Mexborough and Swinton times july 5, 1929

Theft From Grave.

“Utterly Mean Offence.”

“It is an utterly mean offence,” remarked Inspector Herbertson at Rotherham West Riding Police Court on Monday when George Wm. James (66), labourer, of ’65, Frederick Street, Swinton, was fined 30s., or 14 days’ imprisonment in default, for having stolen a quantity of cut flowers, the property of Arthur Thompson, of Beech House, Fitzwilliam Road, Swinton from a grave at Swinton Churchyard on Sunday.

P.c. Allonby said that large numbers of flowers had been stolen from the graves in the churchyards, and in consequence of complaints be concealed himself behind a tree. He saw James, accompanied by a dog, come into the churchyard and take a bunch of flowers from a grave. When cautioned, the defendant said “These are my own: I can pay for them, and can pay double.”

Evidence was given by Arthur Thompson stating that the flowers had been placed on the grave that morning (Sunday) and were worth about threepence.

The defendant said he had never been in trouble before in his life, and had done it on the spur of the moment.

Mr. E. Rose, chairman of the bench, in fining the defendant, said the bench regarded it as a particularly mean offence, and they hoped the case would be a warning to others.