Inhuman Parents – On Remand Verdict

March 1895

Mexborough and Swinton Times March 15, 1895

The Conisbrough Cruelty Case

Alfred Birkin, fitter, and Mary Elizabeth Birkin, his wife, were brought up on remand for cruelty to their children.

Mr Badillo prosecuted on behalf of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, and stated that the defendants were charged with neglecting their two children so as to cause them unnecessary suffering.

The case had been heard before the magistrate and adjourned for a fortnight in order that defendants might have a chance of retrieving their previous neglect by increased care as regards the conditions of the house.

Since then the youngest child died, having been suffering from severe burns. It was only fair to the defendants to say that the direct cause of death have been certified to be bronchitis and asthma owing to the recent severe weather.

But there was a strong probability that if the child had not be weakened by neglect it might have got better.

The house had been watched, and it was now in a proper condition, and there was no fault to find the defendants subsequent behaviour. The doctor’s certificate would show the cause of death.
Mr Gibson, Government Inspector, gave evidence as the state of the house at present, saying it was most satisfactory.
The other child, Ernest was much better attended to.

The Chairman said the bench would only impose a small penalty, 20 shillings each, including costs.