Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer – Thursday 07 April 1938

“MOTOR POACHERS”

Methods Described at Barnsley

Barnsley West Riding magistrates, yesterday, heard a description of the methods of motor poachers, when five men were summoned for night poaching on land belonging to the Earl of Wharncliffe.

“These men,” said Mr. P. C. Spooner (prosecuting), “lay elaborate plans and worked them out regardless of expense They came 20 miles, from Thurnscoe to Wortley, and had it not been for the vigilance of the police they would have got away with a good bag of pheasants, leaving no trace.

“This sort thing has beta going since November, and the keepers have never been able to spend easy night. Visits by these motorised gangs are getting a serious menace, and the police and game-keepers have a dangerous and difficult task trying catch these offenders at night time.”

Joseph Bennett, labourer, 64. Blythe Street, Wombwell, was sent to prison for three months and hound over in two sureties’ of £10 for 12 months, or in default another three months’ Imprisonment; Carmi Gethen (28), motor driver, 38, Church Street, Thurnscoe, was committed tor two months; and Roberts Davies (35), miner, 36, Church Street, and Prank McKenning (27), mechanic, 18 Landsdowne Crescent, Thurnscoe, for one month each

Charged with them was John Batty (22), miner, 4. Intake. Doncaster. He did not appear, and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

The Chairman (Mr, Herbert Smith) said all the sentences were to hard labour.