Mexborough and Swinton Times July 13, 1928
Before The Bench
Stories From The Police Court
Perjury Alleged
Intimation In Conisborough Case
The intimation that a witness would be proceeded against for perjury was made at Doncaster on Saturday, when four men were summoned for having damaged a danger sign, belonging to the West Riding County Council, to the extent of 27 shillings at Conisborough.
The defendants were Thomas Mullins, miner, Wombwell; his brother Joseph Mullins, miner, Mexborough; Joseph Dickenson, miner, Bolton on Dearne; Joseph Wright, insurance agent, Denaby; and they were fined £1 each.
PC Driver said he was on duty near the crossroads and Sheffield road, Conisborough, at 10 PM on June 16 when he saw the four defendants, apparently under the influence of drink.
Wright said, “Let’s do the strong man act,” and between them the four men got hold of the danger sign and broke it off at the base. When told they would be reported Wright replied, “I am sorry,” and Dickenson said “We have had a drink.”
Similar evidence was given by PC Nellist.
The defendant strongly denied the offence, Claiming that was a case of mistaken identity. The two Mullins said they did not know the other men, and Wright said it appeared to be a child’s escapade.
Thomas Mullins said the man who broke the sign was in court, although he was not summoned. He then called as witness his brother.
Frederick Michael Mullins, on oath, said he pulled the sign down, unintentionally. Another brother was leaning on the signpost, and, thinking it might make him fall, witness jerked the post, which fell and knocked him on his back. The post was loose.
The magistrates retired for five minutes, and on their return the Chairman (Mr. J. Dymond) said they were unanimously of the opinion that the ease was fully proved against the four defendants, who would be fined £1 each. With regard to the last witness they thought further action should be taken by the Clerk.
The Clerk (Mr. L. TC. Pettifer) called Frederick Michael Mullins, and, intimating that there might be a charge of perjury against him, took his address, which was given as 20, Dryden Road, Mexboro’.
Dickenson asked the alternative to the fine, and, on being told that it was seven days, said he would go to to prison. He was given time to reconsider his decision, but persisted in saying he preferred imprisonment, and he was therefore committed to gaol for seven days.
Wright declared that the whole case was an injustice.
The other three defendants were allowed 14 days in which to Pay.