Mexborough and Swinton Times April 26, 1929

Plants Damaged.

Wath Man Fined.

William Riley (48), labourer, of Winfield Road, Wath, was at Rotherham West Riding Police Court on Monday summoned for having done wilful damage to growing tulip and daffodil plants by digging them up on A1pril 19th.

P.c. Knapton said at 1 p.m. on April 9th he received a complaint from Albert Edward Owtram. He made enquiries and saw Riley, who said, “I thought the garden had been given up, so I took them.”

Albert Edward Outram, caretaker of the Town Hall, Wath, said he had an allotment belonging to Wath Urban Council. Damage had been done to his plants by them being dug up.

A fine of 30s., including costs, was imposed.

A charge of stealing a tenon saw at Wath on Jan. 1st, was preferred against Riley.

Win. Beech, a cattle dealer, of Moore Road, Wath, said he owned an outbuilding in Moore Road. At 3 p.m. on Jan. 1st his tenon saw was missing from the building. He informed the police of his loss. Since August, 1928, he had had various dealings with. Riley, but he had never lent him the saw.

P.c. Knapton said that in company with Sgt. Slaughter he made enquiries. In answer to the charge Riley said ‘Yes, I have it. He lent it to me. It is in my stable.”

On this charge Riley was fined 10s.