Robert Scott, Kiln Hill, Tweedmouth

Robert Scott was served a summons on 28th February 1888, because his daughter (Mary Richardson, age 10) had been absent from school without a valid reason according to the bye-laws at the time. He was expected in court on 1st March 1888.

According to the Berwick Advertiser, only days before his summons for Mary’s absence from school, Scott pleaded guilty to assaulting his wife. The couple had previously agreed to live separately, with Robert providing 4s a week toward his wife and child’s support. Robert was employed by his father and earned 18s a week, and he claimed that his wife had been jealous and had also assaulted him, but he was unable to provide evidence to the same extent as the wounds visible upon Mrs Scott’s face and head. The court granted an official separation order with a payment of 3s a week from Robert to his wife, and for the assault, he was fined £1 1s, and additional costs, or 14 days of imprisonment.

An article from 9th March 1888 details his failure to educate his child. Mr T. Douglas, solicitor, appeared on behalf of the School Attendance Committee, but the School Attendance officer failed to appear to provide evidence, and so the case was dismissed.