Man is Given a Lift and Steals Coat

Yesterday, at the Doncaster West Riding Police Court, before Mr R Stockil, Alfred Morris, a puddler, living in York Street, Leeds was charged with having stolen a black coat and two handkerchiefs, the property of William Eyre, ‘bus driver, Chesterfield.

According to evidence, two young men were driving a bus and two horses from Chesterfield to Doncaster races, the prisoner was met on the road near Alfreton. He asked for a “lift,” and was given one a distance of about 35 miles.

When the vehicle stopped at an inn at Conisborough the prisoner alighted and was seen hurrying after the conveyance which was going forward to Doncaster.

He was recognised to be wearing a coat belongs to Mr Eyre, the owner of the ‘bus in which he was riding, and from which he had stolen it. He was given custody.

The prisoner now said; “The men were very kind to me, and I’m sorry I took the coat. But I was silly with drink.” Witness said the man was quite sober.

The magistrate (to the prisoner): You are an ungrateful scoundrel – after giving you a lift to steal his coat. You ought to be ashamed of yourself.

He was sentenced to 3 months in prison.