November 18, 1905

ISAAC Ethelbert Hands, a labourer from Mount Pleasant, was charged with attempting to take fish belonging to William Hemming, of Park Road, from a stream near the Windsor Road on the 12th instance.

Defendant pleaded not guilty - Mr G W Hobson who appeared for the prosecution said had the offence been an isolated instance Mr Hemming suggested that the defendant should be dealt with leniently.

As it was the defendant had persistently disregarded a previous warning given by Mr Hemming, and therefore he thought he should be subjected to a penalty.

Harold Crowe stated that he saw the defendant fishing in the stream on the day in question. The defendant had got two rods and several lines.

A fine of 10s and 11s and 6d costs was imposed, if not that night then in 14 days.

The defendant, who previously had nothing to say in his defence, now stated that he was at the stream to catch some bait for pike fishing in Bidford.

The bench told the defendant that the case was now settled and did not need any further explanation.