Sheffield Daily Telegraph – Saturday 08 October 1927

Lying On Railway Line
Goldthorpe Miner Rescued by Signalman.

The Barnsley West Riding magistrates yesterday complimented Frank D. Higgins, a railway signalman, for saving the life of H. Picken, Goldthorpe miner, who was summoned for trespassing on the railway.

Higgins said that at 11.20 p.m. on Saturday, September 3rd, he heard a noise outside his cabin at Shafton Junction and found Picken, who had had some drink, lying in the fourfoot way with his feet entangled in the signal wires.

Picken asked, “Is this the way to Goldthorpe?” Witness took him into his cabin and sent for the police.

Superintendent Blacker; It looks as though Higgins saved defendant’s life.

Chairman (Mr. G. H. Norton); you know you might have been killed?

Defendantr Yes, I am lucky to be here.

In imposing a fine of £1, the Chairman said that defendant had done something very silly.