South Yorkshire Times, January 6, 1951

Goldthorpe Man Dies

Two Miners Remanded on Manslaughter Charge

Chief Inspector F. Schofield stated at Doncaster West Riding Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday that a charge of Inflicting grievous bodily harm on a 33-year-old miner, against two other miners, had been changed to one of manslaughter. Charged with the manslaughter of Albert Formstone, of Doncaster Road, Goldthorpe, William Cooper (20) and William Brown (52), both of Victoria street. Goldthorpe, were remanded in custody until next Tuesday.

Chief inspector Schofield, prosecuting said the men appeared before the court on Saturday accused of inflicting grievous bodily harm on Formstone on December 26th.

“Formstone died in the Montagu Hospital, Mexborough. on Sunday afternoon. These men now stand charged with manslaughter and a lot of inquiries have to be made,” the inspector said.

When charged with inflicting grievous bodily harm. Cooper made no reply, Brown said: ” I never touched him.”

The Inspector added that the men had elected to make certain statements but he was not prepared to put them in. There were further inquiries to be made.

Mr. D. Dunn, for the two defendants, said he had no objection to the remand and no application to make at that stage.

He added that at sonic future date he would have a certain application to make.

Inquest Opened

The inquest on Formstone was opened at Mexborough by the Doncaster District Coroner (Mr. W. H. Cathie), for evidence of identification and medical evidence, and adjourned until the completion of the court hearing.

Joseph Formstone, colliery scavenger, of 10. Victoria Street, Goldthorpe, said he last saw his son on Sunday at Mexborough Montagu Hospital. He was unconscious and died shortly afterwards. Mr. Form-stone said his son had enjoyed good health, although suffering a leg iinjury some two years ago.

Dr. David E. Price, a Barnsley pathologist, who conducted a post mortem examination, said Formstone had two black eyes and bruises on each cheek. There was an operation scar on the right ankle. Death was due to meningitis following compound fractures to the nose and cheeks, the injuries being consistent with force having been applied to the face.

The interment of Mr. Formstone took place yesterday (Thursday) at Bolton cemetery preceded by a service in Goldthorpe Parish Church conducted by the Vicar, the Rev. T. D.S. Barratt.