Mexborough & Swinton Times – Friday 11 September 1903
Free Fight in a Train – A Denaby Carriage Full
A number of miners, including Michael Walsh, Michael Jennings, Tom Norton, William Connelly, Thomas Doggan, William O’Brien, Thomas Brennan, Michael Connolly, James Kilgallon (Denaby), Patrick Cahill, John Cahill (Mexborough), and Martin Kilgallon (Conisbrough), were summoned for being intoxicated in a Great Central Railway carriage at Conisbrough on 25th July. Several of the defendants did not appear.
Evidence from railway officials stated that the men had travelled from Doncaster on the late train and that, as the train approached Hexthorpe, the emergency brake was activated after someone pulled the communication handle. Upon investigation, the guard found the defendants in a state of intoxication and behaving disorderly. He was unable to restore order and had to secure them in the carriage while attempting to reset the brake mechanism.
Further testimony described the scene as a general fight involving nearly all occupants of the compartment. The men refused to allow the guard to carry out his duties, and the train was delayed while attempts were made to restore control. On arrival at Conisbrough, a police officer was waiting and took the names of those involved.
Additional evidence stated that some of the men had torn clothing and bore signs of injury, and that one attempted to escape through a carriage window. The magistrates described the incident as a disgrace. Those who failed to appear were fined 2 shillings and 6 pence, while those present were fined 20 shillings, including costs. One summons was withdrawn as the individual was already serving a prison sentence.
Interfering with Passengers
Louisa Churm, a married woman of Mexborough, was summoned for interfering with passengers on the Great Central Railway at Thorne on 23rd August.
Evidence showed that she had been drinking and became abusive towards fellow passengers, including Mr. and Mrs. Heath. Mrs. Heath, who was in poor health, was greatly distressed by the defendant’s conduct. Churm used offensive language, behaved violently, and threatened those present.
Her husband, embarrassed by her behaviour, left the carriage. Mr. and Mrs. Heath gave evidence confirming the disturbance.
The defendant was fined 20 shillings, including costs.