South Yorkshire Times, June 16th, 1951
Two Mexbro’ Men in Court
Sequel to Wath Station Loss
“I have done the crime, and I think it is a good job that the time has come for me to be caught up with, because the association” of certain person or persons might make It worse for me in due course. When this is over I shall just carry on where I left off, without these associations,” said William F Jameson (42), labourer, Regent’s Terrace, Mexborough, who pleaded guilty at Rotherham West Riding Magistrates Court on Friday to stealing chewing gum, worth £7 15s and cash amounting to 2s. 4d. from Wath Central Goods office. ,
He was fined £15, with the alternative of two months’ imprisonment.
Bertie Clegg (50), of “Trevor Dene,” Church Street, Mexborough, pleaded “guilty” to receiving chewing gum worth £3 5s., knowing it to have been stolen. He was fined £25, with the option of three months’ imprisonment. The chairman, Mr. F. Tingle, ordered the fines to be paid within 14 days.
“We have seriously considered committing you both to prison, but in view of the fact that these are your first offences of this type we have decided not to do so,” Mr. Tingle said.
Clegg was stated by his solicitor, Mr. H. W. Dunk, to have been a special constable during the war.
Mr. J. Wright, prosecuting, said on May 16th, the goods office was locked up. Next day, it was found some property was missing. As a result of police enquiries, Det. Officer Paley saw at Goldthorpe a Mr. Brice who had bought chewing gum and had been selling it at a local dance hall. Later he saw Clegg, who at first denied selling the gum to Brice, but later admitted it. He said he sold it for £3, and said it was given to him by Jameson. Jameson was seen and said he had never given anything to Clegg.
Later Clegg made a voluntary statement in which he said Jameson had been a member of his dance band. He had got Jameson a job with the firm by whom he was employed. Clegg said Jameson gave him a packet of chewing gum and id he would give him more. Jameson, went on the statement aid he had found it and knew here there was some more. Clegg admitted taking the gum to Mr Brice.
Jameson, in a voluntary statement admitted going to the railway station and watching out for another man while the cartons were brought out.