Mexborough and Swinton Times, December 12, 1902

Local Cases at Leeds Assizes.

A Goldthorpe Assault Case.

At Leeds Assizes, on Saturday, Samuel Parkinson (31) and William Dewhirst (26), colliers, were indicted for robbery with violence against Agnes Oldfield, at Goldthorpe, on October 20th. Mr. Ball prosecuted, and prisoners were defended by Mr. C. Mellor.

Prosecutrix’s story was a somewhat remarkable one. She is a single woman, living with her parents at Thurnscoe. On the day in question she went into Goldthorpe shopping, taking a little nephew with her. On her return in the evening, according to her evidence, she met a young man named Williams, who went into a public house with him, where she had two small whiskies. The remainder of her journey she resumed with only the company of her nephew. When on a bridal path she was stopped by the prisoners, who, after knocking her about, stripped her of her clothing and left her to walk home with nothing but her chemise and a cloak. Subsequently her skirt was found, and the pockets turned inside out.

In cross-examination, the prosecutrix indignantly denied that she was under the influence of drink, and the evidence of Dr. Craik, Thurnscoe, who spoke to the nature of her injuries, was to the effect that some of the marks on her face appeared to be the effect of blows.

The defence was that if the men had wished to rob the young woman there was no need for them to use violence. The fact was, suggested Mr. Mellor, that she was tumbling about drunk, that she fell down, and that in offering to pick her up one of the prisoners got a smack on the face from her for his pains.

The jury found the prisoners not guilty. As there was an indictment against them for assault, they were put back on.

On Monday the case was again called. Parkinson pleaded to having committed a common assault, and Dewhirst not guilty. Mr. Ball withdrew the charge against Dewhirst, and he was discharged. Parkinson was sentenced to 14 day hard labour.