Mexborough & Swinton Times – Saturday 06 January 1940

Caught Red-Handed

Gun-Stealing at Darfield

For stealing a shot gun and a Winchester rifle three haulage hands were fined at Barnsley West Riding Court on Friday, the Chairman, Capt. L. Hallam, remarking that it was a pity they were not older, then they might have become seriously interested in guns.

Richard Hunter (17 ½), Middlecliffe, Little Houghton, was fined £2 and costs, and Henry Robinson (18½), Howard Street. Darfield, and Eric Furniss (18), Middlecliffe, £1 each and costs.

Insp. Garrod said the guns were the property of Richard Basil Cornely.

At midnight on December 23rd. P.c. Jones saw Furniss standing near the gates of Holly House. Darfield, and when asked what he was doing he answered that he was waiting for a bus. The officer heard a noise in the grounds of the house and on going there found the other two defendants, each of whom was carrying a gun. On seeing him they dropped the guns, and when questioned they said they had gone there to look at them. Furniss denied all knowledge of the matter.

At Darfield Police Station Furniss said he agreed to keep watch and the other two admitted stealing the guns.