Mexborough & Swinton Times – Saturday 17 August 1912

Mania for Biting

Assault in Kilnhurst Public House.

John Cobb and William Russell, both of Kilnhurst, were summoned for having assaulted Fred Walker at Kilnhurst, on July 29.

Mr W.M.Gichard prosecuted and said the complainant was a barman in the Nag’s Head Hotel at Kilnhurst. In July 29, about 9 o’clock, the defendants entered the house stop there had been in a short time, and it was evident that they were trying to pick a quarrel. Cobb spoke to the complainant, and said he was no good, like his father. Both the defendants then used bad language. The landlord told defendants to be quiet, but they again use filthy language.

All at once the defendants jumped up, and Cobb struck the complainant and his left cheek, and Russell struck him on the right side of the face. The complainant was knocked down, and whilst on the floor they said they would worry him. Cobb got hold of complainant’s ear with his teeth and bit a piece out of it.

The complainant gave evidence in support of the case.

Answering Cobb, he said the piece was bitten out of his ear.

Cobb said that if he had got hold of him right he would not been there.

A barmaid give evidence in support, and said that Cobb put his arms round her and kissed her.

Cobb said he was struck first, and he retaliated. They were playing ‘tip it.’

Russell said he only looked on.

Cobb was committed to prison for one month and Russell was fined 20 shillings and the costs.