Mexborough and Swinton Times January 20, 1940

Terrible Record

The Magistrates Advised Wombwell Man

Ought Not To Touch Drink

“We are treating you leniently, considering your terrible record.   This is your thirty-second appearance in court in five years. We ask you to promise to give up drink. You are a man who ought never to touch it,”

In these words Mr G.H. Norton, chairman of the Barnsley West Biding Bench on Friday’ rebuked William Hall, miner, of 27, Blythe Street, Wombwell, who was proceeded against on two charges of assault, of using obscene language, refusing to quit licensed premises, and of being drunk and disorderly. He was fined a total of £5 10s.

Mr. W. Winter, prosecuting, said Hail went into the concert room of the Sportsman Inn, Low Valley, just before closing time on New Year’s Day. He asked Arthur Ramsay, a waiter (one of the complainants) for a drink. Ramsay saw he was drunk and spoke to the licensee, who said Hall should not be served. When told this defendant, became violent and gripped the waiter, who had to strike before he could release himself. Defendant was asked to leave the premises, but refused to do so, Ramsay and another waiter, John R. Wroe, got defendant out of the concert ‘room into the passage and he struggled violently, kicked the landlord on the leg and used bad language.

Hall was put outside the inn but refused to go away and the police were sent for. The two waiters held him until the police arrived, and while the police officer was putting on handcuffs Hall kicked the landlord again.

Hall told the Bench it was all caused through drink. “I will try my best in future,” he said, ‘if you will give me the chance. I won’t go into a public house.”

Supt H. P. Varley said Hall had 22 convictions and was already bound over. His first conviction was in 1934.