Mexborough & Swinton Times – Saturday 15 February 1941

Remanded In Custody

Swinton Man on Looting Charge

A Swinton man was charged with a Doncaster man at Sheffield City Police Court on Wednesday with looting. The accused were David Arrowsmith Jones (22), of Queen Street, Swinton and Cyril Sugden (26) of Grove Avenue, Doncaster, and the charge was of stealing a crucifix and a rosary, valued at £1 14s. 6d., from a house in Sheffield damaged by enemy action.

They were remanded in custody for one week. Bail was allowed.

Detective Officer Hawkins said the police received complaint of jewellery valued at over £8 being missing from a house damaged by enemy action. On Tuesday he interviewed workmen engaged on repair work in the street where the house was, Sugden and Jones being among them. Sugden told him he had found some jewellery on the floor of the house and that he had picked it up and put it on a chair. Sugden also said “I hope you do not think I pinched it?” Witness said he asked Jones if he remembered seeing the property and his reply was “No, I was working in the yard. I know nothing about it.” Later Jones said, “The only thing I took was a small cross.” Sugden was cautioned and, alleged the officer, he said “The only thing I took was a rosary. I took it home and gave it to my wife. She is a Catholic, and I thought she would like it.” The officer added that he recovered the crucifix from the home of Jones, and the rosary from the home of Sugden. When charged both Sugden and Jones replied – Nothing to say.”