MARRIAGE FORGOTTEN

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 51, 28 August 1926, Page 20

MARRIAGE FORGOTTEN

MEMORY LOST FOR 16 YEARS.

A man of whom a doctor declared that he had been suffering from loss of memory for 16 years, did not remember his marriage and was not responsible for his crimes, puzzled Judges and jur,v at London sessions recently (states the London "Daily Chronicle"). Ho wa? Lawrence Hallam, aged 35, a merchant, described as a "man of high intelligence," and the jury found him "guilty but insane." Ho was chargod with obtaining money and goods from West End tradesmen by false protenccs.

Dr. Watson, medical officer of Brlxton Prison, with 28 years' prison experience, said this was an extraordinary case. The man had been suffering fr<sni loss of memory for 16 years. Witness had watched him, and at times he was oblivious to his surroundings. He had tested him in every possible way, but had nover "caught him out." Except for one or two instances, his loss of memory was complete. He did not remember his marriage, and ho was a man of high intelligence. He iiad arrived at tho conclusion that the mau was perfectly sane and was not certifiable. He was also of opinion that he was in an abnormal condition of mind at the time of the offnees, which made him irresponsible.

A detective said Hallam knew several languages. Witness had been told there was insanity in the family. During the war he was confined in Germany from 1914 to 1918, and when, he came back he was a physical wreck. After the jury had returned their ver diet, Sir Robert "Wallace (chairman), said the only sentence he couid pass was that Hallam should bo detained till His Majesty's pleasure was known. As the man was now sane his friends should act promptly with regard to his release, he added.