Mexborough and Swinton Times, June 14, 1929

Theft of Five Shillings.

Swinton Boy Bound Over.

William Douglas Greenless (16), pony driver, of Carlisle Street, Swinton, was at Rotherham West Riding Police Court on Monday charged with having stolen five shillings at Kilnhurst on June 7th.

Margaret Beckett, married, of 47, Carlisle Street, said she placed her purse containing two half crowns and two other coins in a sideboard drawer in the kitchen. She left the house to go to an outhouse and returning a few minutes later saw Greenless standing in the doorway. He said he had brought her some sticks. She went for her purse, and the two half crowns were missing. Greenless said he knew nothing about the missing money. She informed the police.

P.c. Makin said he interviewed the boy at his home. He denied having stolen the money but later said “I might as well tell you the truth. I did take it. I buried it under some ashes higher up the road.” When charged he said “I am sorry.”

Greenless told the magistrates that he took the money so that he would have more to spend.

Defendant’s mother said that she gave him 3s, a week for spending money, which brought forth a comment from Aid. A. P. Aizlewood, chairman, who said “I think it a lot too much. That is why boys get into mischief.”

Greenless was bound over in the sum of £5 for 12 months.