A Bovey Imbecile: Col. Walcott brought forward the case of a single woman, aged 22, named Pinsent, of Bovey, whose third illegitimate child had just died, and for which she had endeavoured to get a coffin from the parish free of charge. On receipt of the third letter, Mr. Clemas, relieving officer, went to Bovey and found out that the story of the woman was an absolute falsehood. There was no destitution in the household, the total income of which was £100 and her statements about Dr. Steward were quite untrue. It was hoped that the clerk would demand the 3s which Mr. Clemas spent in telegrams and railway fare. Rev. T. Hale said the family formerly lived at Ilsington, and they were notoriously given to telling lies. The woman showed signs of imbecility.
Mr. Clemas: There is not a particle of imbecility about her now:
Mr. W. H. Heath: If she’s an imbecile there are a lot of others about (laughter).
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
GRO0565 Bristol: Laura Ann Pinsent: 1874 – 1940