Mexborough & Swinton Times – Friday 21 October 1892

Trespassing in Pursuit of Game

Ben Dixon, Swinton, John Mills, Kilnhurst, Samuel Kellsall, Swinton, William Podmore, Swinton, John Edwards, Swinton, Samuel Clewes, Kilnhurst, colliers, were charged with trespassing in search of game on the land of Mr F Appleyard, farmer, at Conisborough on the eighth inst.

Edwards and Clewes did not appear, and warrants were issued for their apprehension.

Defendants pleaded not guilty.

Mr Hall appeared for complainant, and stated that for about two months Mr Appleyard had had a lot of men making a practice of coming over his land in search of game. On the day in question a watch was set. Complainant’s son saw defendants and some other men, with dogs, about some rabbit holes. Complainant himself received warning of the defendants present and went in pursuit. His son, who was on horseback, followed them, and their names are taken. They then attempt pulling off the arts and broke down fences.

Complainant gave corroborative evidence.

There would be about 11 men in the field at the time, and there were three dogs with them. When he came up to them the unions numerous threats.

Charles Appleyard, son of the complainant, said he was on horseback in the next field when he saw the defendants. There was a footpath at the bottom end of the field, but defendants were at the opposite end trespassing. At the end where they were there was drain and numerous rabbits. Answering one of the defendants he denied that he said he would kill them if they did not stop, or having tried to trample them beneath the horse’s feet.

William Appleyard, another son, gave similar evidence.

Defendant, in extenuation of their defence, said they were not on the land with the object of trespassing for game. One of their number chance to pick up a mushroom, and the others went to see it and found some others. They did not see any rabbits, and one of the defendants remarked that there were none on the complainant’s land.

The Chairman said the Bench were of opinion that the defendants were acting together and trespassing with the intention of having either game or mushrooms, or anything they could lay their hands upon. Nothing was known against them previously, and each will be fined 20s, including costs. The defendant when they went across other people’s fields should keep to the footpaths.