Mexborough & Swinton Times – Friday 27 May 1892

A Terror to Children at Mexborough

For some time past complaints have been received by the police at Mexborough concerning indecencies which have been committed in the presence of children, and last week the matter was brought forward at one of the board schools.

On Sunday afternoon, the disgusting behaviour again occurred in a place known as the Castle Bridge, not far from the South Yorkshire Hotel, where some children were playing, and it is alleged that a man endeavoured to entice the children to go under some arches near the canal. Another man fortunately happened to pass the spot at the time and the fellow then decamped. Information was given to the police, and a description of the man was detailed to them. The result was the apprehension of Dan Yates, who is employed as a glass founder at Mexborough and lives in Garden street.

On Monday morning Yates was taken by the police to Doncaster and his departure from Mexborough was witness by a large and indignant crowd.

At the West Riding Police Court, evidence as to the behaviour of the man was given by two girls living in Cresswell row, Mexborough.

Supt. Blake said it was not safe for children to go about when fellows like the prisoner prowled about and he pressed the case against him.

He was sentenced to three months’ imprisonment with hard labour, this being the maximum penalty.