Sheffield Daily Telegraph – Wednesday 18 September 1929

Shooting Charge.

Youth’s Plea: “Fired Into Air to Frighten.”

A chase at Kilnhurst between two youths, the pursuer, it was stated, carrying a gun with which was alleged to have fired two shots, was described at the Rotherham West Riding Police Court yesterday, when William Williams (18), of Dalton, was charged with shooting with intent to grievous bodily harm at Maurice Gordon Hardy, of Thomas Street, at Kilnhurst, on September 3rd.

Hardy stated that he was with a youth named Walter Whitehouse when defendant passed them riding a bicycle. He dismounted and drew out a gun, which he levelled at Whitehouse. He was then 15 or 16 yards away. Whitehouse took up a stone, throw it at Williams and then ran to a house in Thomas Street.

Williams followed him, but later returned and said to Hardy, “I want you as well.” Witness ran away, but Williams followed and when within 40 yards off him he levelled a gun at witness and fired. Witness attempted to climb a high wall to get to his home, and had got on the top of the wall when Williams fired and missed.

Witness had never spoken to Williams in his life, he said. He denied that he and Whitehouse were lying in wait for the defendant.

Williams at this stage said that he only fired one shot and that was in the air. He did it to frighten Hardy.

Harry Froggatt, labourer, of Hooton Road, Kilnhurst, stated that he heard Williams say: “They won’t throw any more stones when they got some of this shot into them.” Witness saw Williams discharges the gun towards Hardy. Later he heard a second shot fired.

Walter Whitehouse, of Thomas Street, Kilnhurst, stated that on September 2nd he had a quarrel with Williams, who struck him several blows and said “If I had my gun I would shoot you.” He stated that the defendant chased him into a house.

The defendant, on oath, said the two youths were waiting for him when he came over the bridge. He chased them and fired a shot into the air. He did not do it to hit, but to frighten. He was committed for trial at the next Leeds Assizes. Bail was allowed.