Mexborough & Swinton Times – Saturday 23 August 1941

Changed His Mind

Swinton Man’ s Attempted Suicide

A story of an attempt at suicide by a young man who changed his mind was told to the Doncaster West Riding magistrates to-day, when John Gallagher (19), lodging in Edward Street, Swinton, was charged with attempted suicide by drowning on Wednesday in the River Dearne at Harlington.

Supt. Walker said the man left a note intimating his intention of committing suicide.

A Mexborough man, named Arthur Worrall, found the note and telephoned the police.

P.c. Denton went to the river and saw accused who was wet through. He was charged and said he had had trouble at home and decided end it.

Supt. Walker added that Gallagher had been a good son. It was explained that Gallagher got into the water, then thought better of it and swam out.

Defendant was bound over for a year.