Mexborough & Swinton Times – Saturday 06 September 1941

Must Attend

Alleged Damage at Houghton

When Percy Taylor (20), miner, 2, Horsemoor Road, Thurnscoe, was summoned at Barnsley on Wednesday for alleged wilful damage of 46s. to shrubs and vegetables at the village hall at Great Houghton, he did not appear and a warrant was issued for his arrest. P.c. Jones said Taylor was not working, but stated when the summons was served that he would not come to court.

Mr. A. Smith, prosecuting for Great Houghton Parish Council, said because of his conduct Taylor had been warned to keep away from the council dances at the village Hall. He had insisted on taking dogs into the hall. On the night in question he committed an assault on the caretaker, for which he was not charged, and later P.c. Jones saw him deliberately uprooting plants. On being approached by the constable he used filthy language and apparently had taken up a defiant attitude.

The Clerk (Mr. P. S. I. Carrington), remarked: “This man is liable to be sent to prison for six months and therefore has the right to say whether he shall come before a jury.” The case was accordingly adjourned, and on the suggestion of Supt. H. P. Varley a warrant was issued.

There were three other summonses in the list against Taylor, including alleged drunk and disorderly, and alleged obscene language.