Alleged Neglect of a Prisoner. DEATH IN GAOL.

Te Aroha News, Volume V, Issue 245, 10 March 1888, Page 8

Alleged N eglect of a Prisoner.

DEATH IN GAOL.

An inquest was held at the Parramatta Gaol on Saturday, 11th February, before Mr J. E. Bowen, Parramatta Coroner, and a jury consisting of free men and prisoners, concerning the death of a prisoner named George Hoch, 24 years of age, who died in the gaol that morning after a brief illness. Deceased was admitted into the gaol on the Ist February from the Parramatta Quarter Sessions, at which he was sentenced to two years' hard labour by His Honor Judge Wilkinson for indecently assaulting a child under 14 years of age named JLaurette Wearn, at Parramatta, on January 21st. According to the doputy-gaoler deceased was exempted from ail work on the 14th inst. and admitted into the hospital on the 16th inst. Deceased was very despondent from the first. Dr. Violetfce, visiting surgeon to the gaol, deposed that deceased complained to him of a cold, for which he was treated. On the 14th inst. he was suffering from diarrhoea and chronic disease of the kidneys, thd latter disease not being discovered till the 16th, the day on which he was admitted into the hospital. He received every attention and kindness, and died at 9 a.m. thab morning. Deceased seemed very anxious about his property. Witness was of opinion that death was due to chronic disease of the kidneys, accelerated by grief. The coroner was about to submit the evidence to the jury for a verdict, when one of the jury prisoners expressed a wish to call further evidence. Seven witnesses were then called and examined. Henry Wynn, a prisoner, deposed that deceased was sick and lying in the yard covered with a blanket coat for the best part or a day and a half, without receiving proper attention. Henry Thompson, a prisoner, said that deceased was lying in the yard for two or three days. One day, the 14th inst., noticed him particularly. He was shivering and shaking, and his teeth were chattering with the cold. Witness told Warder Roach, who took him away but returned in about 10 minutes. Witness asked deceased whether he was going into the ho3pibal, and he replied, "No, the deputy gaoler said it was only the change of diet, and that 1 would be better in a day or two " Francis Gralton, a prisoner deposed thab he slept in the same cell as deceased, who was up as many as 12 and 13 times a nighfe from diarrhoea. Deceased told witness that he went to sec the doctor and asked for a change of diet and removal to the hospital, but was informed that his requests would not be granted that time. Deceased also told witness he could not eat the food given to him. William Jonesand Daniel Perry, prisoners, and John Kolly, a warder, also gave evidence ; tho former stating that he saw deceased retching in the yard. The warder stated that no complaint was made of deceased's condition. John" Sullivan, a prisoner, said deceased told him that the doctor was going bo order him rice and milk or some nourishment, when the warder said, " He's not been long enough here, doctor ; you'd better let it stand for a day or two." Dr. Violette (recalled) said the deceased only complained of a cold. Deceased never applied for admission to the hospital, nor did he complain that he was so bad from diarrhoea as had been alleged. Jamos Lyons, deputy gabler (recalled), said his attention was never called to deceased's condition. Witness had conversed wjfch deceased every day since his admission, and he only complained of weakness. Deceased made no complaint of being refused anything. !■ The evidence closed at 3 o'clock, but afc 4 i o'clock the' jury intimated to the coroner ' that there was no chance of them agreeing, and they were locked up till 7.30 o'clock. As there was still no chance of a Unanimous ' verdict being recorded, the coroner decided to record the opinions of each side. Seven jurymen, including two freemen and five prisoners, signed the following verdict : — "That death was caused by excessive diarrhoea, accelerated by neglect' on the pa.rt of the medical officer," Five jury men, including four freemen and one pri sonor, signed the following : — "That death was caused, by chronic disease of the kid neys, accelerated by grief, and thab no blame whatever attached to the medical officer." Tho coroner then discharged tha jury. '