South Yorkshire Times – Saturday 28 February 1942

“Perfect Humbug”

Deceit at Swinton

“He is a perfect humbug. I have nothing to say in his favour,” said Inspector Horne at Rotherham on Monday of Waster Mallinder (40), moulder, of 21, Toll Bar Road, Swinton, who charged with obtaining 10s. by false pretences. He was sent to prison for three months.

Mallinder pleaded “Guilty.” and Inspector Horne said a man named Jack Donald Burns, of Church Street, Swinton, was visited by the defendant on January 25th. The defendant said he had a contract, to repair a certain fish and chip shop. He produced the supposed contract and asked Burns how much he thought it would cost. Burns told him what he estimated it would be, and the defendant told him that if he (Burns) would pay half the cost of the material they would share the profit. Burns agreed and gave the defendant 10s.

The defendant pleaded for another chance and said if they would not send him to prison he would play the game.

Inspector Horne said Mallinder was bound over in 1938 when seven cases were taken into consideration. Again In 1938 he was charged with false pretences and was sent to prison for six months.