Mexborough and Swinton Times, May 13th, 1932
“Stand-Up Fight” By Women
A stand-up fight between two West Melton women had a sequel at Rotherham on Monday when Susannah Stinson (48) married, 5, Packman Road, West Melton, was charged with having unlawfully and maliciously wounded Olga Fletcher, married, 6, Packman Road, on May 1st.
There was a cross summons by Mrs. Stinson for an assault by Mrs. Fletcher.
Mrs. Fletcher stated that following some trouble about children, Mrs. Stinson struck her while she was holding a baby on her doorstep. She took the baby into the house and came out again when a “stand up” fight followed. Mrs. Stinson saw she was getting the worst of it and called to her son and daughter, Tommy and Susie, to come and help her. Tommy took a kick at witness while she was on the ground. Witness got up and then Tommy tried to push her, but pushed his mother instead. Eventually, both witness and Mrs. Stinson fell to the ground witness being on top. Mrs. Stinson commenced pulling at her hair and then pushed witness’s hair slide into her eye. Witness commenced bleeding and went inside the house.
“It was a fair fight,” added the witness. “She wanted a regiment to me. I stuck it, and stood up like a hero.”
In cross-examination by Mr. Donald Dunn, who appeared for Mrs. Stinson, Mrs. Fletcher admitted that she rained blows on Mrs. Stinson when they were on the ground.
Dr. Easton, of Wath, said Mrs. Fletcher had a lacerated wound on the left eyeball, also a black eye. The injury to the eye appeared to have been caused by a blunt instrument.
In reply to Mr. Dunn the doctor said the injury might have been caused by a finger nail.
Evidence in support of Mrs. Fletcher’s statement was given by Helen Fowler, married, 28, Packman Road, and by George Cusworth, 8 Packman Road.
P.c. Lofthouse stated that when he questioned Mrs. Stinson she said “It was a stand-up fight. She challenged me.” When charged, Mrs. Stinson said, “I never had a slide.” Both women showed signs of a hard battle.
Mr. Donald Dun submitted that there was no evidence of any malicious wounding. He suggested that both parties should be bound over, providing the charge against Mrs. Stinson was reduced to one of common assault.
The course was adopted by the magistrates, who bound over both the defendants in the sum of £5 for twelve months, and ordered them to pay costs.