On 3rd October, 1893 at Rotherham West Riding Police court, a police-sergeant named Francis Vokes, of the North Riding, who has been doing special duty in the Rotherham district during the last few weeks, in consequence of the state of the unsettled neighbourhood, was summoned for having assaulted a miner named Peter Allen, of Rotherham, on the 23rd ult. The case excited a good deal of interest, several local leaders of the Miners Association being present in court. -
Mr. W. M. Gichard, who prosecuted, stated that on the 23rd ult. the defendant and two police-constables were at Dalton Brook. Shortly before 10 o'clock at night, complainant and a companion were returning from Wickersley, and they were met by the defendant and the other officers. Defendant asked their names, and the information was given. In reply to a question as to what he had got in his pocket, complainant said he had some potatoes and watercress which had been given to him. He offered to verify the statement if necessary. Without provocation, it was alleged the defendant struck complainant on the shoulders with a stick, and not being content with that he hit him continuously for a distance of more than a hundred yards. The bruising on the man's shoulders extended from the top to the bottom, and in the opinion of a medical gentleman considerable and repeated violence had been used in causing the injury. The attack on the complainant had been deliberately made, without any reason whatever.
Mr. Hickmott, who defended, said the defendant, in the heat of temper, had committed a mistake, and therefore, under the circumstances, he felt that the proper step was to express great regret for what he had done. He had exceeded his duty as sergeant of police, and was most sorry for his indiscretion. The defendant had 14 years service, and had borne a good character.
Without evidence being called on defendant's behalf, the Chairman said the Bench thought the officer received very great provocation, and they were sorry he had rather exceeded his duty. Fined 30s, including costs.