York Herald – Monday 30 September 1878
John Kempshaw, of Wadsworth, was charged with obtaining 1s. by false pretences.
On Wednesday last the defendant went to the shop of Robert Lefley, grocer, Mexbro’, and meeting Lefley shook him heartily by the hand, and inquired most particularly as to the state of his health. Lefley told him he did not know him, but defendant assured him he was quite mistaken, informed him who his father was and who he was, and afterwards what Lefley was pleased to hear, that he (defendant) was doing remarkably well.
Incidentally at this point defendant mentioned that he was going to Denaby to buy two calves, and feeling in his pocket found he had nothing but five-pound notes. He therefore asked Lefley to oblige him with the loan of 9d., and Lefley handed to his new-found friend 1s. Defendant chatted a little further, talking about his prospects, and then suddenly discovered he was short still of 1s. Lefley, however, could not be induced to part with a second coin, so the defendant smilingly bade Lefley good day, and then went — not to Denaby but to a public-house.
Lefley, not liking this, told a policeman, and defendant was apprehended. He then wanted to return the shilling, but was not allowed. He was now committed to the Sessions for trial.