Mexborough and Swinton Times March 8, 1929

Gas Meter Robbed.

Thurnscoe Youth’s Foolish Act.

Pleading that he took the money for the “pictures,” John Gray (22), miner, of 14, Saxon Street, Thurnscoe East, was charged at Doncaster on Saturday with having stolen 11d. belonging to the Wath Gas Board.

Sarah Ellen Owen, mother of the prisoner, said that on Saturday, February 23, she left home to spend the week-end at Wigan. On returning on the following Monday she went into the room and looked in a cupboard in which the gas meter was placed, and found that the lock of the meter was broken. Her son denied that he had broken it, and she informed the police.

Police Insp. Taylor said that when interviewed by the police Gray denied taking the money, but later admitted it, and said, “I broke it open and took 11d. out.”

Charles Vaughan, meter inspector employed by the Wath. Bolton and Thurnscoe Gas. Board, said he examined the meter at prisoners home and found it had been tampered with, slightly damaged, and the lock was missing. There was 5s. 8d. missing.

In reply to the magistrates, witness said he could not explain why Gray was charged with having stolen only 11d., unless it was because he admitted taking that amount and the meter had not been examined then.

Recalled, Mrs. Owen said Gray was a good boy, and gave her all his wages. Last week she gave him 8d, pocket money.

P.c. Sparrow gave Gray a good character.

The prisoner was bound over and placed under the supervision of the Probation Officer for 12 months.

The chairman, Mr. Mark Nokes, said the costs were 25s. “We will pay some of it,”he said, “because we can see you are not in good circumstances. You will have to pay 10s.