Sheffield Independent – Thursday 10 December 1931

Money Demand  Alleged. 

Wath Man’s Story  Of Razor Threat.

.Allegations of intimidation in a Swinton  Hotel were made at the Rotherham West Riding Police Court, yesterday, when  George Goddard, miner of 31, Belmont  street, Mexborough, was sent to the  Quarter Sessions on a charge of having  demanded with menaces 10s. from Cyril  Walker, butcher, 211, Doncaster road,  Wath, with intent to steal the money.

Mr T H. Brittain, on Goddards behalf  pleaded “Not guilty” and reserved his defence.  Bail was renewed and a certificate of legal aid was granted.

Cyril Walker said he was in the Station  Hotel. Swinton, with Wilfred Walker of Thurnscoe, who was no relation. Goddard  and another man, neither whom witness  knew entered, and after short conversation  Goddard said, “I am hard up. I  have to find £11 10s by week on Monday.”  Witness replied, l am hard up  myself.”

Prosecutors Alarm

Goddard then said. “We shall get ten bob from thy mate, and are not for a hundred quid. We cut a man head off for twopence round here. We’re only asking for 10s. from you.’

He put his hand to an inside pocket and partly withdrew what witness thought to be a razor. Witness, being somewhat afraid, followed Wilfred Walker out.

Witness went to his car just outside the market and Goddard followed and stood in front of him, with his face close to that of witness. He said, “Now then come on; work us ten bob or tha can look out.” He tapped the inside of pocket.

“ I got rattier alarmed at this and dashed away to Mrs. Wlifred Walker to whom I handed my money,” the witness told the Court.

The police were informed and as the constable arrived Goddard passed something to his friend, a man named Duckett.

 A Bit of Nonsense.”

Frank Dodsworth. by-product worker, of Beech road, Wath, said he clearly saw the flash of bright steel Goddard handed a wallet containing a razor to Duckett.

Harry Blades, labourer, of 13, road. Swinton, who also saw a wallet pass, said it might have been fountain pen and click.

PC Platts said when he was called to the Station Hotel yard Walker appealed much afraid. After he had made his complaint, Goddard said: “It is little bit of nonsense, that’s all.”

At the police station Walker said, “Search him. He has got a razor on him if he has not passed to a pal at the pub.” When charged, Goddard said, “I am saying nowt.” Witness searched Goddard and found no razor on him.

.Allegations of intimidation in a Swinton  Hotel were made at the Rotherham West Riding Police Court, yesterday, when  George Goddard, miner of 31, Belmont  street, Mexborough, was sent to the  Quarter Sessions on a charge of having  demanded with menaces 10s. from Cyril  Walker, butcher, 211, Doncaster road,  Wath, with intent to steal the money.

Mr T H. Brittain, on Goddards behalf  pleaded “Not guilty” and reserved his defence.  Bail was renewed and a certificate of legal aid was granted.

Cyril Walker said he was in the Station  Hotel. Swinton, with Wilfred Walker of Thurnscoe, who was no relation. Goddard  and another man, neither whom witness  knew entered, and after short conversation  Goddard said, “I am hard up. I  have to find £11 10s by week on Monday.”  Witness replied, l am hard up  myself.”

Prosecutors Alarm

Goddard then said. “We shall get ten bob from thy mate, and are not for a hundred quid. We cut a man head off for twopence round here. We’re only asking for 10s. from you.’

He put his hand to an inside pocket and partly withdrew what witness thought to be a razor. Witness, being somewhat afraid, followed Wilfred Walker out.

Witness went to his car just outside the market and Goddard followed and stood in front of him, with his face close to that of witness. He said, “Now then come on; work us ten bob or tha can look out.” He tapped the inside of pocket.

“ I got rattier alarmed at this and dashed away to Mrs. Wlifred Walker to whom I handed my money,” the witness told the Court.

The police were informed and as the constable arrived Goddard passed something to his friend, a man named Duckett.

 “A Bit of Nonsense.”

Frank Dodsworth. by-product worker, of Beech road, Wath, said he clearly saw the flash of bright steel Goddard handed a wallet containing a razor to Duckett.

Harry Blades, labourer, of 13, road. Swinton, who also saw a wallet pass, said it might have been fountain pen and click.

PC Platts said when he was called to the Station Hotel yard Walker appealed much afraid. After he had made his complaint, Goddard said: “It is little bit of nonsense, that’s all.”

At the police station Walker said, “Search him. He has got a razor on him if he has not passed to a pal at the pub.” When charged, Goddard said, “I am saying nowt.” Witness searched Goddard and found no razor on him.