Theft of Milk at Conisborough

John Butler, minor, Conisborough, was charged with stealing one quart of milk, the property of Bosdin James Clarkson, at Conisborough on June 9th. The defendant, in reply to a question, stated that he was nine years old next month.

Thos. Bryan deposed that the cows from which the milk had been taken were the property of Mr. Bosdin James Clarkson, Conisborough, and on Sunday the 9th were grazing in a field at New Denaby. They were ten in number. From information he received on that date he examined the cows in the field, and found that about a quart had been abstracted from one cow. The value was about threepence.

P.C. Hurst deposed that on Sunday the 9th inst., about 12.55 p.m., he was in company with Sergt. Ambler, near Mr. Clarkson’s field, Denaby. He there saw the defendant with another boy named Hill, who had hold of the cow’s horns whilst defendant was milking it. After some time the cow became restive, and then the lads changed places, the defendant holding the animal while the other boy satisfied himself. On perceiving the witness, they ran away towards Conisborough. Witness followed and apprehended the other boy Hill, who had already been dealt with. Sergt. Ambler corroborated.

Defendant pleaded not guilty. The Bench ordered the defendant to receive four strokes of the birch rod.