Mexborough and Swinton Times, July 29.
Garden Robberies at Conisborough.
John Crowcroft, labourer, of Conisborough, was charged with stealing strawberries and flowers from a garden belonging to Samuel Jones at that village, on the Thursday previous
Police Constable Guylee stated that on the morning of the 21st inst, he was watching defendant’s house, and saw him leave the house with a bucket and spade. He then went in the direction of Mr Tyas´s garden in Sheffield Road. Witness followed him, andsawhimgoing to Mr Tyas’s garden and dig up the potatoes produced, and put them in his pocket. He hid the tops of the potatoes in some ashes and remained in the garden about half an hour.
Prisoner then went into Mr Samuel Jones´s garden where he took up some strawberry plants, and after eating the strawberries, threw the plants on the ground. He also took some flowers. He remained in Mr Jones’s garden about 20 minutes.
When he left the garden, witness went up to him and charged himwith stealing potatoes and strawberriesand he replied they were his own, he had got them from his sons garden.
Defendant said he had taken half of the garden from Mr Tyas. Mr Jones said he could have some strawberries when they were ripe.
When he asked if he had any witnessesto call, he replied he could bring 100.
Inspector Beevers (who officiated in the place of the Superintendent) said the defendant seemed to be a curious kind of a fellow.
He had used foul language to the Superintendant’s wife, and when water was given him after he had asked for it, he threw it over the cell. He had also written names on the cell walls.
He was a bad fellow. He had been cautioned several times, for stealing, but persons would not be troubled to prosecute him, else he would have been summoned before.
Sentenced to 3 months imprisonment.