Mexborough & Swinton Times – Friday 13 February 1891

Disgraceful Proceedings at West Melton.

Lavinia Rafferty, single woman, of West Melton, and Mary Lawton, wife of George Lawton, Packman Road, West Melton. was summoned for having assaulted Mary Pashley, a neighbour on the 4th February.

Lawton, in a cross-summons, charged Pashley with having used obscene language. Rafferty and Pashley are sisters.

The evidence showed a disgraceful state of things. There was a disturbance, in the course of which language of a filthy description was stated to have been used.

When the case had been partly heard the Chairman asked Pashley if she was willing to be bound over to keep the peace.

Pashley I shall not be bound at all, because I didn’t cause the bother. (Laughter.)

The Chairman (to Rafferty and Lawton) : Are willing to be bound over? —Defendants: No, sir

The Chairman: Neither of you —Defendants: No. sir. (More laughter )

ln the end the magistrates fined Rafferty and Lawton 15s., (including costs) each, and Pashley had to pay’ 10s., including costs.