Mexborough and Swinton Times March 1, 1889
Theft of Heifers at Conisbro
George Frith, Butcher, Attercliffe, was charged with having stolen two heifers, of the value of £24 belonging to Henry Sargan, farmer, Clifton.
Mr Baddeley appeared on behalf of the prosecution and Mr Muir Wilson of Sheffield defended.
The enquiry was of a protracted character. The statement of the prosecution was that on 6 February the efforts were safe in a field at Conisbro. On the following morning about 10 o’clock Mrs Sargan missed the beasts, and gave information to the police. The heifers were of the two year old class, and were valued at £12 each. Evidence was forthcoming to the effect that about 5:50 o’clock in the afternoon of the six instant., the prisoner and another man, not yet in custody, was seen driving from the direction of Conisbrough two beasts, fully answering to the description of the missing heifers.
The prisoner, although he had apparently altered the appearance of his beard, would be positively identified. The cattle were taken to Sheffield, and about half past nine the same night the prisoner saw two slaughter men, and asked them to kill the cattle. The reply was that it should be done the next morning, and that was accordingly done.
The police having ascertained the needful information, the prisoner was apprehended on Friday, the 15th instant.
Mr Baddeley asked if the Bench thought a primate facing case was made out, that the prisoner should be committed for trial.
Henry Sargan was the first witness, and he bore out the solicitor’s statement as the kind of beast that he had stolen.
George Pearson, farm labourer, of Rotherham, deposed to see the prisoner and another man on the day in question driving to beasts of the character described.
Prisoner was committed for trial, bail being allowed.