Sheffield Daily Telegraph – Wednesday 23 April 1919

Man Who Was Turned Out.

Thomas Lockwood, miner, Thurnscoe, was at Doncaster West Riding Court-, yesterday, charged with deserting his wife, Sarah Lockwood, living with her parents in Chapel Street.

Mr. J. Baddiley, who appeared for the complainant, said the parties were married at Thurnscoe on June 7, 1897 and had three children. In October, 1914, defendant enlisted, and in January, 1917, he came home out of hospital and broke up his home. The wife went to live with her parents in Thurnscoe. He was demobilised December last and came back to live with his wife and returned to his work Hickleton Colliery until March 16, when on that day a young woman came to the house carrying a baby. The wife was present at the interview, when the young woman accused defendant of being the father of the child she was carrying, and he admitted it.

After some argument the young woman left, taking the baby with her, and complainant’s father then told defendant he could not expect to live in his house any longer and he had better find another home. Next day defendant left.

Mr. F. Allen, for the defence, urged that there was no desertion. The man was turned out of the house in consequence of the allegation made against him.

The magistrates decided against Mr. Allen on the point of law.

Defendant denied the story about the child, and admitted had seen the woman at Belton Camp. An order of separation with 50s. per week allowance was made.