William Harvey, clerk 56 (on bail), was charged with attempting suicide at Twyford, on 20th January, which he denied. Mr McKenna was briefed for the prosecution.
Isabel Harvey said she was the daughter of the prisoner and lived with him at Rock Villa, Twyford. At 7.50 a.m. on 20th January she saw her father in his bedroom dressed, but without a collar or tie. He was bleeding from a wound in the throat, which he had tied up with a handkerchief. He said he had been asleep in the garden, and did not know what had happened. He had not been very well since Christmas, but his conduct had not been irrational.
Dr. Richard King, Twyford, who was called in, said prisoner had a superficial would right across the throat. He appeared to be in a dazed condition, and while witness was attending him he had a slight seizure of an epileptic nature. Witness formed the opinion that Harvey had been epileptic for some time, and was unconscious of his actions.
The learned Chairman directed the Jury to return a verdict of Not Guilty, observing that in view of the doctor's evidence it would not be safe to convict. The accused was accordingly discharged.