Mexborough and Swinton Times March 22, 1929
Horse and Child
Little Denaby Boy Killed in Entry
An inquest was held at Denaby on Wednesday on a three year old Denaby boy died in the Fullerton Hospital on Tuesday.
The boy, Richard Sharpe, of 22 Braithwell St, Denaby, was injured on March 8 by a horse owned by the Denaby and Cadeby Home Coal Carting Committee.
Elijah Sharpe, the father, gave evidence of identification.
George Grimshaw, a carter, employed by the Denaby and Cadeby Home Coal Carting Committee, said that it 1:20 PM on March 8 he was driving a horse and empty coal cart through an entry in Braithwell Street and he saw the boy with several other children. The boy had a small shovel, and when he saw the horse coming round the corner he reared against the wall. Witness thought he was given him room to pass.
“I thought I had passed him safely, when the horse threw up his head and jumped forward. I immediately pulled up.”
Witness found the child lying under the cart near the right wheel.
The Coroner (Mr W.H.Carlile): What room was there between the boy in the cart had he stayed near the wall? – About 2 feet.
Witness was of the opinion of the boy must have stumbled, but could not say whether he or the cart caused the injury. When witness picked up the boy he found the shovel near him.
Coroner: Was the horse quiet?
It has shied at things, and may have shied at the shovel. It has been hit by a football, and is always afraid of such things.
Police Sergeant Sparrow said the police were of the opinion that Grimshaw was a careful driver, and no doubt that the accident could not be avoided.
PC Hallworth said the entry was 9 feet wide and the cart about six. The place was dangerous for children and adults.
Hilda Knowles, a nurse at Fullerton Hospital, said the boy was attended by Doctor McArthur. He was semiconscious and was suffering from a fracture of the base of the skull which caused death.
A verdict of “Accidental Death” was returned.