Serious Charge at Denaby Main

Michael Doherty, a filler, of Denaby, was charged on remand from Boxing Day with having committed an offence upon Martha Ann Hulse (20), single woman, residing with her parents at Denaby, on Christmas Day.

Mr W. Bageley now appeared on behalf of the prisoner.

Prosecutrix repeated her evidence given at the previous hearing, which was to the effect that on Christmas Eve her father and mother went to bed about 10.30, leaving her downstairs awaiting the return of her brothers, who were out singing. The front door was locked, but the back door was only latched.

She fell asleep on the sofa in the living room, where the gas was burning. About 3:45 a.m. she was awakened by the prisoner committing the offence with which he was charged.

In answer to her screams her father came downstairs, and prisoner left the house by the back door.

A number of witnesses were called and the bench committed prisoner for trial at the assizes.