Theft of Milk at Conisborough

June 1885

June 14 1895

Theft of Milk at Conisborough

John Butler, minor, Conisborough, was charged with stealing 1 quart of milk the property of balding 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 cow of which the milk had been taken were property of Mr. Bosdin James Clarkson, Conisborough, and on Sunday the 9th were grazing in a field. There 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 taken from the cow. The value was about 3 d.

P.C. Hurst deposed that on Sunday, the 9th inst, about 12.55 p.m. he was in company with Sgt ambler, near Mr Clarkson’s field Denaby.

He there saw the defendant with another boy named Phil, who had hold of the cow’s horns whilst defendant was milking it. After some time, the cow became restive, and the lads change places, the defendant holding the animal while the other boy satisfied him. When they perceived the witness, they ran away towards Conisborough. Witness followed and apprehended the other boy Hill who had already been dealt with. Sgt ambler corroborated. Defendant pleaded not guilty.

The bench ordered the defendant to receive four strokes of the birch rod.