Fatal Fall Downstairs: Mr. Harrison held an inquiry at the Martin Inn, Martin-street, Belgrave, on Wednesday morning, into the death of James Hyde, aged 34, a shoe finisher, who lived at 102, Harrington-street. The widow, Emily Hyde, stated that her husband left home about noon on Monday last, and she did not see him again until about half-past one the next morning, when she found him lying at the foot of the stairs. Witness then heard a noise, which caused her to get out of bed to see what was wrong, and on going downstairs found the deceased as described. An alarm was raised, and a policeman came. Thomas Pincent, hairdresser, Catherine-street, said he knew the deceased as a customer, and about a quarter-past eleven o’clock on Monday night saw him going in the direction of his home. He was not sober. P.C. Stephens said on Tuesday morning he heard screams proceeding from the house of the deceased. At the request of Mrs. Hyde, the witness went into the house, and there found the deceased lying in a crouching position at the foot of the stairs, unconscious. Witness removed him, and sent for P.C. Challoner, of the county force. Dr. E. Marriette said when he saw the body, about two o’clock on Tuesday morning the man had been dead for about half an hour. Death was caused by dislocation of the neck, in consequence of a fall. A verdict of accidental death was returned.
Transcribed in whole or part from scanned originals: Presented with or without modified text and punctuation. For absolute accuracy refer to the original newspapers. Source: The British Newspaper Archive
Referenced
GRO0849 Tiverton: Thomas Johnson Pinsent: 1856 – 1925