100-YEARS-AGO: SALFORD "SCOUNDREL" HIDES IN THE CHIMNEY TO AVOID THE POLICE

Like me did you think the only thing that came down chimneys was Father Christmas, Victorian child chimney sweeps and soot?

The following story from the Salford City Reporter, April 1922 tells of a young chap who also came down the chimney, albeit with a little help from several police constables.

James Smith aged 22 who was residing at Ordsall Lane appeared at Salford Magistrates Court charged with assaulting James Swindell outside the Gloucester pub on Regent Road by kicking him in the stomach.

Police Constable Fisher told the Court that acting on information received, they went to James Smith's house, were he was found hiding up the cellar chimney adding that it was a considerable amount of time before he would come down, and when he did he was wearing only his shirt.

James, father told the Magistrate a different story, saying six policemen came banging on his door and windows and they became "very abusive" when he asked who they were, he asked them:

"How do I know you are not a lot of Sinn Feiners, come to kill me?"

The Magistrate asked if they frightened him? 

"They demanded to be let in and said that they didn't need a warrant, and if James didn't dress himself they would drag him through the streets, as he was"

He eventually let them in the house and said he was sleeping downstairs in the cellar and gave them a candle, and told them to search where they liked.

After a struggle James was pulled out the chimney protesting his innocence and was taken to Regent Road Station, fully clothed I hope and charged with Assault.

In the dock James protested his innocence and claimed that he was attacked by James Swindells and several of his friends, and ran away not wanting to get into any trouble.. he then added that he had joined the Army when he was 15 years of age.

Inspector Mitchell took the stand and gave a damning testimony, saying that James had eleven previous convictions against him in Salford and Warrington. since August 1914, including disorderly conduct, obscene language, unlawfully  military decorations, assault and larceny.

Inquiry Officer, Walton then put the proverbial boot in saying that he had know James for 14 years,

"And I haver known him to be anything but a scoundrel, I believe he has been in the Army but he is a man who is always seeking trouble, who associates with bad characters and has no hesitation in using his hands or his feet, he is a scoundrel and a dangerous man"

James rather cheekily asked Walton if they had gone to school together? he replied, that he was pleased to say that he didn't..

Having had his mind up for him the Magistrate sentenced him to, two months in jail with hard labour.

James Smith certainly sounds a bit of a livewire to say the least and still only 22, would be interesting to read his Army service record though.