MISS CISSY LOFTUS

New Zealand Times, Volume L, Issue 11409, 4 January 1923, Page 3

MISS CISSY LOFTUS

ACTRESS DRUG-VICTIM PITIFUL TALE TOLD IN LONDON POLICE COURT. MEDICAL TREATMENT. LONDON, November 18. The insidious and devastating'effectof drugs has had one more demonstra-, tioii here in London, in which to the horror of the great world which loves the theatre, a well-known actress is found to figure as a victim. Miss Cissie Loftus appeared at Marl- . borough street Police Court yesterday on a charge of being an unauthorised person in possession of drugs. On her behalf it was admitted that she had recourse to, the relief of narcotics since a serious operation in 1910, and that she was prepared to go into a home. The magistrate ordered her ' to be put on probation for a year, with instructions that she should reside where directed. It was ..stated that defendant had been wateihed by detectives, and after a visit to a chemist was searched, and noxious drugs- were found in her possession ; also. a hypodermic syringe and pieces of paper on which harmful concoctions were detailed. Those pieces of. paper were shown to defendant, who said: ‘‘Whatever shall I do? I know I have been silly to write those things Out. I did it to get them for myself. Can’t you let me go?’’ When searched again at the station there were found upon her in a handkerchief hypodermic syringe needles, and another, tube of morphine sulphate tablets, and a prescription in the same-handwriting as on the notepaper. These articles she had endeavoured to hide, and she had also tried to tear up prescriptions. Mr Frampton, for the defence, described Miss Loftus as a most brilliant and talented actress, whose recent position i was really due to long continued ill-health. After being divorced from her - first husband she found herself heavily in debt, and had to go to America and work until these debts were paid. She returned to this country in 1908. She married again , in 1309, and the experiences in respect of the first husband were repeated in the case of the second. Again she had to work. In 1910 she separated from her husband and divorced*bim. In that year she underwent serious operations, in one of which drugs were- administered. COULD NOT RESIST DRUGS. Following upon the conditions of ‘things' in 1910 she found that she oould not resist drugs, so great was the der sire Tor relief from her sufferings. No one but herself and her own friends know of her efforts' to free herself from the drug habit. . She was in such a condition of health that ehe was almost afraid to appear on the stage.' At such times as this She frankly admitted that she had recourse to the relief\of narcotics. Miss Loftug was acquiring drugs solely for her own needs. Mr Frampton suggested that if the magistrate could be assured that Miss Loftus could be put under complete control and _ receive proper treatment by a responsible person, that course should be taken. Mis t Loftus would be prepared to go into a home for six, or even twelve months.: There was a home ready for hereto go to at once, ' Dr. H. Ji P. Simpson said he had known Miss Loftus since 1910, when she had undergone four operations round about that period. The .only chance of her getting right was to keep,' her under strict medical superfor six months to a year. During the last ten. years she had fought against her desire for drugs. ACTRESS FRIENDS TO RESCUE. Mrs Eva Esmond (Miss'Eva Moore) said she had known - defendant for .a great many years. She was prepared, in conjunction with Dame May Webster, to see that Miss Loftus went into a home. Arrangements had already been made for her, ’and a nurse was actually in attendance. Dame May Webster , (Miss May Whitty) said she was willing to be bound in similar conditions to the previous witness. The magistrate inquired if there was any suggestion that the defendant had had anything to do with trafficking. Mr Muskett: None Addressing the. defendant, Mr Waddy, the magistrate, said: I am dealing with you exactly as I should deal with any working class woman from a humble home, of whom it could be said, as about you, that you have become a victim to this habit in most pathetic circumstances. I shall try to find some means of Qjringing about your redemption from this habit other than by punishing you b$ a fine or imprisonment. Neither seems necessary in this case, I shall put you on probation for a period of a year, with instructions that you shall reside where -directed. ! Fhat means that .so long as your treatrr eht is successful', and you 00-opernte with.the doctors and nurses you will hear, no more of this matter. But if it should he brought to the knowledge of this court that you hare resumed the habit of taking these drugs it will be their duty to fetch you to this court once more, and fheti the magistrate will have to deal with the offence we are dealing with to-day. .The defendant then left the court with her friends.