Mexborough & Swinton Times – Friday 15 April 1887

Heavy Fine for Selling Unbound Meat at Wombwell.

At Barnsley, on Wednesday, John Barnes, Butcher, of Worsbrough was brought up on charges of having offered for sale in the Wombwell market on the 26 ult seven pieces of beef, which were unsound and unfit for food.

Mr. Horsefield prosecuted, and Mr. Mellor, Barnsley, instructed by Mr. J. Carrington, defended.

The charge was brought by Mr. Robinson, inspector of nuisances to the Wombwell Local Board, who stated that on Saturday night, the 26th ult on visiting the defendant’s stall in Wombwell market he noticed that a good deal of the meat was ill looking and unwholesome.

Dr. Millar, medical officer of health, came up, and together they examined it and selected from the lot seven pieces of beef which were unfit for food. Defendant expressed a wish before the meat was seized to take it away, but was not allowed to do so. He was also asked if he wished the meat to be seen by anyone before it was taken away, but he said he did not.

The meat was taken the same night to Mr F.H. Taylor, J.P., of Middlewood Hall, who condemned it, and made an order for its destruction, and so it was destroyed next day. Mr Henry Swift, butcher, saw the meat before it was destroyed. Doctor Millar, Medical officer of health, corroborated at the seizure of the beef, and said it was flabby and sodden and appeared to have been from the carcass of some animal which might have been afflicted with some wasting disease. It was utterly unfit for the food of man. It was condemned on the Saturday night, and on Sunday morning was already showing signs of decomposition.

At this point Mr Mellor pleaded guilty on behalf of his client. The beast had been bought by auction at Barnsley for £10 7s 6d. It was 40 stones 6 lbs in weight. The defendant had no idea that the meat was otherwise unsound, and he had 20 ladies, who bought meat of him on the night in question were ready to go into the box to give evidence that the meat was good, and that they had enjoyed their Sunday dinner.

Defendant was fined £5and costs