WOMAN’S SUICIDE

Waikato Times, Volume 117, Issue 19597, 8 June 1935, Page 8

WOMAN’S SUICIDE

PATHETIC LETTER.

“ I CANNOT HELP HIM."

VERDICT AT THE INQUEST.

United Press Assn. —Elec. Tel. Copyright.

(Received June 8, 2.30 p.m.) LONDON, June 7

At an inquest regarding the death of Mrs Alma Rattenhury, who jumped into the river at Christchurch, the coroner read the following letter, written by Mrs Rattenhury and addressed to the governor of Pentonville prison:—<

“If I thought it would help ©toner I would stay on, hut it has been pointed out to me all too vividly that I cannot help him. That is my death sentence.”

Another letter disclosed that she tried to commit suicide under a train and a bus in London, but there were too many people about.

A verdict of suicide while of unsound mind was returned.

On May 31 George Percy Stoner (19) was convicted of murdering Francis Rattenhury and was sentenced to death. Mrs Rattenhury had previously been acquitted. On June 6 the body of Mrs Rattenhury (31), was found in the River Stour, near Christchurch. There were, six wounds in tire region of the heart, apparently self-inflicted.