Mexborough & Swinton Times, March 15, 1929

Nerves Gave Way.

Mexboro’ Miner’s Attempted Suicide

A pitiable story of how a man’s nerves had given way was told to the Doncaster magistrates on Saturday, when Sidney Oxley (27), miner, of Mexborough, a married man with four childre,n, was charged with balling ate tempted to commit suicide in the Sheffield and South Yorkshire canal at Mexborough.

Supt. A. J. Minty said that for some time he had not prosecuted for this sort of crime, except in exceptional circumstances. In this case, Oxley’s health was such that, in consequence of statements he made, it was thought fit to bring him before the magistrates. It was hardly safe to leave him alone for he said he had a terrible feeling that when he was left alone in the house he would do some thing to the children.

P.c. Savage said he received information at 2-40 p.m. on March 1st that a man had jumped into the canal near Swinton bridge, in Swinton Road, Mexbororugh. On going, there, he found Oxley on the canal bank, in charge of several men. He was conscious, and witness took him home. He was in poor circumstances being married and having four children, the family living in one room, which was barely furnished. He had suffered from influenza for a week, and neurasthenia for several years. Witness asked him why he had jumped into the canal, and he replied, “I had such a terrible feeling come over me, and I was frightened I might do something to the children.” When charged, he said, “I shall not do it again.”

Tom Townsley, boat hauler, of 67, Church Street, Mexborouth, said he was driving a horse which was towing a boat along the canal towards Swinton, when, about 200 yards from Waddington’s glass works, he saw Oxley run and jump into the canal. He had taken off his coat and cap, and witness got him out of the water.

The Chairman (Mr. G. B. Shiffner), told Rownsley that he had behaved very well.

A brother of the prisoner said he would keep an eye on him. Oxley said he suffered from nerves, and was frightened to death of working in the pit. He did not know he was trying to take his life, and he undertook not to repeat the attempt.

On this undertaking, he was bound over for12 months, and was placed under the supervision of the Probation Officer.