The Doctor Left John Robinson to Die - Sheffield December 1937
The following report appeared in The Manchester Guardian dated 9th December 1927 and centred around the Inquest that was held into the death of Mr. John Robinson aged 71, of Brinsworth Road, Sheffield.
Dr. T. Alexander who attended John said at the first inquest that there was nothing that could have been done to resuscitate John and if he was forced to do so, he would have "hesitated.." Dr Alexander strongly believed that the cause of death was opium poisoning or more specifically the ingestion of Laudanum. The police surgeon Dr. G Carter on examining the body stated that John died of natural causes. If Dr. Carter was correct it meant that Dr. Alexander showed dereliction of duty that was in effect criminal negligence. It also opened up the possibility of a criminal charge for manslaughter.
Needless to say this caused an outcry in both the local and national press. The inquest was adjourned so that toxicology tests could be taken could be taken by the City Analyst. At the resumed inquest the results of the tests were revealed and it was confirmed that John has died from a self administered dose of Laudanum that was in excess of the recommended dose. Dr. Carter now revised his opinion and concurred with the findings of the City Analyst - death was due to opium poisoning and not natural causes. The correct verdict was returned.
But what is more puzzling is why the toxicology tests were not taken after death and before the first inquest. Dr. Alexander was firm in his belief that John had died from opium poisoning and that nothing could be done to save him. It is unlikely that any remedial measures would have been effective should they have been initiated. Dr Alexander did let John die but in my opinion there was very little he could have done.
1925 Kelly's Directory:
Wightman, Parker & Lockwood, solicitors and commissioner for oaths, 3 Hartshead.
Parker, James Kenyon, solicitor & commissioner for oaths (Wightman, P & Lockwood) & coroner for the City of Sheffield & for the Rotherham (West Riding) Division of the County of York, h. Fernwood, Abbey Lane, Beauchief.
Lockwood, Alan Parker, solicitor (Wightman, Parker & Lockwood) h. 66 Psalter Lane.
TheManchester Guardian dated 9th December 1927
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