Mexborough & Swinton Times – Saturday 2 July 1904
Persistent Cruelty and Assault.
Hannah Eliza Moffat summoned John Moffat, filler, Denaby, for an aggravated assault, and persistent cruelty.
Complainant stated that the defendant was her husband, and she had been married to him four years. She stated that she lived at Thrybergh Terrace, and at 10 o’clock at night, on the 20th inst., she was going down the street with a baby in her arms, when she met the defendant. He asked her where she was going, and then asked for some money. He threatened to strike her, and told her not to. Defendant then knocked her across the road, and the baby fell from her arms. He struck her twice. After he had done it he ran off.
Complainant had left him on the Saturday previous to the assault for his persistent cruelty. She had had a separation from him about three years ago, but after being away from him for three months he came back to her.
Defendant was always ill-treating her. She had three children, Annie (6), Sydney (3), and John (2). Defendant had ill-used her ever since she married him, and he was usually drunk when he did so.
Mary Coigan was sworn, and spoke to seeing the assault committed.
Lucy Croft also corroborated.
An order, carrying 12s. 6d. a week alimony, was granted; and complainant was also fined 20s., inclusive, for the assault.