South Yorkshire Times, April 25, 1942

Alleged Libel

Great Houghton Lampman For Trial

Stanley Gunn (36), lamproom attendant, 19, John Street, Great Houghton, a married man with one child, was committed for trial at the next Leeds Assizes by the Barnsley West Riding magistrates on Friday.

The charges against him were that he “wilfully and maliciously did write and publish a certain false, scandalous and defamatory libel concerning Ethel Holden, of John Street, Great Houghton, knowing it to be false.”

Prosecuting on behalf of the County Solicitor. Mr. G. Billington said the libel complained of was contained in a letter written by the accused to Mrs. Holden, who was a respectable woman of good character. On January 24th Mrs. Holden found the letter referred to in her letter box. It contained suggestions which were absolutely without foundation.        Mrs. Holden would tell the Court that she had never been out with anyone other than her husband. She would deny frequenting public houses. She occasionally visited Thurnscoe Working Men’s Club—always in the company of either her brothers, sisters or nieces. After the receipt of this disgusting letter she was very upset and went to seek the advice of close friend of her husband.

Sunday Morning Vigil.

Mr. Billington said it was arranged for this friend to keep watch on Mrs. Holden’s back door. He did so, and about 7 a.m. saw a man, who he identified as Gunn, go down to the hack door. A few days later Mrs. Holden received another letter.

Mrs. Billington added that the letters were handed over to the police and Gunn admitted having written them

Ethel Holden. 13, John Street, Great Houghton. John Potts firm), caretaker, 6, Turner Street, Great Houghton (the friend referred to), and P.c. Jones corroborated Mr. Billington’s statement.

Accused Gives Evidence.

Gunn elected to give evidence and said: “Well, I plead guilty. I admit everything. I admit I wrote that letter, but I am afraid she is not telling the truth about going out with other men.”

Gunn was allowed bail in his own surety of £10, but his application for a certificate to obtain legal aid was refused.

Bound Over.

At Leeds Assizes yesterday (Thursday), Gunn was bound over for two years and ordered to pay £10 costs.

Dr. Chappell, defending, said Gunn was sorry. He knew his allegations to be untrue, and it was a case of a stupid act by a man who had had a drink or two.