In February 1892, police officers in Larkfield, Blantyre encountered miners Francis McGowan and William Kirk causing a disturbance by knocking over 15 water barrels. Both were fined £1 each, equivalent to about £90 today, or faced 14 days imprisonment for their antics during a routine patrol.
In November 1892, Charles Spence faced court for breach of peace after singing the popular song “Ta-ra-ra Boom-de-ay” near Mrs. Flannigan’s shop, from whom he owed money. The judge, amused by Spence’s antics, offered him a fine or 15 days in jail to reflect on his noisy behavior.
James Hanly shared this interesting screen grab from a TV show about Barlinnie prison. Though fleeting, it was noticed one of the prisoners photographed in 1883 was an Alexander Reid. I was able to help by researching and finding out the following story: On the evening of Monday 18th September 1882, a joiner by name […]
In May 1986, Blantyre witnessed a dramatic, Hollywood-style armed robbery when a silent gun gang struck outside the Clydesdale Bank on Glasgow Road, snatching £40,000 in a daring daylight raid. Within seconds, the masked gang pinned down security guards, one threatened with a gun to his head, another with a pickaxe handle, before fleeing in a Ford Cortina. Their high-speed getaway […]
On December 24, 1892, police recaptured escaped prisoner Pete Brogan, who had fled after being arrested in October for indecent assault. The victim, determined to see justice served, collaborated with authorities to locate Brogan in Glasgow, leading to his arrest on Christmas Eve as he returned home.
In February 1893, a story about the Blantyre railway station buildings being burgled appeared in local newspapers. Saying, “Another of those burglaries which have been so frequent of late at Caledonian railway stations occurred at Blantyre early yesterday morning. The booking office on the north side was entered, and 2s in money, along with the […]
On March 25, 1893, a commotion arose in Blantyre as Peter Haggans was arrested for assaulting police while being sought as a deserter. Locals intervened, leading to Messrs JS Paterson and J Henderson being charged with assaulting officers. All three received 30 days in prison amid rising tensions with police.