Seems like it was not a one off event. I have not looked after the 1700s. I suspect that if the culprit was identified he may not have lived long enough to get to court.
Newcastle Courant 18 June 1791 (and same text in issue of 11th June)
June 6th, 1791
Late last night or early this morning, the Pit Rope, (at the sixth Pit on Beamish South Moor Colliery) consisting of three strands, had two of then cut though, and the third entered into, and the damaged part of the rope concealed, and covered over with rope yarn: in this hazardous situation the workmen were all conveyed down, (providentially safe) before it was discovered. - As this malicious deed must have been intended for the destruction of the Overmen, or some of the Workmen, belonging to Sir John Eden, he offers a reward of TWENTY GUINEAS on conviction of the offender or offenders; or if any accomplice will inform of the person who actually cut the said rope, he shall be entitled to the above reward, and proper means used to obtain his Majesty’s pardon; or any person giving secret information, that may be the means of a discovery, shall have a reward of TEN GUINEAS, by applying to Mr William Taylor, at Beamish.
And the Coal Owners of the river Wear ~ added another TWENTY GUINEAS ~ by applying to Mr John Martindale, Secretary to the Coal Trade, on the river Wear.
Newcastle Courant 8 Dec 1753
Tuesday Se’ennight some wicked person cut the Pit-rope at the Chain-knot to a single Plat, at Chirns Pits, belonging to Mr Storer, and one Dixon a Pitter, the first that got on to ride, down it broke, and he fell from the very Top, 17 Fathoms deep, was dash’d and bruised in such a miserable condition, that he expired in a few Minutes.
[I think it is possible that in this case the rope was old and worn and the pit owners said it had been cut to avoid blame; not that they would have had to pay compensation anyway]
