Mexborough & Swinton Times – Friday 21 November 1890

A Swinton Beer House Keeper Summoned

Charles Moore, landlord of the Roman Hotel beerhouse, Roman-terrace, and James Hague, miner. were each summoned for being drunk on licensed premises on the 8th November.

Mr. W. M. Gichard defended.

Police-constable Hewitt stated that about a quarter past nine on the night of the day named, he was in the kitchen of the Roman Hotel talking to a young man on some private business when he heard someone enter the house. On going to the bar door he saw the landlord (Moore) and Hague coming in arm in ann. – They were both drunk. On reaching the bar door they separated and Hague staggered on to the langsettee in the tap room. Moore went through the bar and fell across a chair, His wife got hold of him and said, “What is the matter; yon drunken old fool ? Where have you been?” Moore thereupon commenced to swear and use obscene language to his wife.

Cross-examined by Mr. Gichard, the officer admitted that he had had a glass of beer in the house while on duty.

Mr. Gichard: Have you ever said to Mr. Moore, ” You had better let me have this house, I could make it pay better than you.”

Witness: No. I have had no occasion to do that.

The bench, without calling on Mr. Gichard for his defence, decided not to convict in the case —Mr. Gichard said he had intended to comment strongly on the want of corroboration of the constable’s statement

The Chairman : And not only that. The policeman had a glass of beer in the house himself.

lnspector: I was going to ask for the case to be withdrawn.

The Chairman : It must be withdrawn.