South Yorkshire Times May 21, 1955
Failing Eyesight
Conisbrough Man, 69, Was Despondent
A 69-years-old Conisbrough ex-miner, said to have attempted suicide because of his failing sight, was told at Doncaster West Riding Magistrates Court on Monday that efforts would be made to hasten an operation on his eyes.
At an earlier hearing it was stated that the man, Thomas Travis Day, Calder Terrace, Low Road, had tried to strangle himself with a dress belt, and then thrown himself down 14 cellar steps.
He was then alleged to have tried to take his life several times, and five members of his family, who were in court at the time, had declined to take responsibility for him.
Day was remanded to prison for three weeks for a medical report.
On Monday, after hearing the report, the magistrates put him on probation for a year. Costs of 15s. were remitted.
The report read out by the Clerk (Mr D. Stanley) said: ‘From his story his attempted suicide appears to have been an impulsive act at a time when he was feeling particularly despondent because of his failing sight and the consequent curtailing of his activities.’
The report added that while in prison Day had been ‘cheerful and sociable.’ ‘If he had an operation and his sight was restored he would be a very much happier old man.’
Mr Stanley told one of Day’s two sons, who were in court: ‘You could do a lot to help him. He likes company and like to be kept cheerful.’
The son replied that he went to see his father daily.
After Chief Insp. J. W. S. Hill had said that Day had gained weight while in prison, the chairman (Mr G. E. Watson) remarked. ‘I know that elderly people are inclined to have makeshift meals, but it is important that they should have proper food.’
Mr Watson told Day: ‘I understand you are on a waiting list for your eyes and the court are going to see if they can do anything for you to get quicker attention.’
Day’s two sons undertook to look after their father.