Courts go back in time (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Courts go back in time

3:25am Sunday 7th October 2007 in News By Rebecca Wright

Bradford magistrates gathered in the old City Hall law courts to rehearse the re-enactment of four cases from 100 years ago.

The Victorian cases cover actual crimes which took place a century ago and are part of the celebrations of Bradford's first appointment of a Lord Mayor.

The first case was of a doorstep con artist who tried to swindle five shillings from a family after telling them a relative was accused of a crime at work and in custody.

Then came a shopkeeper who was accused of selling "butter" which was actually margarine.

Following that was a "domestic" where a husband was accused of arriving home drunk and attacking both his wife and his mother-in-law.

Finally, there was a drunk and disorderly case of a man found rolling on the grass naked, except for his boots, but still accompanied by his faithful dog.

Gill Arnold JP, organiser of the event, said: "We are proud to support Bradford's celebrations of the centenary of the Lord Mayor's appointment.

"The city has a great history but, just like nowadays, not everything was perfect and we hope people will enjoy seeing this glimpse of everyday life."