On This Day, 12 March 1918

Evening Despatch

Tuesday 12 March 1918

SOLDIER’S WIFE SENT TO PRISON

NEGLECT IN OBTAINING FREE TREATMENT FOR ILL CHILD

A soldier’s wife and a mother of five children, Ellen Davies, of 11, back of 28, St. Andrew’s-road. Birmingham, was charged at Birmingham to-day with neglecting her child, Ellen, aged five years, in such a manner as to cause the child unnecessary suffering.

Mr. J. Stevenson, the chief attendance superintendent of the Birmingham Education Committee, explained that the child was suffering from ulcers of the eyes, and although free treatment had been given by the school doctor at the school clinic the defendant had not taken the child to the clinic since 21 January.

Dr Graham said the child’s vision would permanently impaired.

The defendant she did not go to the clinic because she had been told at the Eve Hospital that there was no cure.

The defendant, who has been summoned on 15 occasions previously for neglecting to send her children regularly to school, was sent to gaol for one month. The magistrates ordered the children, with the exception of the youngest, a baby in arms, which the mother had with her, to be accommodated at the workhouse whilst the mother is away.