Mexborough & Swinton Times, February 3, 1928

Rival Collectors
Jealousy at Wath

The story of a different between two insurance company collectors at Wath on January 13 was related at Rotherham West Riding Police Court on Monday, when James Smith, 24 Brewery Terrace, was summoned by William Hoyland, of 4 Cadman St, Wath for assault

Mr. Donald Dann appeared for Hoyland, Mr James P Crehan represented Smith.

Mr Dunn said both complainant and defendant were insurance agent companies. There was some jealousy between them.

On January 13 complainant was collecting money from 18 Brewery Terrace, when he found defendant and his wife. As soon as complainant enter the house defendant and his wife left a complaint to make two more calls and arrived at the end of Brewery Terrace, defendant confronted him and got hold of him by the throat. Several blows were struck.

The defendant got hold of complainant and “bashed” his head on the pavement. Complainant shouted for help, and when a man came up defendant went away. As a result of the assault complainant was unfit to walk home for three-quarter’s of an hour after. Complainant had lost two days’ work.

Witnesses gave evidence in support of this statement.

Mr J. P. Crehan said the prosecution had greatly exaggerated the story.                Defendantwent to 18, Brewery Terrace to call for his wife, and when the complainant called defendant and his wife left. Later the complainant struck defendant in the chest, and  there was a struggle on the ground.

Both sides, Mr. Crehan thought, were as bad as one another, if there was an assault.

Evidence was called to show that complainant was the aggressor.