Mexborough and Swinton Times July 27, 1928

Before The Bench
Stories From The Police Courts

Bless His Innocence!

“They look like sparrows to me,” declared Richard Calderbank, a miner, of Mexborough, at Doncaster, on Tuesday, referring to some partridges which his dog was stated to have disturbed.

Calderbank was accused, together with Thomas Fletcher, also of Mexborough, miner, of having trespassed in search of game at Barnburgh on July 9.

Both defendants were fined 10 shillings.

Mr Frank Allen prosecuted said Calderbank and Fletcher were seen arranging a field belonging to Mr Lockwood at Barnburgh. Both defendants give false names and addresses when spoken to by a gamekeeper.

Ernest Millington, gamekeeper, Adweek on Dearne, said defendants had a greyhound whippet dog. The animal went into Covey and disturbed a number of young partridges, which were just able to fly. And see witness the men called to the dog and placed it in a slip. There was no name on the animals collar, and is witness knew the names given him by defendants were wrong, he took possession of the dog, and told them to fetch it from the police station when they wanted it.

Calderbank said that taking the dog for a swim in the Dearne where some men were fishing.

Mr Allen: Why? Did they expect to find fish there?

Answering Mr Allen, witness said he did not know what a partridge was like.

Both defendants were fined as stated.