Mexborough & Swinton Times – Saturday 21 January 1911
Pilfering in the Cadeby Mine
18 years old, Harry Mangham, haulage hand, of Denaby, was charged by Mr H S witty with stealing, on 4 January, from the Cadeby mine, a surgical bandage, value one penny.
Mr W M Gichard (Rotherham), prosecuting on behalf of the Denaby and Cadeby Main collieries Ltd, said that in accordance with the coal mines regulation act, 1887, certain ambulance appliances, bandages, stretches et cetera were played in parts of the mine. Under certain circumstances defendant and other persons were entitled to go to the Ambulance cabin, but on the day in question there was no necessity whatever for Mangham going there.
George Brough, a deputy, saw the lad trying to stuff something into his pocket, and seeing part of a bandage (produced) hanging out he taxed him with the theft, which was not denied. Neither the ambulance box nor the door of the ambulance cabin was locked for very good reasons. The value of the bandage was not very much, but it was necessary to put an end to this pilfering, as almost every day something was taken from the box. As much as £2 worth of appliances had disappeared in a single day. The company, said Mr Gichard wish to press this case.
George Brough, deputy, residing at 20 Ravenfield Street, Denaby, said defendant admitted getting the bandage out of the box. He notice part of it hanging out in the pocket.
Mr SJ Bridges, under manager at the pit, said that in consequence on numerous thefts from the Ambulance said certain deputies, including both were instructed to watch it.
Defendant pleaded guilty, and as there were previous convictions he was fined 30/-inclusive, with the option of 21 days.