Mexborough and Swinton Times October 13, 1917

A Thurnscoe pony driver, George Astbury, pleaded guilty to cruelty to a pony.

Mr W Baddiley, said there were numerous cases of cruelty to ponies in the pits never found out, so it was important in the cases actually discovered that action should be taken.

The pony in question was one of the quietest in the Hickleton pit, and in fact followed the lad who drove it on the previous shift like a lamb.

On this day, when the defendant got near to the stables, the animal was frightened at something and turned back. Defendant then lost his temper, and kicked it several times violently.

When the horsekeeper spoke to him he was insolent and used bad language. He had previously been cautioned because of ill using the pony.

The boy said he lost his temper and was very sorry.

He was fined 20 shillings.