Prosecution by the Denaby Main Colliery Company – A Severe Penalty.

October 1891

Mexborough & Swinton Times – Friday 16 October 1891

Prosecution by the Denaby Main Colliery Company.

A Severe Penalty.

Matthew Hutchinson, captain of the barge known as the ” Mary Emmeline. ” and Tom Wilburn and Thomas Bradley, of Doncaster, were charged with having stolen coal belonging to the Denaby Main Colliery Company.

The barge had been left moored in the canal at Doncaster, and Wilburn and Bradley were seen taking coal away from the vessel. Information was given to the police, and the two men were apprehended. They stated that Hutchinson, the captain, had given them permission to get the call. In consequence of that statement they were apprehended. Hutchinson stated that he had given Wilburn permission to take a barrow load, but he knew nothing of the other man.

Inspector Reeve read the consignment note, and told the captain he had no right to give away any of the coal, it being consigned to the agent at all. The quantity of coal on the barge was 67 tons 21 cwt to the ton. The quantity of coal stolen was of the value of three shillings

Mr Tom Reginald Nicholas, living at 10 Avenue Road Doncaster, the commercial manager for the Denaby Main Company, said the company did not wish to press the case, but they asked for a conviction in order that it might be a deterrent to others. There had been many complaints of short weight, and the company wished to have a stop put to misappropriation of coal.

The Mayor said this the first case that had come before the bench, and they would take a lenient view of it, but if anyone similarly offended, it would be a matter of imprisonment without the option of a fine.

Hutchinson was fined £5 and costs, and the others £2 each and costs.