Mexborough & Swinton Times – Friday 14 April 1933
West Melton Brothers Fight
George Herbert Chapman, miner, of Elsecar Road, West Melton, was fined £3 and costs at Rotherham West Riding Court, on Monday for having assaulted his mother, Ellen E Simpson, also of Elsecar Road, West Melton.
Chapman was also bound over in the sum of £5 for 12 months. He was given an alternative one month’s imprisonment.
Mr A.H Jackson, who appeared for Mrs Simpson, said the complainant was the mother of the defendant. On Thursday March 30th the mother received a report that two of her sons were fighting in the allotments. Although it was never wise to interfere in such a matter, the mother did not like the idea of her sons fighting and went to the fight with the idea of separating them. When she arrived, the defendant knocked his brother to the ground and was kicking him. She went in between them and defendant, apparently losing his temper, assaulted his mother, knocking her down and then attempting to kick her. The mother fainted, and a doctor who attended her said she was suffering from shock.
Evidence was given in support by Mrs Simpson. She said her son was married and lived two doors away.
An eyewitness said defendant took a flying leap at his mother, although witness could not say he deliberately tried to kick in. The defendant deliberately struck his mother with his fist.
Defendant told the magistrates that he had never struck his mother. He attempted to push her away when he was trying to reach his brother.
In cross examination by Mr A H Jackson, witness said he had no regret, because he did not believe he struck his mother.
Mr J.S.Colton Fox (chairman of the Bench) imposing the fine, said it was not often the heard search flagrant case. The defendant had been asked whether he had any regrets but evidently he had none. They believed it was very angry and he would not have committed the assault. There was nothing against him before, and but for that the magistrates would have no hesitation in sending him to prison.