South Yorkshire Times – Friday 25 November 1932

Thefts From School

Swinton Youth Caught Red-Handed

A series of thefts at Queen Street Council School, Swinton, were investigated at Rotherham on Monday, when Kenneth Phillips (17), builder’s apprentice, of Dunn Street, Swinton, was charged with having stolen 3d., 3s. 5d., and 2s. 7 ½ d.

Miss Margaret Harrison, Park House, Rawmarsh, headmistress at the school, said that on November 11th she placed three pennies in the drawer of her desk and before doing so made a note of the dates and told the caretaker. The next day she was shown the pennies by P.c. Allenby and the dates corresponded. Previously she had missed money from the school.

Arthur Kerry, caretaker, 131, Queen Street, Swinton, said some repairs were being done at the school and Phillips was being employed there.

P.c. Allonby said that he and Sergt. Downhill concealed themselves in the school and at 8 a.m. on November 12th Phillips came and went straight to the headmistress’s classroom. Five minutes later they stopped him as he came away and asked him what he had been doing. He pulled three pennies oat of his pocket and said “That’s all I have got this morning.” When charged he said ‘I took them but I will pay it back if you will let me.”

Phillips admitted stealing 3s. 5d. and 2s. 71d. and a Waifs and Strays box from which he took 8s. 1d.

Phillips, when asked if he had anything to say, commenced crying and said “I am sorry, I won’t do it again.’

Phillips was bound over for two years and ordered to pay £2 12s. costs