LAW
and
ORDER

the wife, and Mr. Charles Jones, Bedwas, for the husband. Mrs. Jones said they were married in September 1930, and there was one child. She left her husband on 12th February because of his conduct. She alleged that on that day he knocked her about and threatened to kill her. During the whole of her married life he had knocked her about. On one occasion, he picked up a poker and was going to strike her on the head with it, but she warded off the blow. He accused her of being an immoral woman, and said he would "have the rope" for her, and told her to go and never come back. She was laid up for a fortnight. On one occasion he struck her from one side of the street to the other. Just before Christmas, he won a sweepstake, and drank heavily. Cross-examined, the wife said she forgave her husband once, thinking he would turn over a new leaf. They first lived with her parents, and after at a house in Fochriw. She denied that the unpleasantness was owing to her going to dances. Violet Palmer, sister, said that she had seen the defendant strike his wife "heaps of times." Arthur James Palmer, brother, said he had seen the wife's face bleeding, and Lily May Palmer, said she had seen many bruises on the complainants leg. Samuel Jones admitted striking his wife on February 16th but not on other occasions. He said they quarrelled because he did not think it right for her to go to dances and spend money that ought to be devoted to the needs of the house. He accused his wife of threatening him with a carving knife. The Stipendiary: We are satisfied with the evidence of persistent cruelty in this case, which is corroborated. The man is evidently an intemperate brute, and he is incapable of telling the whole truth to the court. If he had been working, we should have made a substantial order. You must pay your wife 12 shillings a week and costs, the wife to have the custody of the child.

11 November 1944   Hard Labour For Fochriw Couple: Condition of House Beyond Description   Albert Jas. Prosser, aged 33, collier, and his wife, Margaret Prosser, aged 30, of Brook-row, Fochriw, were each sent to prison for four months with hard labour by the Pontlorryn magistrates for having neglected their six children. The husband pleaded guilty and the wife not guilty. Mr. John Evans, Bargoed, prosecuted for the N.S.P.C.C., and alleged that the husband and wife were absolutely indifferent to their children. Dr. S.W. McCarthy, Deri, gave evidence of visiting Prosser’s house on October 9 last and examining the children. He said the condition of the house was beyond description and the worst he had ever seen. The children were poorly clad, in a filthy condition and under-nourished. The beds upstairs were as black as dirt. Prosser (interposing): I am very sorry; I have played my part. Inspector D.J. Jones said that the husband had been in the Army for years and was discharged about 12 months ago. He worked in a local colliery. His average earnings were over £5 a week. He described the condition of the house as shocking. The children were poorly clad, and the only food in the house was three lumps of bread, about two ounces of margarine and a rind of a piece of cheese. The mother was not at home, and the father, who took a piece of bread, said it was the first he had had for a week. The living room was in a shocking condition, and there was very little furniture. The children were removed to an institution. He later spoke to the mother, who alleged that she did not want to see the children any more. Margaret Prosser (intervening): I have never told you that. The children have not been neglected and were not filthy. I have looked after my children since I have had them. P.C. Walter Cox said he saw the wife, who said, “You can do what you like. I don’t care if I have to go to gaol.” Albert Prosser said: “It is not my fault: my wife is starving us.” The husband (on oath) said that when he came home on leave one time, there were four men in the house. Mr.. W.G. Protheroe: “Why don’t you see the children are looked after?” Prosser: “It is not my place to look after them when I am in work. It’s a woman’s work.” Cross examined by Mr. John Evans, the husband denied he had been drinking badly, but admitted he liked a glass of beer. Margaret Prosser did not give evidence. The chairman (Mrs. M. Evans) said that they found them both guilty and sent them to prison. After the decision of the Bench had been given, Albert Prosser asked, “Is it possible for me to have eight months so that my wife can have her life and freedom?” The other magistrates were Mesdames G. Beynon Davies, M.B.E., and M. Judd, and Messrs. S. Lewis and Tom Jones.

4 September 1869  The Pontlottyn Riot – Two Deaths   Two of the persons who were injured in the riots of the 22nd August have since died. The first death was that of Andrew Canty, which took place on the 26th. Catherine Carrell died on Sunday afternoon. An inquest has been opened and post mortem examinations in each case. The inquest stands adjourned. Five of the supposed ring leaders were  apprehended on Monday morning last before the magistrates at Merthyr Police Cour on a charge of willful murder.

18 March 1882  Supposed Case of Infanticide   On Saturday the 4th., the body of a newly-born infant was discovered in the privy at the rear of some dwelling houses in Vochriw. From closer examination it appeared to be