MENTAL HOSPITAL CHARGES

Greymouth Evening Star, 20 April 1938, Page 11

MENTAL HOSPITAL CHARGES

"ATTENDANTS LIKE SAVAGES.” LONDON, March 10. Allegations that patients in Bridgend Mental Hospital were severely assaulted by attendants were made at Cardiff Assizes yesterday. The action was one in which Trefor David, 44, a former member of Glamorgan County Council, was accused of defamatory libel against those in authority at the institution. A patient, Gomer Perkins, a former boxer and bookmaker, said that in June, 1937, he saw an attendant bring a patient with his arms screwed be : hind him into the ward. 'When the patient became excited and used bad language he was pounced on by an attendant, who punched him severely on the chest. "I have seen patients punched day after day,” he said, “I had looked on the attendants as decent fellows until these things took place, but at times they behaved as aboriginal savages.”

Cross-examined by Mr. J. D. Cassels, K.C., for the prosecution, Perkins agreed that in January, 1936, he was convicted at. Glamorgan Assizes for perjury and sentenced to 22 months’ hard labour. That charge was framed up against him. Mr. Cassels: Have you made charges against the authorities that they were pumping poison gas into tho place where you slept?—Never. There was a remarkable scene when I another patient was called. As he was entering the witness-box the judge asked for his name, and the patient shouted in reply, "1 have many names and am yet without a name. Will you have my statements verbally or in writing?”

When the judge said, “All right,” the patient took a naper from his pocket, and threw it in the direction of the judge, shouting, “In the name of God.” Mr. Cassels intimated that he intended to call rebutting evidence. Dr. John Kelner, assistant medical superintendent, said that in his opinion Gomer Perkins was insane.

Dr. Kelner denied allegations of brutality in the institution. The hearing was adjourned.