Mexborough and Swinton Times June 29, 1928

BEFORE THE BENCH
Stories from the Police Court

TWO TALES
The Court’s Task.

John William Lenton and Ezekiel Prince, to Swinton mines, were summoned at Doncaster on Tuesday for having Stolen a quantity of coal and two cement bags, valued at six shilling, the property of the Manvers Main Colliery Co., Ltd., at Adwick-on-Dearne, on May 24,

Mr Frank Allen prosecuted, and stated that the two defendants were seen coming from a siding with 3 cwts. of coal in cement  bags. Cement was being used at Bolton Bridge, and it was alleged that the bags were taken from work there. Numerous complaints had been made about damage to the sidings and about things being missed.

Lenton said he and Prince found the bags hidden in some piping and coal strewn about under an archway. They put the coal in the bags, and were taking it away when they were stopped. He denied that the bags produced in court were the bags they had filled with coal. The coal which they picked was 250 yards from the sidings.

Prince said on the way to Goldthorpe they found the sacks filled with coal. While they were putting the sacks on the barrow Huey were stopped and told they would be reported.

Mr. Allen, pointing out the difference in Prince’s story and that of Lenton, asked Prince which of them was telling the, truth. Prince answered, “Well, it’s left for you gentlemen to decide.”

There were twenty-two previous convictions against Lenton, some for stealing coal, and Prince had been previously convicted for stealing sacks.

Lenton was fined £4, being given a month to pay, and Prince was fined 20s. and also  given a month in which to pay.