Scene at Conisborough – Threatening to “Murphy” the Police

November 1906

Mexborough and Swinton Times November 26, 1906

A Scene at Conisborough
Threatening to “Murphy” the Police

James MacDonald, William Proudman and Edward Morton, Glassblowers, Conisborough, were charged with being drunk and disorderly.

Mr GH Palmer Appeared for the Defence.

Sgt Noble stated that on the previous Sunday Night, about 10 O’clock, he was on duty in High St, Conisborough near the Alma Inn, when he heard a disturbance. He went the direction from whence the sound came, found a man named Woodward asking the defenders and others to leave the house. Shortly afterwards he heard a noise in high Street, and going there he found the three defendants staggering about the street, using bad language and wanting to fight.

He again requested the men to go away, and one of them said, “Let’s Murphy the – – – –.”

Witness then seized MacDonald and handed him to Police Constable Drury. All the men were taken into custody. After they had been locked-up for sometime Dr Smith arrived, but he (witness) declined to allow them to see the defendants. Witness could not remember what the doctor said.

In cross-examination, witness said he did not “chuck” a man named Comer out of the Alma Inn. He never threatened to “Shut one of their – – – – up.”

Police constable Pattison, Drury, Mrs Holden and Charles Kitching gave corroborative evidence.

For the defence, John Comer, glass bottle maker, said about 9:55 on the previous Sunday night he was at the Alma Inn in the “best room.” Witness and a man named Bolton were arguing, and witness told not to speak so loud, and at that time someone collared him and threw him against a wall and bulged his hat, and then turning around he saw Noble. Witness was perfectly sober, and the officer said, “Getaway home,” and he replied “Right.” When they got outside a crowd gathered, and they commence talking about the conduct of the Sergeant. The three defendants were in the house at the time, but were not drunk. The Sergeant went amongst the crowd, and witness asked the sergeant why he had “choked” him out, and the Sergeant replied, “If you don’t go away I will knock your – – – – eye up.

Witness replied that there was as much law for him as there was a policeman. Noble then went away and shortly after returned with the other two officers, and they seized the first men they could get hold off. The three defendants were then locked up. Knowing that the men were not drunk they went for Dr Hill’s to go and see the defendant but that gentleman refused. They then went to another medical gentleman, but he was away from home, and then they went to Denaby.

Robert Ackroyd, glass blower, said he was at the Alma Inn along with the three defendants, and he was certain they were not drunk.

Several witnesses were called and positively denied the evidence that had been given for the prosecution.

The Bench thought the case proved, and fined each of the defendants 20 shillings and costs.