South Yorkshire Times, September 19, 1942

Robbed In Hospital.

While in Barnsley Beckett Hospital suffering from paralysis, John Potts (47), caretaker, of Turner Street, Great Houghton, lost his silver watch.

At Barnsley Borough Police Court yesterday, Albert Bray (18), labourer, of Wilthorpe Green, Barnsley, pleaded guilty to stealing it.

The Chief Constable (Mr. H. T. Williams) said Potts had the watch in his locker, and he was frequently visited by Bray, who also attended the hospital. Questioned after the watch was missed, Bray, denied any knowledge of it, but D.O. Lickiss saw him at his place of employment and found the watch in his possession. Bray admitted having stolen it.

As this was the youth’s first offence, the Bench discharged him on condition that he paid 25/11 costs.