South Yorkshire Times January 20, 1933
Traffic Trouble
Confusion at Barker’s Corner
Swinton Incident
An accident at Barker’s Corner. Mexborough on December 19th resulted in Harry Steele, 42, Albert Road, West Melton, a motor, being charged at Doncaster on Tuesday, with having driven a motorcycle without due care aid with failing to stop for a constable.
P.c, Haywood gave evidence that at 1-40 p.m. on Dec. 19th, he was directing traffic when he had occasion to stop traffic coming along Swinton Road, to allow a steam wagon to come out of High Street and into the Main Street. He signalled the wagon to proceed and then noticed defendant 150 yards in Swinton Road. He gave the signal for Steele to stop and he appeared to slacken speed.
“The wagon gut across the centre of the cross roads and I then signalled a cyclist to come from Main Street into hi Street, and as he was passing me I saw Steele cutting In between the steam wagon and the kerb. Had not the driver of the wagon immediately put his machine into reverse, it would have passed over Steele. As is was, the near front wheel caught Steele’s front wheel, buckling it and causing Steele to lose his balance.”
When witness went to Steele, the latter said. “It. la a good job we wore both going slow. He ought to have stopped.” When told he was to be reported. Steele answered “I did stop but thought you waved me on again.”
Answering Mr. W. L. Crawford (defending), witness said he did not wave Steele on at any time. “There is a class of people who stand at the corner near the billiards hall who do nothing but criticise the police.” he added.
Mr. Crawford: Why do you say that?
Witness: Because they are always on the corner and they skit a lot and make certain remarks.
There were five witness each for prosecution and defence.
Defendant’s story was that he was returning from Sheffield and on nearing the constable sounded his born, indicated his direction and received a signal to proceed. “I was four yards from him when I was amazed to see the steam wagon. I slammed on my brakes and was stood when the collision occurred.”
The constable went to secure the wagon driver’s name and address and then returned to witness. “He made no complaint whatever to me and I told him he had weighed me on. The constable seemed quite shaky.”
Witness added that he and the constable went in the direction of the billiards hall, where 30 or 40 persons were standing. “I shouted to them, now chaps who thought is this accident?”” And several replied “It was the constable’s fault.” I got those fellows names and addresses.”
To Inspector Redfern, witness said the constable singled him on twice.
At this stage the magistrate stopped the case. Mr M.L. Nokes (chairman), remarking, “We agree there might have been a serious accident here. We cannot when the constable all the defendant and we think there has been a mistake and therefore we give the defendant the benefit of the doubt.”
Mr Crawford: This was one of those cases which arises and often ends in mistake. I do not attempt to discredit the constable.