Sheffield Evening Telegraph March 29, 1909

Exemplary Punishment
Miner Sentenced for Assaulting A Woman

An assault on a woman while she was walking along the highway at Hooton Roberts was investigated at the Rotherham West Riding Court today, when John Cadman, a Whinney Hill miner, was charged with having been drunk and disorderly, with having assaulted Emma Humphreys, of 78 Hooton Rd, Kilnhurst.

Mrs Humphrey said she was returning home from Hooton Roberts at night, when she met Cadman, who was drunk. He seized her, remarking, “I thought you were my mate.” He then released her, and she went on her way.

Prisoner came after her, however, seized her by the shoulders, and threw her down. He knelt on her chest, and put his hand over her mouth to prevent her screaming. Then he asked, “Will you give over screaming if I let you go?” She answered “Yes,” and he allowed her to get up.

Percy Hobson came to her assistance, and she fell into his arms exhausted.  Prisoner had then gone away.

Other evidence was given by police constables Headland, who arrested the prisoner, and by Hobson.

Prisoner, who denied the charge, was sent to prison for three months.