An Insane Woman.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 8142, 16 November 1905, Page 7

An Insane Woman.

LONDON, 'Nov. 13. , Florence Doughty —who was sentenced in June to seven years' penal servitude for attempting to murder Charles Swan, son of a solicitor—has been declared insane, and removed to the Broadmoor Asylum.

The charge against Florence Doughty (who is twenty-seven years of age) was of attempting to murder C. M. H. Swan and his son, L. C. Swan, but only the first charge was tried. The prosecuting counsel said Mr Swan, a solicitor, had known the prisoner for some years. Some arose between them, and Mr Swan told his son, who acted as his clerk, not to allow the prisoner to see Mm. On April 27th the son saw her on the office stairs, and asked her to go away. He then .went out and met his father in South Moulton street. Directly afterwards the prisoner came up, took a' revolver from her pocket, and fired two shots at the son and three at the father. Mr Swan, senr., was first shot in the chest, and then, when some bystanders had seized tho prisoner, she tired two more shots at him, one of which hit him in the leg. After her arrest she told the female searcher that she did not intend to murder Mr Swan, but to kill herself. Prisoner was the daughter of an old client of Mr Swan's. In 1901-2 she was engaged in some capacity with a foreign countess, and she went to Mr Swan's office to make certain enquiries on that lady's behalf. The countess after a time went on the Continent, leaving the prisoner without any money. She became dependent on advances made by Mr Swan, and a certain amount of affection grew up between them, leading eventually to very intimate relations. In April Mr Swan came to the conclusion that he must put an end to the connection, and ho advised the prisoner to try and get a situation, as he could not supply her with more money. This was the cause of what took place on the day in question.

A written statement found on the accused contained the following message —-" I have been in my heart a good woman, but fate has always followed me up relentlessly. I have never wilful)y harmed a creature, and I seldom, pass a beggar, even if it is my last copper. I have been so happy lately, but as I told my husband (Mr Swan) I was afraid of this Easter, asfate always then gave me an unexpected disaster, and he said he would be extremely nice with rue when it was over. I never dreamed the blow would come from him. I knew him from youth, and always thought he was a nice kind man. I had strange experiences, and was practically friendless, and he helped me with business all he could. When ho made advances to me I reminded him he had a wife to be thought of. He took my hand, and told me it was worse than having none. They were not on speaking terms. I thought what a dreadful woman she must be for such a kind man. 1 gave him my sympathy, and in return was glad of someone to tell my troubles to, but I insisted in keeping tho friendship platonic. He was kindness and patience itself. . . .

At last I ciime to lean on him for every little thing, and also I gave in to him partly out of gratitude. We have been man and wife since. I regarded him as my husband, and I'was his wife, and he gave me hia confidence, which was withheld in his house, and in time I grew very fond of him, which fondness was deepened and deepened. I know he loved me. He has told me it was his only happiness when we wore together. He has always sworn I was his only wife in the true sense of tho word."