Skegness Magazine

DAMAGE IN THE PARK.
Warning at Skegness Police Court.
A case which was brought as a warning to persons who may be tempted to commit damage in or remove wood from the Park (otherwise known as “The Jungle”) at Skegness was heard by Mr. F. Acton and other magistrates at the local Police Court in 1929.
The defendant was Ernest Ulyatt, hairdresser, Roman-bank, who pleaded guilty to stealing two pieces of wood value 1s., the property of the Earl of Scarbrough, on January 7th.
Bertram H. Foster, Estate Agent to Lord Scarbrough, stated that from information received he examined the two pieces of poplar wood (produced) at the police station. He also made an examination in the Park and found that wood similar to that produced was missing. A considerable amount of damage had been done in the Park, trees having been cut down and taken away.
Defendant said he was coming through the Park after leaving the Labour Exchange and saw the two pieces of wood practically covered with sand and rubbish. Being out of work and in poor circumstances he took the wood, thinking it was of no use. He did not take it with the the intention of committing a crime, and expressed his regret at having done anything wrong and without authority.
The Chairman pointed out that defendant knew that the wood was not his, and the latter agreed, but said he did not look at it in that light when he took it away.
The Chairman: If it had been your wood and I had taken it you know that I should have been wrong in taking your property? —Yes.
The Chairman: There has been a great deal of damage done at that end, but of course we are not concerned with that today.
Insp. Corden said defendant was a native of Lincoln and had been at Skegness for two years. He fell out of work as a hairdresser and obtained employment last summer with Mr. Butlin and gave every satisfaction. He was expecting to resume his employment by Mr. Butlin. Defendant was married with two children.
In reply to the Chairman, Mr. Foster said Lord Scarbrough had no desire to press the case, but brought it to act as a warning to others in respect of the damage, etc., created in the Park.
The Chairman (to defendant): Will you give an undertaking not to repeat the offence?—Yes, willingly.
The Chairman: Very well, then. On the strength of that promise we are not going to start a record against you- You may go.
Defendant: Thank you, Sir.

Picture: The Park, Skegness, otherwise known as “The Jungle”. The walk stretched from Castleton Boulevard to Sea View Road and constitutes what is today Park Avenue.