Mexborough and Swinton Times April 12, 1929

Dishonest Employee.

Theft from Mexborough Shop.

At Doncaster on Saturday, Joseph W. Gilson (38), single, motor van driver, of 1 Childers Street, Hyde Park, Doncaster, was sent to prison for a month for stealing £5 on April 2nd, belonging to Mr. Brook Hardcastle, wireless dealer.

Supt. Minty said the prisoner had been employed by Mr. Brook Hardcastle, who had branches in Doncaster and Mexborough, for the last 14 months.

On April 2nd Gilson visited the Mexborough branch and was given £5 to give to Mr. Brook Hardcastle at Doncaster. He failed to hand over the money and absconded, but on Friday morning he surrendered at the Doncaster police office. When charged, he replied “Yes, that is correct.’ He had only 7d. in his possession.

Asked what he had done with the money, it being pointed out that he had only had three days in which to dispose of it, Gibson said he ‘had spent it in beer and treating friends to drinks. It was the first time he had been in any sort of trouble, but he had had a lot of worry in the last fortnight. His lodgings had been his home for 22 Years, and he had been told to get out, which worried him. His wages were £2 3s a week.

The Chairman (Mr. Frank Ogley) told him that was no excuse.