Newton Abbot: Inquest: inquest was held by H. Michelmore, Esq., county coroner, at his offices on Wednesday night, on the body of George Skinner, a man of 42 years of age, who hanged himself in Messrs. Pinsent’s brewery, on the same morning. The evidence showed that the deceased, who was employed at the brewery, was a man addicted to excessive drinking, and that it was this that led him to commit the rash deed. About twelve months since he attempted suicide by putting burning benzoline into his mouth, and he then inflicted such injuries on himself as to necessitate his removal to the Cottage Hospital. The deceased, within the last few days, has been depressed in spirits, similar to what he was just before his previous attempt at self destruction. The coroner, in summing up, remarking on the cause of the insanity of the deceased, condemned the practice of brewers allowing their men unlimited supply of beer in their work, and also the habit of landlords giving these men drink on their delivering ale. He said it was a false kindness, and hoped this case would be a warning to brewers and others in this respect. The jury returned a verdict of temporary Insanity. The deceased leaves a widow and six children, the youngest being but six weeks old.
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Referenced
GRO0831 Devonport: Thomas Pinsent: 1842 – 1889