FLEETWOOD MAN’S EXPENSIVE JOKE – John H Calvert of Fleetwood was summoned at the Fleetwood Police Court yesterday afternoon, for committing a breach of the L & Y Railway Co’s bye-laws.
Mr J R Galyer, solicitor, who prosecuted on behalf of the railway company, stated that the defendant joined the last train from Blackpool to Fleetwood at Poulton. He smacked a man who sat opposite to him in the compartment across the face with a kipper or herring. He also used bad language, and generally annoyed the passengers. At Wyre Dock Station defendant alighted, along with two of the passengers from the sane compartment, and he then assaulted them and used bad language.
Gilbert Cryer, a witness, was questioned by defendant as to whether what was said was by way of a joke, but witness said it was very far from being so. Defendant said he only struck back to defend himself. Defendant was fined 40s and costs, and ordered to pay the advocate’s fee. (Source British Newspaper Archives, The Lancashire Daily Post 25/11/1904)