Widnes Examiner. — 1902-09-05 (Widnes, Cheshire, England)

NIX MONTHS' IMPRISONMENT FOR NEGLECTING CHILDIREN. A " TwonOtnia Warrtm.t.." Six months' Imprisonment was the 'enter's,. inflisted upon William Cottos, Pump-yard. who appeared before the Warringtonfmagistrates en Monday on a charge if neglecting his two children.—Mr Orosnpton who prosecuted on behalf of the 10 , said that of all the cases which had been brought before that Cdurt this was probably the worst. The prisoner was an engine driver, bet would net follow that or any other occupation except for odd days. Whenever he aid work he spent his earnings in drink. The money he had provided for the maintenance of hit wife and children during the la.t, nine mohths only attioonted to Its. He constantly came home drams. and cleared them all out of the house, and threatened to murder them. They had been to sleep in neighbours' houses out-buildings, closets and other places. Last week they were turned away from the house and had to sleep out few three nights. The Society's Inspector Visited the house on Saturday, and toned that the only food was a piece of dry breed. On Friday the prisoner earned Is and made blerlau,ghter go out and purchase drink with it. At that time there wee no food or fire in he hone*. The wife worked hard and endeavoured to maintain the family.— HYidence was given by prisoner's wife and daughter. P.O Clarke.and Inspector Hackett.—The prisoner said that when he went to his wife's house In ew3ey-road a police offioer ordered him ont,and called nirn a" wastrel and a scoundrel." —The Chief Constable remarked that the offieer had certainly spoken the truth that time. The prisoner was a thorough wastrel an that was his sixteenth appearance before the magistrates. He had twice been sentenced to six months for neglecting his children. He was a "brute on two legs."— Prisoner was sent to gaol for six months.  liumonorre PRiaoNEa. Henry Cook,alian " Hobby, " alwell-known character. was brought before Runeorn magistrates on Monday, charged with being drunk and disorderly on the 23r.i August.— Prisoner : Guilty in regard to the istoxication, but not annoying. (Laughter )—Poliee-constable Gregory deposed bow the prisoner at 11 p.m. wanted to kiss every youag woman he came t..—The prisoner It there was snob a thing, why didn't you chastise me. (Laughter.) Why did not von fetch me up for next day, same as you always have done. I am bound. but I am not buried. If you get a bad name, hang him. (Laughter).—Mr Johnson (magistrates' clerk) : You complain that the Constable did not lock you up iastead of summoning yoa ? The Prisoner: Well it stands to sense if I had been bad they would have had me in ready for next day, same at they always have before. (Laughter.)—rolloe-oonstable Gregory said he thought he would give him s chance to go to his lodgings. The Prisoner: And took the Clans°, didn't I? Police-constable Gregory : The prisoner went quietly to his lodgings—the model lodging-house. The Prisoner : The Commercial Hotel, No 7, the knock-out show (Loud laughter).—TbeChairman (Mr Ockleiton) said prisoner had evidently h.d a " drop" that morning', and he asked him not to make a fool of himself. The Prisoner (addressing the sergeant) : Why didn't you aclnaint me? You know lam a compus mentis man. (Much laughter.) Go on : I have nished.—A sentence of a month's hard labour was passed The Prisoner : A month I All right. Good morning, all. (Laughter). The prisoner, making an obeisance to the magi:l-rate and the people in the court, tripped lightly from the tack to the cells below.