Sheffield Daily Telegraph – Saturday 31 December 1927

Thefts by a Teacher.

Barnsley Court Denial of “Shielding” a Man.

Elsie Fowler (22), a school teacher, of Stockport, pleaded guilty at Barnsley yesterday to a charge of stealing jewellery, value £14 10s.,  the Property of Sarah Moore, of 13, Barnsley Road, Wombwell, and was placed on probation.

When she was before the Court a week ago the defendant declined to plead, and was remanded in custody for a week, but yesterday Superintendent Blacker said he was pleased to say that she had come to her senses, and told the police where she had pawned the jewellery.

In September, he said, she went to lodge with Mrs. Moore, of Barnsley Road, Wombwell, but some time later she lost her employment at Darfield Council School. She remained with Mrs Moore until December 14th, when she obtained a situation as governess at Stockport, and after she had left Mrs. Moore missed the jewellery, and she was arrested at. Stockport on information sent by the Barnsley police. It appeared that prisoner took jewellery to Messrs. Bailey’s pawnshop, Barnsley, and said that she had relative ill in the South, and she wanted to raise sufficient money order to go to see her. The property had been recovered.

Supt. Blacker informed the Bench that the young woman had been discharged at Rothernam Police Court, a charge against her not being proved, and he had reports from at least dozen people of complaints which were bordering on the lines of false pretences. Because of these reports she was discharged from her employment.

Police Blame Man Friend.

There is one thing I wish to say in her favour,” added the Superintendent. “A good deal of this is due to a man named Thomas Shuttleworth of Wombwell. The police found that she had actually been paying the debts of this man. She paid one debt of £5, kept him in cigarettes and money throughout the coal stoppage, and when they have gone to a place of entertainment she has found the money. I think the despicable conduct of Shuttlcworth is greatly responsible for this young woman’s position.

“ She ought to have had more sense, because she is an educated woman. She has got into the hands of moneylenders. If you can extend sympathy to this young women, I think this is the time, in order that she may have a chance of making a fresh start in life.”

The man Shuttleworth was asked by the Chairman if he had any explanation to make, and said: ‘‘l think if defendant would start from the beginning of her career it would be better for both of us.”

Prisoner: said last week that he had nothing to do with it.

Shuttleworth: I not responsible for her position. He added that they had been keeping company for 18 months. About six months ago they talked of getting married, but the Rotherham case came on. He admitted that prisoner had paid a debt of £5 for him, and that she had kept him in cigarettes during the coal stoppage but not with money. On certain occasions she paid when they attended places of amusement. He admitted that he had written letters (produced) asking her for money, but said he had never received money.

Girl Denies Man’s Share.

Prisoner: He has nothing do with it. I did not send him any money —I still stick to that. He has nothing to do with it. I told the police.

The Chairman (Mr. W. Dutson) : You may be obstinate, but we form our own opinion.

Superintendent Blacker: We understand that she is shielding him. There no doubt he has been receiving money from her.

Shuttleworth: She is not shielding me.

Superintendent Blacker: I think this man is mainly responsible for this girl getting into trouble.

Prisoner said that she had a father and stepmother, living in John Street, Wombwell, but she did not know whether they would give her a home. She had been teaching three years, and before going to Darfield was engaged at a Wombwell school. Friends at High Wycombe would take her in.

The Superintendent; Her father won’t have anything to do with her. I have seen him.

In answer the Clerk, prisoner said that if the Bench dealt leniently with her she would try find employment and do what was right.

As soon as the Bench had given their decision and placed defendant on probation for a year, a- man named Harry Davis, of Hornby Street, Barnsley, came forward and said that he would give the girl shelter until she found work.

“I am and ordinary working man, out of work at present, but she can share what we have,” he added.

Leaving the dock the girl embraced Shuttleworth.