Sheffield Daily Telegraph July 5, 1917

At Barnsley yesterday, Joseph Priestley (17) a Wombwell pony driver, employed at Houghton Main colliery, was stated to have deliberately pulled down a portion of the roof, in order to stop the pit.

Col Hewitt, who prosecute, said that Priestley was caught striking the roof with a locker, and had pulled down about 1 ½ tons of dirt.

Mr Mellor (manager) said defendant’s action was sufficient to set the whole place on the move for several yards.

Defendant was told by the Chairman that he had jeopardised his own and other people’s lives, and caused the pit to stand.

He will be fined £5 and costs or two months imprisonment.