Mexborough and Swinton Times February 15,

Kilnhurst Desertion Case

Fred Foster, Forgeman, Kilnhurst, was summoned by his wife Gertrude Foster for deserting her.

Mr G Buford Fenoughty prosecuting, and said the parties were married in February 1918, and there was one child, eight months old.

Defendant was discharged soldier, and after leaving the Army he lodged with the complainant’s parents. Defendant and offered to take his wife back and be good to her.

That was all very well, but the offer could scarcely be regarded as genuine in the view of the fact that the defendant went out of the house on November 2nd and had, only sent five shillings and five occasion. He had not sent a farthing since the end of December

December. He had also assaulted the complainant, and carried on and intrigue with another woman who had since committed suicide.

The complainant was called, and said on March 25th, a month after their marriage, defendant seized her by the throat and and try to throw her into the canal. She was coming home from Mexboro’ Hippodrome on October 21st when she saw defendant walking in the direction of the canal with his arm round the other woman. When she spoke to him about it he thrashed her and used disgusting language. He packed up his box on November 2, saying he was not going to live with her, or keep her any more. He had only sent her 25s. for the child since.

Defendant alleged that he was told to get out of the house, both by his wife and her father, with whom he lodged.

The case was adjourned for a month with a view to the parties living together