Mexborough & Swinton Times – Friday 18 September 1931

Stolen Fruit.

Early Theft at West Melton

“You are old enough to know better, but the fines won’t be as big as you deserve,” said Mr. J. S. Colton Fox (chairman) at Rotherham West Riding Polies Court, on Monday, when imposing fines of 20s. each on two West Melton pony drivers, who were summoned for having stolen 6 ½  pounds of growing apples, value 2s., the property of William Asher, of High Street, West Melton.

Defendants were: Clifford Carr, 17, of 154, High Street, and Walter Rumney, 17, of Winterwell Road. They were also ordered to pay 5s each costs.

P.c. Evanson said at 5.5 a.m. on September 3rd, he saw the two youths at the back of Mr. Asher’s shop. One of the youths was lifting the other, so that he could pluck apples from trees. They both ran away, and he chased and caught them. When questioned, Carr said, “It’s the first time,” and Rumney said, “I wish I had not gone.” The youths were carrying the apples in a large inside coat pocket.

Mr. William Asher said he had had a great deal of trouble from youths who stole his apples. Both defendants pleaded guilty and said they were going to eat the apples at the colliery, where they worked.