Series of mistakes means vital evidence is lost
Northern Echo, January 23
The second day of the inquest upon the body of Robert Snowball, continued at the Police Station, Ramshaw-on-Derwent, by Mr Coroner Graham.
Coroner: When you first visited the deceased's body what conclusion did you come to? Did you come to the conclusion that it was the result of an accident or of violence?
Witness, Dr William Montgomery, Blanchland: I couldn't account for the injuries having been caused by such an accident as a fall.
Coroner: What was your conclusion?
Witness: That the injuries must have been caused by violence. It was between nine and ten o'clock when I saw the body on the morning of the 2nd January. I rode off at once to Blanchland.
Coroner: Did you then send off the following telegram to Superintendent Thubron at Stanhope: Robert Snowball, Belmount, accidentally met his death by falling and fracturing his skull. Get Humphrey George to procure coroner immediately.
Witness: I did send it.
Coroner: Tell me if anyone authorised you to send such a telegram?
Witness: No, we agreed.
Coroner: What was your object in sending that message?
Witness: To procure a coroner immediately.
Coroner: What was your obect in saying that it was an accident?
Witness: It is a great mistake I have made.
