Home Crime Violence Kilnhurst Couple’s Troubles – Costly Black Eyes

Kilnhurst Couple’s Troubles – Costly Black Eyes

May 1928

Mexborough and Swinton Times May 11, 1928

Costly Black Eyes.
Kilnhurst Couple’s Troubles.

Cecil Massingham (26), boiler fireman, 26 Hooton Road, Kilnhurst, was fined 25s and costs at Rotherham West Riding Police Court on Monday for having given his wife two black eyes on April 23rd.

His wife, Beatrice Massingharn, who was represented by Mr. A. E. Furniss, summoned her husband for assault, and also applied for a separation order, but the bench refused to grant her this request, hoping that the couple would get together again.

Mr. Furniss told the story for the wife. He said that the parties were married on June 19th, 1928, at the Rotherham Registry Office. On the night of April 22 the husband asked his wife for some cigarettes, she told him he must wait until morning because she thought she had some. He then said he would let her have no peace that night and he kept his promise. He would not let her sleep. He took all her clothes out of the drawers and trampled on them in the bedroom. She was unable, to sleep all night.

At 4,30 next morning se asked him if he was going to work, and he said “I am not going to work for a pig like you.” She tried to get him go to work, and he turned violent and assaulted her with his fists. He struck her several times and knocked her about. Some neighbours came to her assistance, but defendant-locked the door and kept her in. She was’ eventually’ let out “and taken to the doctor’s by some friends. When she returned the house door was locked. She was at present living with her grandmother at 5 Crown Street, Swinton.        –

Witneses corroborated this statement.

Defendant, in court, said his wife called his father a vile name, and he could not stand it.    He admitted striking her on April 23rd.