MISSING SNOOKER BALL

Fleetwood Chronicle, Friday 20 May 1921

Theft Charge from St. Annes.

At Fleetwood Police Court on Saturday, John Milnes and William E. Moorhouse were charged with stealing a red snooker ball, value pos., the property of the St. Annes Urban District Council.

Inspector Dodd stated that Milnes was 32 years of age and a native of Liverpool, and Moorhouse, who was 19 years of age, was a native of Stockport. At 4 p.m. on the 10th May the two men were in the Institute at the Ashton Gardens, playing a game of snooker pool and at the time the balls were correct. In consequence of something said to Jesse Clegg, the steward, shortly after the accused men had left the Institute, Clegg examined the balls and found that one was missing. He made a thorough search, but was unable to find it, and information was given to the police. Detective-Sergt. Brown interviewed the two men separately, Moorhouse said “I have not stolen the ball. I know nothing about it.” Milne replied “I am suffering from shell shock. I will show you where it is. If there is nothing further said about it.” The ball was found hidden under some bricks in the hotel grounds. The men were conveyed to St. Annes Police Station, and in the presence of Moorhouse. Milnes said “Moorhouse knew that I had it because I showed it to him.” Moorhouse replied: “It’s a he.” When cautioned Milnes remarked: “I was not there at the time; I was at the hotel to tea.”

Inspector Dodd said there was a further charge against Moorhouse of stealing from the St. Annes Hotel, sometime during the past six months, six table knives, three towels, and two pillowslips, valued at 16s., the property of Leonard Seed. He said that whilst the police were making inquiries respecting the other charge. Detective-Sergt. Brown accompanied Moorhouse to his apartments, 218. St. David’s-road North, St. Annes, and found the articles. When asked to account for his possession of them, he said he had stolen the knives from the hotel, but he did not know how the pillowslips and towels had got there. When formally charged he did not make any reply.

A remand until Tuesday was granted.

When the case came up for hearing on Tuesday, Jesse Clegg, of 23, Lune Grove, St. Annes, the caretaker of the Institute, spoke to missing the snooker ball after the accused men had left.

Detective-Sergt. Brown gave evidence of arrest, and the replies made by the accused men when charged.

The magistrates found Moorhouse not guilty, and discharged him. Milnes was bound over in the sum of £10 to be of good behaviour for at months.

The second charge against Milnes of stealing the knives, pillow slips, and towels was then proceeded with.

Inspector Dodd said the stolen articles were valued at 16s.

Mr. Seed stated that accused had been in his employ for two years as “boots.” He did not wish to press the charge. The knives they had discontinued using at the hotel and if Milnes had asked for them he would have given them to him.

The magistrates took into account accused’s previous good character, and bound him over in this case also for twelve months.