JABEZ Perkins, needle-maker, Astwood Bank, appeared in answer to one charge of making use of violent language so as to occasion a breach of the peace, on September 30.

Police Sergeant Iles said at 10.15pm he was at the corner of High Street, Astwood Bank, when he saw defendant and another man named Cooper come out of Mr Turner's shop.

After a few minutes' conversation defendant said he would fight Cooper, or the best man in Astwood Bank. Cooper told him he did not want to fight, and urged him to keep quiet.

Defendant replied: "I'm 44, and I fear for no man, I have a lad who is 15, who can stand alone against anybody on the Bank."

Defendant then struck Cooper on the cheek with his open hand. Defendant, being sworn, said Cooper had told him that he took the mood as a joke, and admitted there was no offence taken. Superintendent Hayes said defendant had been summoned 11 times previously. Fined 2s 6d and 7s 6d costs.