Sheffield Daily Telegraph – Thursday 09 August 1928

“Count Ten Next Time.”

Mr. H. Smith’s Advice to an Engine Driver.

At Barnsley, yesterday, John William Johnson, a traction engine driver, of The Fair Ground, Blonk Street, Sheffield, was charged with being the driver of an engine which failed to consume black smoke. Defendant was further accused of obstructing the highway and of using obscene language.

It was stated that while he drove along Church Street, Wombwell, the smoke from his engine obscured the view of traffic. When stopped by police officers he jumped off his engine, which he left diagonally across the road, remarking: “You can shift the thing yourselves. You are only taking advantage of a wooden legged man.”

He pulled up his trousers’ leg exposing an artificial limb. Despite the efforts of the police defendant declined to move the vehicle for about ten minutes, all of which time the street was packed with motor vehicles and other traffic.

Defendant, who pleaded not guilty, said that he was burning smokeless Welsh anthracite coal. He admitted that he was slightly excited and might, have lost his temper.

Mr. Herbert Smith, J.P.: My advice to you is to count to ten next time before you say anything.

Defendant, was ordered to pay 30s. in all.