Mexborough and Swinton Times October 5, 1928

Sent For Trial.
Conisboro’ Father’s Alleged Neglect of Children.

Described by the prosecuting solicitor as “an idle, worthless man,” John Hinchcliffe, miner, of Conisborough, was at Doncaster on Saturday committed for trial at the Quarter Sessions at Wakefield on a charge of neglecting his six children, whose ages ranged from 8 years to 6 weeks, in a manner likely to cause them unnecessary suffering.

Mr. W. Lindsay Crawford, who prosecuted for the N.S.P.C.C., said the case was before the court on the previous Saturday, when the prisoner was charged with persistent cruelty to his wife. The facts were gone into, and the Bench came to the conclusion that an information should be laid for neglect. The parties were married on February 28th, 1919, and the prisoner was now 32, the wife being a year older. Hinchcliffe was an idle, worthless man who would not work, who seemed to have devoted his time chiefly to loafing, and who for 18 months had allowed himself, wife, and family, to be maintained by the authorities. The children had been neglected and it was only by relief from the Guardians and assistance from the N.S.P.C.C. that they had been kept in proper condition.

The wife, Charlotte Hinchcliffe, of 1, Fitzwilliam Avenue, Conisborough, said that after they were married her husband worked satisfactorily for two years. He stopped this working regularly in 1921, gambling in the clubs instead, and in 1926 it was necessary for her to institute certain proceedings against him. In September, 1926, he promised to work regularly, and for four weeks he went to work, but then stopped. He had not worked since, and had not tried to get any work. During the last 12 months he had spent most of his time poaching and bird catching. She had frequently complained to him, and he said he did not intend to work so long as he could get relief, “Lloyd George,” and the dole. In June or July of this year, in consequence of a report to the Guardians, the relieving officer began to pay her the relief direct. Apart from parish relief she had no money at all, and she had to report the matter to the N.S.P.C.C. An inspector from the Society went to see her and gave her a 5s. food ticket. Two days before her last child was born the prisoner threatened to murder her, and he tried to burn the baby’s clothes. Three days after the birth of the child he threw a cup of tea at her, but it missed her. As a result of his conduct he was turned out of the house where they were living by the landlady.

In reply to Mr. E. W. Pettifer (Magistrates’ Clerk), Mrs. Hinchcliffe said she had generally lived on the parish since she was married, and it was only the relief which had kept the children from starving. The children had always been short of clothing. The prisoner had never suffered from any real illness.

A woman in the court: Yes, sir, he has.

Mr. Pettifer: What has he alleged he has suffered from?

Mrs. Hinchcliffe said that during the last 18 months he was supposed to have had tuberculosis, but really it was only bronchitis, this being proved by medical certificates. He received 30s. a week relief, and out of that he kept 7s. 6d. for pocket money, while be kept 17s. a week “dole” money for himself.

Ada Oldfield, of 14, Chambers Avenue, New Village, Conisborougli, a member of the Doncaster Board of Guardians, said she had known Mrs. Hinchcliffe for 18 months, and she was a clean, hard-working woman. She had done all in her power to keep the children clean, and the home was in a spotless condition. Witness had not known the prisoner to do any work. During the day time she had seen him flying children’s kites on the crags. He had been reported to the Guardians for gambling, and as a result the relieving officer paid the relief to the wife.

Elizabeth Campbell, of 1, Fitzwilliam Avenue, Conisborough, with whom the family lodged, said Hinchcliffe had never worked, although he was not ill. He spent his time in catching wild birds, flying kites on the crags, and gathering mushrooms. During the six months they had lived at her’ house his conduct towards his wife had been very cruel.

Edward Welch, miner, of 11, Chamber’s Avenue, Conisborough, gave evidence of having seen the prisoner gambling in a club, and Sarah Lodge, of 13, Chamber’s Avenge, with whom the family had also lodged, described the prisoner’s cruel conduct towards his wife.

Inspector Bradley, of the N.S.P.C.C., said he visited the house on three occasions. On the first time there was nothing in the house in the shape of food, on the second occasion there was a piece of bread and a little margarine, and on September 7th there was a loaf of bread.

Police-constable Thompson said Mrs. Hinchcliffe was a very clean and respectable woman. He had received complaints about the prisoner’s conduct, and had warned him.

On oath; Hinchcliffe, who pleaded not guilty, said he had never neglected his children in his life. He had not worked for 18 months through illness. He had been to Ilkley sanatorium for two weeks for suspected tuberculosis, and had been medically passed as being unfit for work. He admitted that he gave his wife nothing out of the dole.

Cross-examined by Mr. Crawford, he said that in March, 1926, he was sent to prison for six months’ hard labour for neglecting his children. Apart from four weeks after coming out of prison, he had not worked since.

The prisoner was committed for trial at, the West Riding Quarter Sessions at Wakefield on October 8th, and was ordered to be kept in custody in the meantime.