MAN’S BODY RECOVERED FROM ULVERSTON CANAL

Following dragging operations in the Ulverston canal last night and again this morning, the body of Stephen Gradwell Jewitt, of 34, North Lonsdale-terrace, Ulverston, who had been missing from home since 9 a.m. on Tuesday, was recovered.

The facts have been reported to the Coroner and an inquest is to be held at 10.30 a.m. to-morrow.

Deceased, who was about 45 years of age and partially disabled, was formerly in the Army.

“I MAY AS WELL GET ON WITH IT”

ULVERSTON EX-SOLDIER’S SUICIDE

BODY RECOVERED FROM CANAL

“I find in this case that this man drowned himself in the Ulverston Canal whilst the balance of his mind was disturbed.” remarked the Coroner for Furness, Mr. F.W. Poole, at the inquest at Ulverston to-day, on Stephen Gradwell Jewitt, of 34, North Lonsdale-terrace, Ulverston.

Supt. Parker watched the proceedings on behalf of the police.

Evidence was given by the widow. Mrs. Alice Maud Jewitt, who said her family occupied two houses, Nos. 32 and 34 North Lonsdale-terrace, her husband living at the latter. He was 47 years of age, and a labourer.

SERIOUSLY WOUNDED

Before the war he served as a soldier. In 1914 he was seriously wounded in the left shoulder and had not been able to follow his employment since.

The Coroner: He had no use in his left arm?

Witness: Not for doing any work.

Proceeding, witness said her husband received a pension of 24s. per week. He had enjoyed good health until about 1937, when he was treated for his nerves at the Ulverston P.A. Institution, and was seen by a doctor in April this year.

During the last two years he had been particularly violent towards her and the children, and she had had occasion to complain to the police and the N.S.P.C.C. inspector, and on 17 May she took out a summons to apply for a separation order, after which his manner towards her had not improved.

He had threatened on several occasions to take his life. He left home at 9.15 a.m. on 23 May, saying

“I may as well get on with it: I have often threatened to do it, so I may as well do it.”

She never saw him alive again.

CAP FOUND

P.C. Baber said that at 9.30 a.m. on Friday he received information that a man’s cap (believed to be the property of the deceased who was reported missing) had been found floating in the canal. In company with Police Sergt. Williamson he commenced dragging operations and recovered the body at 11.25a.m. that day, and had it removed to the Cottage Hospital mortuary.

There were two superficial wounds on the throat and an old shrapnel wound on the left shoulder.

The Coroner returned a verdict as stated.