Mexborough and Swinton Times February 22, 1929

Missing Suitcase

Taken from Car at Wath.

The disappearance of a suitcase containing a lady’s underclothing from a motor car outside the pavilion of the Wath Golf Club, led to the appearance at Rotherham West Riding Police Court on Monday of Arnold Thompson (23), miner, of 55, Dolcliffe Road, Mexborough, and William Wright (23), miner, of 23, Katherine Street, thisMexborough, who were charged with having stolen the bag.

Mr. J. P. Crehan defended.

Amy Twigg, widow, of Lyndwood, St. Ann’s Road, Rotherham, said that on January 18, at 10-40 p.m she left a suitcase containing underclothing under the seat of a motor car outside the Wath Golf Club pavilion, here she attended a dance At 2.45 a.m. the property was missing

Vincent Robb, employed by the Wath Golf Club, said on January 18 he was collecting dance tickets when defendants came to the building. One of them said: “It looks like a ‘posh’ affair,” and ‘witness told him there was a dance at the Drill Hall, and they left.

William Whitehouse, a motor driver, of 146, Wath Road., Mexborough, said on January 18 he was driving a ‘bus between West Melton and Mexborough. Defendants boarded the ‘bus at West Street, Mexborough, and travelled in the direction of Wath. On, the return journey to Mexborough at 11-15 p.m. he picked defendants up at Nash Row when they were carrying a bag. They got off at Mexborough and Wright took the bag with him.

Richard Bates, motor ‘bus proprietor and conductor, of Wath Road Mexborough, gave corroborative evidence. Evidence of defendants’ boarding the bus with the bag was given by Len WADI}

Richard Bates, motor ‘bus proprietor and conductor, of Wath Road, Mexborough, gave corroborative evidence. Evidence of defendants’ boarding the ‘bus with the bag was given by Len West, professional musician, and Reg. Allen Spencer, of 30, Hope Street, Mexborough.

Kathleen Lilian Ives (16), shop assistant, of 43, Lorna Road, 3.1exborough, said one of the defendants spoke to her in the ‘bus, saying: “You smell nice, is it ‘Ashes of Roses’ or ‘Roses of Ashes’?” Wright, who accompanied him, carried a bag.

P.c. Creasey said that in consequence of a complaint received at Wath Police- Station, in company with P.s. Slaughter he made enquiries and saw defendants on January 21 at Mexborough Police Station. Wright denied any knowledge of the offence. Thompson, when charged, said: “You just bring me a summons I’ll see about it.’

Mr Crehan said that he would alter his plea of not guilty to one of guilty as far as Wright was concerned. He asked the bench to believe that Thompson had nothing to do with the charge at all.

Wright said he was drunk and did not know what he was doing. He went to the quarry with the bag

A fine £5 each was imposed. Both were ordered to pay £4 towards the case and contents, and £2 5s witnesses fees, or two months imprisonment in default .