Mexborough & Swinton Times – Saturday 19 October 1912
Theft of a Gun at Swinton
Bernie Deakin (21), a labourer, pleaded guilty to stealing a gun from Robert Booker, at Swinton between July 26 and August 1st.
Mr T.E.Ellison said the gun, which was worth 25 shillings was left in and out of, and subsequently sold by prisoner to a lad for two shilling, and in consideration of the gift of a pair of trousers, prisoner taught him how to use it.
Several previous convictions were proved against prisoner, who was said to have been a great trouble ever since he was a lad.
Prisoner, in a written statement, appealed to be given a chance, but the Chairman pointed out that his 18 months Borstal treatment appeared to have failed in the desired effect, for there were two conviction since.
He would now undergo a further six months hard labour