The Double D’s.

May 1882

Mexborough and Swinton Times, May 26.

The Double D’s.

William Jones, Collier of Denaby, Edward Clarkson and Benjamin Hall, labourers, of Conisborough and John Jaques Fish, Doncaster, had been summoned for having been drunk and disorderly, and Joseph Ross and James Ashton, glassblowers, the first of Conisborough, the second of Mexborough, for being drunk and refusing to quit a public house.

Jones was one of a fighting party on the highway, and his penalty was 5 shillings in fines and 17 s 6d in costs. Clarkson was with John Chappell, a fishmonger who had given his name falsely as Jaques; and he was fined 10 shillings, with 12s 6d costs, whilst the summons against Jacques was withdrawn.

Hall was fiery in the midst of a group of children, and had been brought up six times before. He was now very eccentric in telling how he got his daily bread and described himself as Poor Old Ben, and began to talk of a supernatural feeling, a human super – – –

He was stopped by a question from Lord Auckland – “What have you had this morning? “”I’ve had nothing but beer Sir. I’ve taken no ale, but haven’t had any food – you understand it? – And it makes a fool of me when I gets it.”

“I’m afraid you make a fool of yourself,” the Chairman said. He was ordered to pay 10 shillings and the costs, 22s 6d in total. “Thank you kindly,” he said as he hobbled away.

Joseph Ross had been in the Station Inn Conisborough, kept by Mr G. Smith, and was drunk, and wouldn’t leave when asked, and had to be ejected by Sgt Morley. He was fined for a like offence three years ago. It was ordered that he should now pay 27s 6d.

Ashton likewise, was not present but was said to be in the town drunk. He went on a Thursday night to the Alma Inn, Conisborough, kept by Mr Arthur Moody, and lay on the floor drunk, and swore, and wouldn’t move out till lifted. His fine was 15 shillings with 17s 6d costs, three weeks imprisonment in default.