A DOCTOR SHOT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 11538, 24 November 1900, Page 2 (Supplement)

A DOCTOR SHOT.

THE WORK OF AN EX-LUNATIC AND FORMER PATIENT. Dr. J. Thomas Clarke, one of the oldest and most widely respected medical practitioners in Leicester, was shot in the back by Sidney Kirby, a man of between 40 and 50 years of age, who has been confined in a lunatic asylum. He fired three or four times at the doctor in the street before constables could seize the revolver. Kirby was at once taken to the Central Police Station. Directly the doctor fell assistance was at hand, and he was carried into his own house, at which several medical colleagues were immediately in attendance. There was no real motive for the crime, but it is clear that the act was that of an insane man. Kirby has, it appears, been an inmate of an asylum. Therein, in fact, is the only explanation of the crime, for it was Dr. Clarke who signed the medical certificate of insanity. James Kirby, described as a dairyman, was subsequently charged at Leicester Police Court with the attempted murder of Dr. Clarke with a revolver. Evidence was given to the effect that accused waylaid the doctor in the London Road, and from a distance of five yards fired four shots in rapid succession. One bullet took effect in Dr. Clarke's back and another penetrated the backbone and is believed to have lodged internally. The doctor's condition being extremely critical, an operation was performed with the object of extracting the bullet, but was unsuccessful. When arrested accused said he was glad he had shot " the old villain who had put him away." Mr. Keites, who appeared for prisoner, said the defence would resolve itself into one of insanity. Kirby was remanded.