Mexborough & Swinton Times – Friday 26 September 1902

Houghton Labourer and His Abode.

Thomas Hopkinson, labourer, Houghton Parva, was charged at the Barnsley Police Court, on Friday last, with having lodged in an outhouse on the previous Wednesday night.

P.c. Moor stated that he found prisoner asleep in an “old tumble down shed” on the farm premises of Mr. Cooke, farmer, Little Houghton. Prisoner had no right there, and many complaints had been made by the owner.

Witness added that he had known Hopkinson seven years, and he would not work regularly, although he had had several good offers. When found he had half-a-crown in his possession.

Hopkinson denied that he was asleep. He said that he had been in possession of the place for 20 years, and his furniture was there also.

Supt. Quest intimated that the building where prisoner had lodged had been condemned by the authorities, and prisoner had previously been proceeded against.

The Bench committed Hopkinson to gaol for 10 days.