Sheffield Daily Telegraph – Wednesday 27 May 1908

Singular Denaby Case
Sequel to a Wrestling Bout

A man named George Cosgrove, a Denaby collier, was charged at the West Riding Court at Doncaster yesterday with unlawfully wounding Peter Hughes, a collier, of Denaby, Saturday night.

Hughes gave has evidence with great reluctance. He said that he went to prisoner’s house, and another man, named Holleran, was there.  A disturbance took place, and he got a broken nose, but did not know how it occurred.

Supt. Hickes: You are on your oath, and have sworn to tell the truth.

Prosecutor said they started wrestling.

Supt. Hickes: You were found unconscious and bleeding from a broken nose, and must know something.

Prosecutor: I don’t know. I have lost memory. I was wrestling with someone, but I cannot say much.

Who struck you on the nose?—lt might be my own fault

Was that during the time you were wrestling with the other man?—l cannot say. I have lost my memory.

You don’t want say anything against this man? – Ah

You won’t say anything against him? —No reply.

In reply to prisoner prosecutor said he had never had a wrong word with prisoner. He had had pint of beer before going to his house, and Holleran sent for three or four half gallons.

Dr. McArthur said if prosecutor had not received medical attention he might have bled to death.

Joseph Holleran, who was in the house with the prisoner the time said he saw one blow struck, but could not tell how Hughes’ nose was broken.

Prisoner persisted in his denial.

There were 23 previous convictions against the prisoner, and the charge against him being reduced a common assault he was sent to prison for one month.

The magistrates refused allow the witnesses expenses owing to the unsatisfactory way in which the evidence had been given.