For Illustration only
In Hamilton J.P. Court on Monday 2nd October 1922, Thomas Houston, a labourer of no fixed residence, pleaded guilty to being found in a state of intoxication and unable to take care of himself at the junction of Glasgow Road and Church Street.
Thomas was found actually on Glasgow Road after 10 p.m on the previous day. Police were called when pedestrians saw Thomas appeared to be taking fits on the road. Police arrived quickly and removed him to the safety of Church Street where they noticed the man was having medical issued, apparently going from one fit to another. They sent for doctor and the inspector of the poor. After they had examined Thomas Houston the doctor said he was suffering from drink and that this may have brought on the fits. Houston was fined 10s, or 5 days imprisonment although it is not known which he received.
Reading back on this, I can’t help but feel Mr Houston would have received no help afterwards. I can only imagine his situation exactly the same upon leaving prison, with nowhere to stay and what money he had being spent on alcohol. I do hope he managed to get some help.
From “Blantyre Explained” by Paul Veverka (c) 2018
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