Mexborough and Swinton Times May 24, 1919

Colliery Case Dismissed.

At Doncaster on Saturday. Joseph Yates, pit corporal, of Highgate, was summoned for cruelty to a pit Pony in the Goldthorpe Colliery

Mr W. Baddiley said the pony was a bit stupid, twice breaking its gears. The defendant thereupon fascinate up to a bar with a piece of electric cable.

In consequence of the pony prancing about it cut its tongue. He then beat it with a wooden locker. The matter was not reported as it should have been. Later the defendant appeared before the management and pleaded guilty and asked Mr. Fisher to deal with the ease.

Evidence was given by Clifford Ogley, an electric engine driver, Caleb Westmorland, who spoke to the defendant striking the pony with a locker, and Arthur Stenton, horsekeeper.

Defendant said it was a very unusual thing for the pony to behave in the manner it did. When his attention was called to the pony’s mouth he examined it, but could not find anything wrong. He denied behaving cruelly to the animal

Replying, to Mr. Baddilev, he admitted fastening it to the bar. He also said that the witness, Westmorland, was not there when he struck the pony with a leather belt.

The Chairman (Mr, J. Brocklesby), in dismissing the case, said there was a doubt and the defendant was entitled to the benefit of it.

A pony driver, Thos. Owen, in connection with this case was summoned fur a breach of the Mines Act by not reporting to the official in charge the fact that the pony was injured.

Mr. Baddiley, in applying for a remand, said that the officials were unable to attend.