Mexborough & Swinton Times – Friday 12 February 1892
Missing Cakes at a Conisborough Confectioner Establishment
Edward Grindle, who had been in the employ of Mr Clarkson, of Conisbrough, was charged with having stolen two teacakes of the value of 2d.
Mr Hattersley appeared for the prosecution.
William Clarkson, manager for the prosecutor (Mr B.J.Clarkson) deposed that on Wednesday afternoon, the 3rd inst, he had occasion to leave the Bakery, when he saw two teacakes; they had no occasion to be there, and he became suspicious that something was wrong. He and Mr Harrison secreted themselves. Shortly afterwards, the 6 o’clock bell rung, and the prisoner was the 1st to come out of Bearcats; the lad had a look round the yard, and afterwards hesitantly picked up the cakes, and afterwards walked away.
Mr Harrison followed after him, and witness also went and took the cakes from the lad. “The boy at first said” don’t tell our Mary Anne,” who is a sister, and was working at the place at the time. Many things have been missed lately, and repeated warnings have been given, particularly about sweets. Customers had also complained about packages having been tampered with. He had suspected the prisoner, and warned him between 10 and 11 o’clock that morning. He threatened him he would be prosecuted if he was caught.
The Chairman said the boy had better pay the costs 20s and come up to the court when called upon.