Mexborough & Swinton Times – Friday 01 April 1932 (Page 12)

Caught First Time

Coal “Picked” From Waggons

Two unemployed Goldthorpe men, Samuel Gill, aged and Lawrence Croft, were       fined 10s. each at Doncaster on Wednesday for stealing coal value 2s. from the Manvers Main sidings at Adwick-on-Dearne on March 17th.

Mr. C. R. Marshall said that while visiting the sidings P.c. Shaw saw two bicycles and two small bags of coal leaning against a wall. On investigating the matter, he saw the two defendants among some wagons taking coal. Gill said “It is the first time we have been. We are on the dole. Give us a chance.” Croft gave a wrong address and Gill both a wrong name and address. When told then would be reported Croft said “I expect this will be a month.” Gill replied, “We shan’t pay, anyhow.”

When the summonses were served Croft said, “You can only get us for trespassing.” Gill replied. “Don’t be hard on us. We are not working.”

Both defendants denied the offence and said the coal had been thrown away by the colliery company as useless.