On This Day, 31 May 1917

Birmingham Mail

Thursday 31 May 1917

A VIOLENT CUSTOMER

Harry Griffiths (28), sawyer, 122, Lichfield Road, Aston, was charged at Birmingham to-day with wilfully damaging a fan-light at the Vine Inn, Lichfield Road. About 9.20 on Monday night prisoner went to the house and asked for some beer. Frederick Smith, the landlord, thought he had had enough already, and refused to serve him. Prisoner then picked up and threw two glasses, which went through the fan-light. On Mrs. Smith coming into the bar prisoner threw a water-bottle, and she was saturated with water.

Prisoner denied throwing the glasses or the bottle. Prisoner had been previously fined for a similar offence, and the magistrates said they had been considering whether they should not now send him to prison without the option of a fine. He would be fined £5 and have to pay for the damage (18s. 6d.), or go to prison for twenty-six days.