Mexborough & Swinton Times – Friday 20 February 1891

Gross and Unproved Assault at Swinton.

A Violent Customer.

On Monday Patrick Madden, of Swinton, stated to be a returned convict, was charged at the Rotherham West Riding police Court with assaulting Emily Skelton, of William street, Swinton. on February 19.

Mr. H. Hickinott, who appeared for the prosecution, said that on the day in question the complainant went to the house where the prisoner lived to nurse the baby and assist the mistress, Mrs. Adams. Prisoner came home the worse for drink and struck Mrs. Adams, and when Mrs. Skelton, who had the baby in her arms, tried to leave the house he turned his attentions to her. After striking the complainant he threw a case of stuffed birds at her. He then seized her by the throat and forced her down on the sofa, when Mrs. Adams her escape from the house. Defendant fastened the door, told Mrs Skelton she deserved killing, and commenced to assault her again. He kicked her on the body, and tried to throw her on the fire, but she successfully resisted. She then stood against the window , which was open by man named Goucher, who seized her and pulled her through into the street.

Several witnesses bore out this statement.

Prisoner said that he was drank, and when is that state was incapable of self-control. He had no knowledge whatever of what had occurred, but next morning found that be had been kicked very severely when he got out into the street after the assault.

Major Hammond, the superintendent of police, said that the prisoner had several convictions against him for assaults. Only a a fortnight ago at that court he was fined 40s. for having assaulted a woman.

Mr H Jubb (the chairman) characterised the assault as being gross and unprovoked, and sentenced Wadden to six months imprisonment with hard labour. A sound whipping would undoubtedly have done him good if they had had the power to order him one. As for him having been kicked by the neighbours, it only just served him right.