Mexborough and Swinton Times, May 13th, 1932
Prodigal Son
May Get Borstal
At Barnsley on Wednesday Fred Harrison, unemployed, admitted stealing a 10s. note, the property of his father, Fred Edson Harrison, confectioner, 1, School Street, Great Houghton. He said he took the note from a drawer in the shop.
Supt. Varley said the youth was bound over last month for two years for stealing postal packets.
“I ask for the protection of the Court, because I am afraid he will get himself into trouble with outsiders,” said the father. “He never seems to have enough to spend. I stood bond for him a little while ago. When a boy of 19 takes 10s. and spends it in one night, it is more than a working man can stand.”
If you are not going to look after the boy who is? – That is what I am asking. He is beyond my control. Surely there is some protection for a man who wants to do what is right.
Supt. Varley: Did your son threaten you when the police came? – He said he would make us “cop” for it.
Asked if he had anything to say, the youth replied: “He will not give me any money, I have had 1s. spending money in three weeks.
Addressing the youth, the chairman (Mr. Jones) said: In order to help you we are going to remand you for one week in custody with a view of going to Quarter Sessions and then to Borstal. We will see if they can make a man of you there.”