Mexborough and Swinton Times October 26, 1912

Theft of Boots at Mexborough

Birch Rod for Offender

Owing to lights fusing in Messrs Whittaker & Co.’s shop at Mexborough on October 18, a theft of a pair of boots value 3/– was made. As a result of this Alfred Colclough living at Hirstgate Mexborough was charged in custody with stealing them. His father appeared for him.

Ernest Weatherall, assistant to J Whittaker & Co. pawnbrokers, Mexborough gave evidence. He identified the boots as being upon the rail in the shop at 6-30 on October 18. The lights fused at the time the lad was in the shop and there was darkness for 10 minutes.

When the lights came on the lad was still there, but in a few minutes he went out. About 9 o’clock from something that had been told him, he examined his stock and found that the boots (produced) were missing, they were worth 3/–.

George William Horsfall, manager of the Exchange Co Ltd Mexborough, stated that about 7.30 the boy came into his pawnshop and brought a pair of boots with him. He said that he wanted 3/– on them. Witness was suspicious and asked him his age. He also told him to fetch the person who sent him. The lad left the boots and never returned so witness informed the police.

PC Pagett said that he received information from the last witness, and in consequence of the inquiries that he made he charged defendant with the theft at 3.15 p.m. the next day. He made no reply.

The father of the boy said that he was 14 years of age.

The lad, himself, said that it was “another lad” who gave them to him outside Whittaker’s shop. He did not steal them.

The Chairman said that it was a very bad thing for a lad to steal, and then try to pawn them a few hours after. He would have to have four strokes with the birch rod, and he hoped that it would be a lesson to him.