South Yorkshire Times, Friday, August 26, 1932

Fanciers’ Fight

Clash at Newhill

Trouble over pigeon-racing resulted in the appearance at Rotherham on Monday of John Parkes, miner, of Newhill, West Melton, charged with wilful damage to a chair and dressing table owned by Charles Hargreaves, of Newhill, and with having assaulted James Hargreaves.

Charles Hargreaves said that on Aug. 6th. Mrs. Parkes, defendant’s wife came to the door and said, – Come out you old _______ I want you.” Witness went out and then came in again. Shortly afterwards, Parkes came into the house and knocked witness against a dressing table. He got hold of James Hargreaves, witness’s son, and knocked him over as he was sitting in an armchair. The back of the chair was broken.

In cross-examination by Mr. L. H. Brittain, who appeared for Parkes, Hargreaves admitted that there had been some trouble over pigeon flying that afternoon. His son was a pigeon fancier. They had been waiting for pigeons to return from a race. At that moment, Parkes was building a greenhouse on his allotment and witness said the noise he was making caused the birds to fly round and round instead of returning to the loft.

Charles Hargreaves admitted that he was excited when he spoke to Parkes on the matter, but denied that he used bad language. He also denied that he punched Parkes in the chest, and that his son belaboured Parka with his fists.

James Hargreaves said Parkes came into the house and got hold of him by the throat. He was knocked backwards as he was sitting in an armchair and fell on the floor. Mrs. Parkes was kicking him in the body.

In answer to the Chairman (Mr. J. S. Colton Fox), James Hargreaves said afterwards Parkes asked him to go to a field and fight it out. He went and they had a proper fight. He did not know who won (laughter). Parkes was bound over in the sum of 40s. for 12 months on the summons in respect of damage, but the summons for assault was dismissed.

The Chairman of the Bench said they believed Parkes was going about his own business in building the greenhouse and not interfering with anyone, when Charles Hargreaves came down and abused him because of the pigeon flying. Parkes had a great deal of provocation which caused him to go into the house. They dismissed the other summons because the two men had a proper fight as a result of a fair challenge.