Sheffield Evening Telegraph – Thursday 01 November 1917

Wombwell Suicide.
Cut His Throat While Watching Ludo.

An inquest was held by Mr. P. P. Maitland at Womhwell relative to the tragic death of Fred Swift (30), miner, of 65, Blytho Street, Wombwell.

The widow said they had been married seven years and about eighteen months ago the deceased had a dispute about his work, and since then had been very strange in his manner. Three weeks ago Dr. Pickup advised her to see the relieving officer with a view to having him sent away.

Last Sunday he threatened to drown himself, and on Monday evening witness was playing game of ludo with her sister, Mrs. Taylor, when deceased jumped up suddenly, seized a large carving knife, and drew it across his throat.

It was stated that Mrs. Taylor knocked the knife out of deceased’s hand with a chair.

John Neale, a neighbour, said he heard screaming and on going into the house found the deceased in front the fire, with blood flowing profusely from his throat. He appeared to trying to stop the blood with his left hand and died within two minutes.

Dr. Pickup said he came to the conclusion three weeks ago that the deceased was of unsound mind and asked him if would into a hospital or asylum. Eventually deceased consented, and arrangements were being made for his removal.

Other evidence showed that the deceased’s throat was cut from ear to ear. The jury returned verdict that deceased cut his throat with carving knife while suffering from melancholia.