Mexborough & Swinton Times – Saturday 31 May 1941

Coal Picking

Great Houghton Widow’s Plea

Violet Goldthorpe (35) a widow. of Great Houghton. was summoned at Barnsley on Friday, in company with a 15 years’ old haulage hand, with stealing 1 cwt. 53 lbs. of coal. valued at Is. 9d. the property of the Carlton Main Colliery company at Grimethorpe on April 22nd.

P.c. Grimley said he saw the two defendants, each of whom had bicycles laden with coal. When questioned they admitted having picked it off the tips.

Goldthorpe told the Court that she was a widow, and at one time she had no coal the house. The boy said: “I have been several times before, but this is the first time I have been caught.” (Laughter.)

Inspector Riding said the woman’s character was good, and apart from this there was nothing against her. Upon giving an undertaking to keep away from the tips in future each of the defendants was ordered to pay 7s. 6d. costs.