Mexborough and Swinton Times December 14, 1912

Disgraceful Scene at Wath

Brothers fined for assaulting police

Harry Matthews, miner, Wath, and another man were found fighting a High St, Wath on Saturday night by PC Whitlam. When the officer attempts to separate them Matthews in the council in the face and kicked him.

Matthews was bound over to keep the peace for three months of fighting, and for the assault it was fine 20 shillings and costs or one month.

Arising out of the same disturbance, the prisoner’s brother, George Matthews of Wath, was charged with having been drunk and disorderly, and with having assaulted PC Redman.

The sergeant described the scene as been disgraceful. There was a number of men fighting in the roadway. When the prisoner’s brother was taken into custody, George Matthews attempted to incite the other men to create a disturbance. He also used bad language, and was very disorderly. Redmond asked him for his name and address and he refused to give them. Whilst been taken into custody Matthews kicked the officer about the body and legs, and tried to bite him. With the assistance of three or four men, Redmond managed to get one handcuff on him. It took them three quarters of an hour to get him to the police station. The prisoner was “absolutely mad.”

Asked if he had anything to say, the prisoner said “It is no good saying ought when you come here. You may as well keep your mouth shut.”

Matthews was fined 5s and costs for having been drunk, and 40s and costs for the assault.