sausage. In payment thereof he tended half a crown (2/6 or 12 1/2p), receiving change in return.

The prisoner then went towards the door, and a moment afterwards witness saw him running off towards Conisborough. Witness then found that a piece of beef similar to that produced had been taken. He was told by a person that a man had stolen the beef. Prisoner was a good customer, and had previously always paid for what he purchased.

The Chairman: How long have you known him?

Witness: Two months

Police Constable Midgley said on the day in question he was sent for by Mr Swallow, who informed him that the prisoner had committed the theft. He went in pursuit of the man, and caught him in Firbeck Street Conisborough. On being charged he said he had stolen “nothing.”

The Chairman: How long have you lived at Denaby?

Prisoner: Three years.

The Bench took a lenient view of the case and fined the prisoner five shillings and costs or 14 days.

Prisoner: Shall I have time to pay?

The Chairman: You must confer with the police.