Sheffield Independent – Monday 17 April 1899
Sequel to Prize Fight Near Mexboro’
A Police Officers Stern Chase.
At the West Riding Police Court, Doncaster, on Saturday, William Blount and Thomas Ryder, fillers, Denaby’ ,were summoned for committing a breach of the peace by fighting at Barmbro’, and the following were summoned for aiding, and abetting : —Patrick Mannion, miner, Denaby; Thomas Longley, labourer, Denaby; William Grainger, labourer, Mexboro’; Philip Humphries, labourer, Denaby. The defendants Mannion and Humpnries did not appear, and it was stated that they had gone to London, being interested in a football match.
Mr. Andrews appeared for the defence.
Police-constable Hurst said on the 21st of March he was called up about five o’clock in the morning. He went along Clay lane in the direction of Hangman’s Stone. He saw footprints, as of a number of men, all the way. There was a white frost on the ground. Proceeding further, he found the footprints led him shout three-quarters of a mile from Hangman s Stone, in the direction of Barmbro’.
In a field near a quarry between fifty and sixty persons were assembled. Two men were fighting in a ring. They were stripped. Two of the defendants were acting second; other of the defendants were assisting the fight. He was accompanied by a sergeant and several constables. Witness saw the men fight three rounds. He knew them well, as well as the other defendants. He got within twenty or thirty yards of the men, and then there was a cry of “Police!” The crowd then broke up and all ran away. Blount and Ryder were putting on their clothes as they ran. Witness and the other offices gave chase. Witness ran to Thurnscoe, Houghton. Darfield, Broomhill, and back to Wath m pursuit. At Wath he found several of the men in the Manvers Inn.
The Chairman (Mr Yarborough): You overtook spectators? – Yes
Superintendent Blake: How many miles had you been?
Witness: I don’t know but it was a long way. (Laughter.) He told Blount that he was reported for a prize fight. In reply, “Why didn’t you stay in bed? It was all a drunken spree.” Ryder said do you know a prize fight when you see one?”
Mannion said, “Oh blaze! (Laughter.) Why did you stop me when I was going to mark? Then I should not have been there?” (Laughter.)
Longley said, “All right; have you see them all?” On the following day he said “I should not have been there but I knew if I stayed away they would say I have given them away if they were caught.”
Grainger said “I was not there. I was at work. I did not see it, but was there just after.”
Ovary said, “You are kidding.” (Laughter)
The defendants pleaded guilty, and were bound over to keep the peace for six months, each in the sum of £5