The Hard Swearing Case from Conisborough

April 1891

Mexborough & Swinton Times – Friday 17 April 1891

The Hard Swearing Case from Conisborough

John Wood, blacksmith, Conisborough was charged, on remand, with assaulting Alfred Moore, glassblower, Conisborough. The case was reported in this column last week.

Mr. Hall, for the complainant, said there was some dreadful false swearing in the case, and he should be glad to find out who was guilty of it, whichever aide the parties were on. The amount of perjury was shocking. The case had been adjourned for the appearance of the landlord, in whose house the disturbance occurred, and be would also call some other witnesses

William Holt, labourer, said he was in the Eagle and Child on March 21st. He saw Moore and Wood there. Wood knocked the complainant into the fireplace and he bled very much. The wife came and took him home. The complainant had had some drink, but was not beastly drunk. The man called for drink and had it

Cross-examined : It might have been about nine o’clock. I had been there all the day. I was working there. There was a broken glass. I believe it was knocked down by the jacket sleeve of the complainant. There had been no “words” between them

By Mr. Hall: I am a waiter there and there had been no disturbance.

The Chairman : Did the landlord order him out?—No.

William Humphries corroborated.

By Mr. Pawson :It happened about a quarter-past ten o’clock William Lister corroborated. — George Addy, the landlord, denied that Moore was drank and that he had nothing to drink there. He also denied having turned the man and his wife out of the house. Thomas Kelly, called by Mr. Payson (for the defence), said the complainant was beastly drank and was helpless. He fell down and hurt himself.

The Chairman said the bench were of opinion that the complainant was assaulted, but there was perjury in the case somewhere.

The costs were heavy— £3 9s.—so only a fine of Is, could be inflicted.