South Yorkshire Times – Saturday 16 February 1952
Struck Woman, Grabbed Bag
Denaby Court Allegations
A 39-years-old man who walked to the West Riding police headquarters at Doncaster on January 9th, made a statement that because he had no money and nowhere to sleep he robbed a woman insurance collector of her bag containing £11 and other articles, it was stated at Doncaster West Riding Court on Friday.
John Burns, unemployed, of no fixed address, was committed for trial at Leeds Assizes charged with robbery with violence against Mrs. Mary Hutchinson, Windhill Crescent, Mexborough. Bail was refused.
Prosecuting, Mr. J. Wright said after visiting a house in Denaby Mrs. Hutchinson felt someone grab her bag but she did not let go, and the person—she did not see who it was—hit her several times in the stomach, making her release her hold.
She collected in Denaby about the same time each Friday, he added. Mrs. Hutchinson said the person hit her several times, she fell, and the person ran away with the bag. She was not seriously injured, but had to have medical attention.
Clive William Graville, Lime-Tree Grove, Thorne, said he found the handbag in the River Don at Long Sandall.
P.c. Wright said Burns made a statement after walking into the police station, in which he said he knew the woman was a collector and the only reason he went to Denaby was because he knew she would have some money in her bag. He thought he would grab it because he did not know what he was going to do for money, the alleged statement went on. He grabbed the bag and later threw all but the money into the River Don.