The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1875-01-09 00:00:00

OLD HILL.

COAL STEALING.—At the Police Court, on Monday,
before Messrs. F. W. G. Barre and N. Hingley, William
Mann (8), and Elizabeth Daft (91, were charged with
stealing a quantity of coal on the 31st ult, the property
of the ,Waterloo Colliery Company. William Banister
(12), proved that he saw the defendants take the coal
from a boat belonging to the colliery, and saw them take
it home. He spoke to them about it. Both pleaded
guilty, and said they stole it beciwe they had no fire.
Fined 3s each, without coats; in default seven days.
A FAMILY Row —Jane Mann was charged by Joshua
Banister with assaulting him on the Ist inst. From the
evidence of complainant it appeared that the case arose
out of the previous one. Witness was at work, when he
was told that the defendant and others *ere beating his
w:fe. On going home he found the • defendant, her hus-
band, daughter, and two others in the house, quarrelling
with his wife. He ordered them out of the house. They
refused to go, when complainant's son picked up a poker.
which was taken off him by defendant's husband. The
defendant then struck him twice on the face, but did not
hurt him. From other evidence given, it appeared they
were all related.—John Mann was then charged with as-
saulting Anna Maria Banister on the same date. The
complaint was that the defendant struck her on the head.
Defendant denied the charge, and said he took the poker
off Banister's son, because he struck his wife across the
back. Several witnesses were examined to prove that
John Mann did not strike any one. This case was dis-
missed, and Jane Mann and Susannah Parker were then
charged with assaulting Inn Banister, on the 18th ult.
Complainant is sister to Mann, and aunt to Parker. It
appeared from the evidence that a regular melee had
taken place, and Parker was ordered to pay costs, and the
two sisters bound over la £5, to keep the peace for three
months. The first case was dismissed.
DRUNK AND DISORDERLY.—Henry Tucker and Benja-
min Price, colliers, were charged with being drunk and
disorderly on the night of the 28th. Police-constable
Kettle proved that he saw the two defendants, who were
drunk and fighting. The Magistrates said that being
Christmas time, they would only order them to pay costs.
—Barnabas Homer, of Brierley Hill, was charged with a
similar offence, on the 2nd inst. Police-constable Collier
proved the offence. Ordered to pay Coats.
CHARGE CF KILLING A PIGEON.—AbeI Homer was
charged with unlawfully killing a tame pige-in on the 29th
ult, the property of Thomas Smith. Complainant proved
the loss of the pigeon, which was a tae one, and that
he would not have taken lOs lor it; but valued it at 2s
Bd. Matilda Walker proved that, she saw the prisoner
shoot the pigeon with a catapult, and saw it drop,
Joseph Davies picked it up, and defendant took it off
him, and swore what he would do if he did not let him
have it. Defendant also threatened her if she gave evi-
dence. Defendant here made use of some very violent
longuage towards the witness. The Bench remonstrated
sharply with the defendant, and said they never heard
such language in a court before, and they would make
him pay for it. Defendant was then fined 20s and costs,
and 2s Gd the value; in default one month's hard
labour. _ _ _

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SAD CASE OF IMMORALITY.— Thomas Richardson
Spinners End, was charged with assaulting Maria Free
Defendant did not appear. Complainant said she did
not wish to press the case. Mr. Barrs :Why you wanted
a warrant to nave him locked up. Complainant: Yes I
did sir. Mr. Barrs : Tell us what he did to you. Wit.

ness : He struck me and broke all the pictures in the
room. It is my own house and I pay 5s per week rent.
The Bench :Is the defendant a lodger, or what. Witness
he lives with me. The Bench : That is a very:bad way'of

living. The police were continually being smt for
thpough the defendant's conduct, weo lived with her,
although he has a wife and six children living, and the
complainant is also married. Complainant : Yes bat
my husband left me. The Bench rewarked that their
conduct was most disgraceful, and issued a warrant for
aliprehending:the defendant. •