Sheffield daily independent October 11, 1909

Drank Sheep Wash
Money Worries of a Kilnhurst Publican

For attempting to commit suicide on Tuesday last, by drinking a quantity of carbolic disinfecting known as sheep wash, Walter Charles Taylor, innkeeper, Station Hotel, Kilnhurst, was remanded in custody on Saturday at the Rotherham West Riding Police Court.

Superintendent Haynes stated that the prisoner went into his house shortly after 12 o’clock and remarked to a man “I am going to bed.” Shortly after a night as they have someone falling in the prisoner was found lying unconscious. Dr Dewick was sent for. He used a stomach pump. A bottle was taken out of the fireplace, and it contained a disinfectant which was composed of 15 or 16 parts of carbolic acid. Prisoner recovered consciousness, and he admitted he had drunk the stuff out of the bottle.

From enquiries he (superintendent Haynes) had made it appeared that the prisoner was in financial difficulties and had given way to drink. He asked for the prisoner to be remanded to Wakefield when he would have proper care and attention.

Police Constable Headland stated that the prisoner, when asked why he had taken the stuff in the bottle, replied: “I must have been wrong in my head, or I would not have done it.”

Prisoner was refused bail and remanded to Friday next.

Subsequently, defendant, on promising not to take any more drink and not to offend again, was released on entering into a recognisance of £10 to be of good behaviour for 12 months stop