The Blackpool Herald. — 1884-10-03 (Blackpool, Lancashire, England)

ATTEMPTED SUICIDE IN BLACKPOOL.  COMMITTAL OF THE PRISONER.  Before the Blackpool Bench on Friday, Mr. R. Danderdale and Mr. T. Hoyle, present, George Topping, who lives in Leopold-grove, was charged with having attempted to commit suicide by cutting his throat.  William Jessop, lodging-house keeper, 4, Albert. street, said that about twenty minutes to three o'clock on Friday morning, the 19th ult., the pril Boner's wife called on him and he accompanied her back to the prisoner's house in Leopold-grove. He found the prisoner in his bedroom. He had a wound in his neck which was bleeding considerably, and a dessert knife, with blood upon it, was lying by his side. There was also blood upon his clothes. Witness and Mrs. Topping wer t for Dr. Morris. On their return he saw the prisoner with the knife in his hand again. He was taking it steadily towards his throat. Witness called "Hold on George, what are you doing now I" The Prisoner: I did not know what I was doing. I waa in drink. _ _  _ Mr. Henry Morris, surgeon, said he was called to the prisoner early on Friday morning. He found him bleeding from a wound in his throat. He had bled very considerably. Witness asked him what he had been doing to himself, and he replied, "I have cut my throat." Witness dressed the wound. The wound was about an inch in length. The prisoner bad evidently not cut, but stabbed himself. A knife was shown to him (witness) which had blood upon it, and the wound was of a description that could be produced by such a knife. The prisoner's wife told witness in the presence of the prisoner that he had out his throat. A day or two afterwards witness spoke to the prisoner about the matter and he showed him how he had inflicted the wound.—Topping : Did I know you doctor when you came ?—Well, you did not recognise me at first.—Witness (to the Bench): He had lost so much blood that he was in a state of collapse, but he is out of danger now. In fact he has never been in danger.—Topp;ng : You have frequently attended me for the "D Ts," have you not?— Once before.—l think I had them then and did not know what I was doing. Police-sergeant Murphy said that about three o'clock on Friday morning he went to the prisoner's house, 12, Leopold-grove, and found him lying on his back in bed. There was a cut about an inch long in his throat. There was a large quantity of blood on the bed and beside it. A knife (produced) was in his right hand. The doctor dressed the wound and then the prisoner attempted to take the bandages off. The prier ner had been constantly watched up to that day—the 26th. Witness had charged him with attempting to commit suicide by cutting his throat and he made no reply. The Prisoner now, addressing the Bench, said: I mean to say this, it is trouble as has done it. I have been sold up, I have been distrained upon, and I have been left with two beds in the house by my own brother-in-law, Mr. Carter; and I think it is very hard lines that I should be done like this. I am sure if I had been in my right senses I never would have done it. The Clerk : Do you wish to call any witnesses! —I have no witnesses. Will bail be accepted ? No answer. The Chairman : You are committed for trial at the. assizes. —Will hail be accepted?—No. The prisoner was then duly committed for trial.