JOHN DELL

ATTEMPTED SUICIDE AND SUBSEQUENT DEATH: An inquest was held on Monday evening at the Anchor Inn on the body of John Dell, aged 80, living in Knight’s yard, Northbrook street, whose death took place under the circumstances detailed in evidence by the following witnesses:  Alice Oliver, living in Northcroft lane, said she was employed as nurse to Mr Dell and had been with him a month.  Deceased was strange in his manner and spake often very unconnectedly, and was often unconscious.  On Saturday morning witness went out about half=past ten and was gone ten minutes.  On her return she went to his wife, and inquired for Mr Dell.  She said he was in his bedroom.  On going there she found him hanging from the beam above, in a kneeling position, and he was struggling slightly.  Ran to Mr Knight’s shop, and Mr Legg, the foreman, came at once and cut him down, and helped put him on the bed and she ran for a doctor.

He had never attempted or expressed any idea of the kind before.  Just before she left he was troubled about having, as he said, to leave his house by 12 o’clock that day, which was not a fact.  He had previously told witness to take down the pictures and he would take down the bedstead.  R Hickman had attended deceased and had cautioned that he should not be left.  Deceased remained in an unconscious state until this morning at 8.20 when he died.  His daughter was also present.

James Legg deposed to having cut down the deceased, whom he thought to be dead.  He laid him on the floor, and assisted to put him on the bed.  Miss Oliver said “What shall I do?”. He replied “Run for a doctor at once” Dell afterwards drew a long breath and gave signs of life.  Mr Hawkins, the doctor, came very soon.  Had been aware previously of the state of mind of deceased, and he said the neighbours had been on the alert some time.  Some time ago deceased had set the bed on fire. Remained with him until 10 o’clock on Saturday night.  He was not conscious.

P C  Hawkins produced the rope - apparently a piece of clothes line – which he received from James Legg.  The Coroner (Dr Watson) gave it as his opinion that deceased died from the effect of the strangulation causing effusion of the brain.  The mental condition of deceased was no doubt sad, though not sufficient to call him a lunatic.  The verdict of the jury was that he died of the effect of his attempt at suicide whilst in a state of unsound mind.

The jury were as follows:  Messrs.W Robinson, foreman; Allen, F Stone, Cullum, Harbut, C Edmunds, Hughes, Mansfield, Harris, Paris,  Batten and Cooke.  This was the first inquest Dr Watson had held since he was appointed to the office of Borough Coroner.  The deceased was many years in business in West Street as a plumber and painter, and was much respected for his integrity and upright dealings. Deceased had been latterly in failing health and the xxxxxxxxxx? of his manner bore evidence of his mind being affected.