Mexborough and Swinton Times April 12, 1929

Family Feud.

A Mexboro’ ” Nuisance.”

A family quarrel in Catherine Street, Mexborough, had a sequel on Tuesday at Doncaster, when Wm. Wright was summoned by his father-in-law, Thomas Stead, for having damaged a door to the extent of 15s., and with having assaulted his mother-in-law, Emma Stead.

Thomas Stead said that at 1145 p.m. on March 23 Wright went to their door and shouted. -Where are your — sons ?” Witness and his wife were just going to bed and took no notice. Defendant, however, smashed in a panel of the door, unbolted it, and went into the house. Witness and his wife went to Wright, who on seeing them shouted at Mrs. Stead. “I’ll — murder you.” He assaulted Mrs. Stead, striking her heavy blows on the head and body. Defendant’s son then went to the house and stopped his father, and Mrs. Wright, when she arrived, said she thought Wright had gone to bed. Witness said that neither his wife nor himself had ever done defendant any harm.

Emma Stead, the mother-in-law, Hilda Stead and Ada Stead, daughters-in-law, gave similar evidence.

Wright said that at 10-30 p.m., he and his wife were proceeding home, and when near Stead’s house saw a group of people on the doorstep. Stead called out, “Where’s that fighting man of yours now?” and he replied, “In the house, but he will accommodate you.” He did not go to his father-in-law’s home at 11.45. There had been a grievance between him and the Stead family ever since September.

Wright called a witness, Edith Hobbs, of 16, Catharine Street, who said that at 11-45 p.m. on March 23 her husband and herself were having supper when they heard a woman screaming across the street and asking for her daughter to come out. Witness went to her door and saw Wright and his wife standing around the Steads’ doorstep. Wright then went across to the Steads, but did not enter the house. As he was approaching, Mrs. Stead hit Wright on the shoulder with a poker. Mrs. Wright then sent for the police.

Mrs, Wright gave corroborative evidence. Supt. Minty said there were five previous convictions against Wright, including one of common assault, for which he had been sent to prison with hard labour.

Imposing a fine of 20s. on the first case and 40s. on the second, Mr. G. B. Shiffner, the Chairman, said, “You are a nuisance to Mexborough. In addition to the fines, you will be bound over for 12 months to be of good behaviour. If not, you will have to pay £5.”