On This Day, 4 May 1917

Birmingham Mail

Friday 4 May 1917

BIRMINGHAM JEWELLER CHARGED

Cecil Grenville Child (37), jeweller, 19, Bayswater Road, Handsworth was before the magistrates in the Second Court of Birmingham Police to-day on a charge of attempting suicide. Police-Sergeant Baker stated that he was called to the house early this morning and found prisoner in bed. There were signs that a shot had gone into the wall near the top the bed.

Prisoner said, “Baker, I was going to do myself in.” He took him to Lozells Road Police Station, where Child said, “I only did it to frighten the wife.”

Addressing the Bench, prisoner now said: “It’s a mistake. I did not attempt to take my life.” He added that the officer was mistaken as to the words used when he first addressed the sergeant. Prisoner was remanded for a week in custody that the state of his mind might be enquired into.