Sheffield Daily Telegraph – Thursday 16 November 1899

Working Man’s Club and Its Customers

Barnsley, yesterday, Joseph Allen, miner, Wombwell, was charged with having assaulted John Dorlin, miner, on Saturday night

Mr. John Carrington, who prosecuted, said the complainant lived at Gower Street, and the defendant at George Street, and the latter had committed an assault upon of a very cruel and unprovoked character.

The two men were members of what was called the Working Men’s Club and Institute, Gower Street, Wombwell, the complainant being a member of the committee. Saturday night, the defendant was making use of abusive language, which was not allowed by the rules; complainant asked the steward turn him out. When defendant was told by the steward that he had to go out he said, “Then I shall have something go out for.” and he walked across the room and struck complainant across the jaw, causing the severe bruises which were still visible

Defendant said he knew nothing about it. He had been in the club drinking ten hours.

Complainant, replying to the Bench, said the club was opened 6 a-m. and closed 11 p.m. daily, except Sundays, when it closed ton pm.

Corroborative evidence was given by Richard Moore and John Hague, and fine of 10s. and the costs was imposed.