Home Crime Theft A Youth’s Indiscretion

A Youth’s Indiscretion

August 1919

Mexborough and Swinton Times August 30, 1919

A Youth’s Indiscretion

At the Barnsley West Riding Police Court on Monday, James Deakin, pony driver, of Darfield (16), was charged with stealing a bicycle the property of Albert Taylor of Station Rd, Wombwell.

Prosecutor said that about 7 PM on the 16th inst he brought his bicycle in the yard near the house. On returning to the yard he missed the bicycle. Witness gave information to the police, and on the 23rd witness was shown the bicycle by the police.

Frederick Rich, 33, Park Street, Wombwell, said he knew prisoner. On the 21st August he was, working on the afternoon shift and saw prisoner there. He told witness that he had a bicycle for sale, and witness told him he would buy it if it suited him. On the 23rd inst prisoner took the bicycle to witness’s house and offered him it for 35s. Prisoner took the bicycle to pieces in the backyard and took the saddle away, saying it belonged to his brother.

P.c. Kaye said that from information received he made enquiries and discovered that prisoner had the bicycle, and on being charged with the theft he replied, “Yes, I took it; I am sorry that I did.”

Prisoner’s father said his son had been a good lad, and he had never had any trouble with him.

Prisoner also expressed his sorrow, and was put on probation for 6 months.