Mexborough & Swinton Times, July 8th 1892

Judge’s Direction, Verdict, and Aftermath

The Chairman, in reviewing the case to the jury, said it was one of purely circumstantial evidence. Unless they were perfectly convinced that the prisoner was the man, they must give him the benefit of the doubt. The prosecutrix could not say who struck her. The prisoner had good testimony as to character, and there was no clear evidence that anyone else committed the act.

The jury retired, and after an absence of ten minutes, returned into court, the foreman announcing that they found the prisoner “Not Guilty.” He was accordingly discharged.

Loud cheers were given in the corridors of the court. The verdict was quickly spread through Kilnhurst, Swinton, and Mexborough, and was widely celebrated. When the 8.40 train arrived, crowds gathered, and as soon as Hewitt was seen he was heartily congratulated, with deafening cheers.