Mexborough & Swinton Times – Friday 28 October 1892
Pathetic Scene – Domestic Wretchedness
A sad case of domestic wretchedness was betrayed before the magistrates on Friday, in a case in which Sarah Elizabeth Martin, of Wombwell, placed in the dock, charge with having stolen a mackintosh, value 1s, the property of Robert Belfield, draper, Wombwell on 17 October.
The woman was far in advance in pregnancy, and looked utterly wretched as she was placed in the dock.
It seemed that about noon on the 17th inst she went to the prosecutor’s shop, but left without buying anything. Half an hour later a mackintosh, value 1s was this by Ernest Cotton, the shop assistant, and PC Stanfield found it home behind the door of prisoners home, and she pleaded guilty to taking it, said she did not know what made her do it. There were four previous convictions against the woman, three of them having been on one day, and all within a month in 1889.
The bench asked what she wants, and Mr Kane said her husband was a respectable, hard-working man, a teetotaller of many years standing. The other was caught forward, and prisoner, rising from her seat, appealed to the Bench, and cried, “Oh gentlemen, I have a good home and a good husband. If you will let me go I will never do it again.” Cheers streaming down her cheeks, and she appeared contrite.
Mr Kane: She drinks doesn’t she?
The husband: When she is sober no woman is better, but when she’s in drink she never is any good.
The Clerk: And you took the pledge to set her an example?
Prisoner: Yes, sir; it is 10 years since he had a drink.
The Bench pointed out that the position was serious, would the husband pay for her?
“No,” he said, “I will not, I want a separation order.”
“Oh, don’t Tom,” cried the prisoner holding on by the dock.
“She ruined herself, her children, and me. Nothing can keep her straight when she gets drunk,” he replied again.
“But you hear what she says, Tom” said the Clerk, “give her another chance.”
Tom looked at her again, and relented. “You must give me time to pay,” he said.
“Yes,” said the Chairman, “we pity you very much. We shall fine her 10s and the costs 48s 6d.
The husband paid the money and took his wretched wife home with him, she vowing she would never take drink again.