Mexborough and Swinton Times June 24, 1892

A Lively Lady at Bolton.

Lot Dawson dataller, Bolton, was charged with having assaulted Emily Dawson, married woman.

The complainant said her husband committed an aggravated assault on the previous Saturday night. She was then at home (about 8.30) and be struck her on the side of the head. He only hit her once. He wanted her not to go to work, and that was the reason he hit her. She worked at a pit, and, lived at Swinton. Her husband wanted her to be at home all along, but she could not be working and be at home too. It was on Sunday that her husband struck her and said he was determined that he would not let her work. If her husband gave her something to keep the house on she need not work. She had 10s. from her husband and gave him 1s. out of it

The Chairman : We have nothing to do with that.

The Complainant : He has a right to give me something to live on or else keep away. I shan’t keep him and his lad.

Cross-examined by Mr. Hall : My husband works at night. He has one son and I have six children. (Laughter.)

There is only that lad at home? – Yes, and plenty too. (Laughter.)

You do not come home to him at night? – No; I get something for the children.

Does he say you should come home and not go working? – Yes.

What is the age of the boy? – I don’t know, I am not his mother. (laughter.)

Did your husband say he would provide everything if you will stay at home? – Yes but he won’t do it.

Have you not said you will not have the boy, and that he must take his chance? – No.

Have you any witnesses? – No, I can tell you plenty if I am allowed. (Laughter.)

Mr Hall for the defence, said the husband denied that he struck the woman’s; but that he had had some words with her. He should think the man had a lively time of it, to judge from the conduct of the woman in court.

The defendant contended that it was a woman caused disturbances and he took to her to show it was not right for her to be away from the house all day. The woman lived at Swinton on the man at Bolton.

The complainant angry explained exclaim to her husband: I will have a lawyer as well as you.

The Chairman: The case will be dismissed.