Sheffield Daily Telegraph – Monday 27 September 1909
Tears in the Dock.
Conisborough Woman’s Besetting Sin.
A married woman, named Emily Purseglove, 4 Conisborough, was charged before the Doncaster West Riding Magistrates Saturday with being a habitual drunkard.
It was stated that on the 23rd August she was found drunk in public place. There were four convictions against her during the last 12 months.
Superintendent Hicks said that when in drink she was dangerous to herself and others and incapable of managing her own affairs.
P.c. Middleton, who found the woman helpless, and in the company of five men, took her into custody. On the way to the police station she said, I wish I was dead, out of the way.” She had been convicted of various offences in the Borough of Doncaster and also in the county.
Sergeant Romney said she was drunken, idle, and of loose habits.” On one occasion in Sheffield she attempted to hang herself, and when cut down told the officer she had been drinking and was tired of-life.
She now assured the Bench she would not touch another drop drink while she lived.
The Chairman remarked upon the 30 convictions against her for various offences during the last nine years and was of opinion that it was no good either to herself or anybody else for her to be at large. She was ordered to be detained in an inebriates’ home for three years.
On hearing the decision the woman burst into tears.