Mexborough & Swinton Times – Friday 11 November 1932

“A Lot For Nowt”

Dear Coal at Kilnhurst

“Ger away wi’ thisen” was a retort from a defendant to a constable at Rotherham West Riding Police Court on Monday, when the constable replied to a question from the defendant.

Defendant was Thomas Muscroft, 65, miner, 14 Pit Row, Kilnhurst, who was charged, along with John Pacey, 56, miner, 13, Wentworth Road, Kilnhurst, with having stolen coal valued 1s. each from a dirt tip at Kilnhurst belonging to Messrs. Stewart and Lloyd, Ltd., on Oct. 31st.

P.c. Kirk said he met them coming away with the coal. Men were employed by the colliery to pick such coal as defendants had from the top and stack it into large heaps ready for dispatch to the land sale department.

Defendants said they picked the coal up from off the cart road. Muscroft added, “Next time I see a piece of coal in the road I will go to Kirk and ask him if I can pick it up.”

P.c. Kirk said they ran across a grass field and he beat them to the junction.

Muscroft commenced to make further comments when Ald. E. Dunn (presiding) said. “Now be a good lad, dad while we have dealt with it.”

Defendants were each ordered to pay 5s. towards the costs, and no conviction was registered.

Muscroft: That’s a lot for nowt!