Mexborough and Swinton Times February 13, 1909

Wath Woman’s Offence.

Exposing Her Child

A little woman named Annie Kitchen, married of Nash row, Wath-on-Dearne, appeared at the Rotherham West Riding Police Court on Friday morning, carrying her sixteen weeks old baby. She was charged with exposing the child.

P.c. Whitlam found the woman, with her child sleeping in an outhouse near to her husband’s house.

The woman pleaded guilty, and made allegations against, her husband, who, she said, ill-treated her. On the Sunday he struck her with a stick, knocked her against the door, and struck her twice across the back. She left him and had not returned since. She had gone back to the house, but he would not let her in, She had six children, and she had often slept out.

Supt. Haynes asked for a remand, and said they could then, ascertain where her husband was and whether any blame was attached to him for his wife’s present condition. The child was in a shocking state.

Mr. Clews said the magistrates ‘would grant her a summons against her husband free, in order that she could have a chance of placing her side of the question before them.

The Bench acquiesced, and the woman was remanded.