Mexborough & Swinton Times – Friday 30 October 1891

Attack on a Swinton Policeman.

Joseph McKenzie, iron moulder, William Storey and John Dunstan, my, all of Swinton, were charged with being drunk and disorderly, and also with assaulting Police constable Shuttleworth whilst in the execution of his duty.

Arthur Hewitt, miner, of Swinton, was included in the latter charge, Mackenzie was further charged with damaging Shuttleworth’s cape to the amount of 3s.

Shuttleworth stated that on Saturday night, at 11.3 he 0 was on duty in Bridge street, Swinton, when he met Mackenzie, who was the worse for drink. He advised him several times to go home, but Mackenzie refused and became so disorderly that witness apprehended him. Dunstan and Storey, who were also drunk, came to the prisoner’s assistant, and the three kicked him about the body and struck him on the head. Mackenzie also tore his cape. Police constable Smith came up and tackled Mackenzie, and the two rolled on the floor, where witness saw the latter hit and kick the officer. Hewitt then put in an appearance, and assisted Dunstan and Storey to attack him (Shuttleworth). They had him on the ground when Sergeant Wood came up and assisted him.

Police-constable Smith said he saw the prisoners on the night named. They were all very drunk, and used obscene language. Shuttleworth took Mackenzie into custody, whereupon he became very violent and kicked him several times. Hewitt was on the top of Shuttleworth. Police sergeant Woods deposed that he heard a disturbance in Bridge street, Swinton, and on going there he Mackenzie on the top of Smith, who was on the floor. The other prisoners had Shuttleworth on the ground. Witness rendered assistance in getting the men to the police station. All the prisoners were drunk with the exception of Hewitt.

Mackenzie, Dunstan, and Storey were each fined 3s. and costs, or seven days’ imprisonment, for being drunk, and 10s and costs, or 14 days, for assaulting the police.

Hewitt was lined 10s.  and costs, and Mackenzie 6d., and ordered to pay the damage for tearing the constable’s cape.