Mexborough and Swinton Times July 17, 1936

Claim Against Doctor.
Alleged Debt to Denaby Bookmaker

judgement for defendant was given by Mr Justice Charles at the civil clerk of the west riding assizes inmates on Tuesday, when Mrs Mary Ellen Healy, of Wellbeck Road, Doncaster, sued Dr James Michael O’Donnell for £108, the balance of the debt of £200 alleged to have been incurred by defendant in respect of the late Mr Daniel Dalton, bookmaker, Denaby Main, plaintiff’s former husband.

It was alleged that 10 years ago the late Mr Dalton lent £200 to Dr O’Donnell, a close friend in practice at Edlington and Conisbrough. The money was to enable Dr O’Donnell to get married. Mr Dalton died in 1929.’ Said Mr Hylton Foster (for Mrs Healy), Mrs daughter married again, and at first he and Mr Healey were fairly prosperous, but eventually she has Dr O’Donnell found an account of the alleged debt to her husband. Dr O’Donnell paid £20 altogether, but repudiated the debt when proceedings were threatened to recover the remainder.

During the examination of Dr O’Donnell by his counsel, Dr E. C. Chapple, the defendant referred to a consultation which took place between himself and Mr Dalton who was his patient, but the judge intervened, saying he thought the matter was one of the upmost privacy.

Dr O’Donnell asserted in evidence that he never borrowed the money from Mr Dalton, and the question of his getting married had been mentioned Mr Dalton and himself.

Giving judgement for Dr O’Donnell , with costs, Mr Justice Charles said he did not believe the money was ever lent to Dr O’Donnell.