Mexborough and Swinton Times, July 8th, 1932
Plunder
Prison for Fraud of Guardians
“The county is in a bad way and cannot afford to support scoundrels like you. You ought to be thoroughly ashamed of yourselves.”
The Chairman of the magistrates (Mr. G. E. Cooke-Yarborough), made this statement at Doncaster West Riding Court on Saturday, when several cases of obtaining money from the Public Assistance Committee by false pretences were brought before the Bench.
Thomas Gaskell (43) miner, of Thurnscoe, 2as charged with obtaining £9 9s 6d from the Public Assistance Committee, between December 26th 1931 and February 13th 1932.
Defendant pleaded that he knew nothing about the money as his wife had had it. He had no intention of defrauding.
The Chairman said it was deliberate fraud on the contrary. He had obtained the assistance and drawn wages at the same time.
Gaskell was sentenced to three months imprisonment.
Sydney Brinton, a Denaby club pianist, was sent to prison for three months for obtaining £9 20s by false pretences.
John Wm. Burns, 31 Chambers Avenue, Conisbrough, was sentenced to six months imprisonment for obtaining £159 11s 6d by false pretences, the evidence showing that Burns had obtained £366 in two years from compensation relief and health insurance.