Sheffield Independent April 6, 1907

An Exciting Incident at Great Houghton
A Drunken Miner with a Loaded Gun

At Barnsley West Riding police Court yesterday Mr W Batty presiding, James Knock, miner of Great Houghton was charged with being drunk in possession of a loaded gun at that place on 9 February last.

Police Constable Vaughan said he was on duty at great Houghton about 10:10 o’clock on the night of the Dave named, when he saw defendant at the top of Bryon Square where he lives. He had some conversation with him when he suddenly ran down the yard to his own house came out with a loaded gun in his hand.

Someone called to him, and prisoner said he would show them whether it was loaded or not, instantly firing one of the barrels into the air. All the residents in the square were terrified and ran into their houses.

Prisoner offered no explanation.

The Chairman said he had a very bad record, and fined him 40 shillings and costs.

Knock left the district after the occurrence and has only been recently apprehended.