Mexborough & Swinton Times – June 16, 1939

Old Man Knocked Down

Court Sequel to Goldthorpe Mishap

Algernon Norman (50), a mining engineer, of Wakefield, was on Tuesday at the Doncaster West Riding Police Court fined £5 for driving a motor-car in a dangerous manner at Goldthorpe on the night of April 4th.

Inspector Gooderson explained that at 8-35 p.m. William Gundry (74), an old age pensioner, was walking across Doncaster Road near the Horse and Groom Hotel and had almost reached the police station side when he was knocked down by the defendant’s car. He had looked both ways before he commenced to cross. The road was 41 feet wide. He sustained severe injuries.

Gundry said he sustained a fractured leg and ribs. Before he crossed he looked both ways, but did not see anything. He denied in cross-examination that he was walking with his head down.

George Poulton, miner, Probert Avenue, Goldthorpe, said the driver should have seen the old man who had got within four feet of the opposite kerb when he was knocked down. It was raining slightly at the time and was misty.

Norman said he slowed down on approaching the traffic lights. He looked to see if anyone was on the crossing and suddenly he saw the old man two yards away.