Mexborough & Swinton Times – Saturday 29 March 1941

Assaulted In Garage

Wombwell Haulage Contractor Fined

Barnsley West Riding magistrates on Friday imposed a fine of £5 upon Arthur Thompson, haulage contractor, Blythe Street. Wombwell, for assaulting Richard Shillitto, School Street, Wombwell.

Mr. A. Smith, for Shillitto, said his client was employed by Messrs. E. Thompson and Son. On March 14th Shillitto was in the garage when Thompson spoke to him about his time sheet for that week. On March 10th Shillitto had been working in London and had put down 12 ½  hours for his working time that day. Thompson said 12 ½ hours was too long, and that he was not going to pay him. When Thompson accused Shillitto of robbing the firm, the latter replied: ” Well, if that’s your attitude, you had better give me my cards.” Thompson struck him, knocking out two teeth. Shillitto did not retaliate, and later went to see Thompson’s parents, intending to get his cards. These they refused to give him. Thompson told the Bench that Shillitto had pushed him and had adopted an aggressive attitude. He thought he was going to attack him, and therefore struck a blow in self defence.

In addition to the fine of £5, Thompson was also ordered to pay the witnesses’ costs.