THROWN ASIDE

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 450, 4 June 1937, Page 3

THROWN ASIDE

WIFE’S CONVENT PLEA No Friend To Turn To London, May 15. ‘‘This craze for drink Is terrible . . was thrown aside for some one else ... let me go to a convent for the rest of my life.” Fbrty.tour yekr old Mrs Doiiisa Browne made that plea from the dock at the Plymouth quarter sessions, when sentenced to 12 months’ hard labour for stealing a suit of clothes and a pair b>f bdotk Sixteen other offences were taken into cotisideAtion. Superintendent W. T. Hutchings said that Mrs Browne was born in America and was separated from her busbhnd, a doctor. Since 1921 sho bad been convicted' at Fleetwood, Rotherham, Nottingham, Preston, and received penal servitude sentences at Worcester, Newcastle and London. On License. Last November sh« left prison on license with 367 days* remaining to Serve. After arrest she tried to cut her .throat and again to commit sui. cide by tying a bootlace round her neck.

Mr Watkin williams, defending, said all Mrs ferowne’s oflences were committed under the influence of drink.

She had been deserted by her husband soon after their marritipe. During the illness that followed she was

given brandy, for which she later developed a craving. Normally she was well-spoken and cultured.

Mrs Browne also said to the Recorder: “‘I have nothing to live for now. When you get out of prison, the figlit begins. I have never had a friend to turn to.”