The Consequences of Drunken Debauchery

In 1891, a mother was convicted of manslaughter after her nine-month-old son died from neglect. As she was sentenced, the judge slammed her drunken debauchery. 

Alice Melia lived in a court off Hornby Street, which ran between Vauxhall Road and Scotland Road, with her husband James and five children. Neither parent was sober, with Alice described in the press as very much addicted to drink. They were warned on several occasions by the Liverpool Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children.

Justice Day

On Saturday 24th January, James gave Alice his wages from his work as a bottlemaker. She then went on a drunken carousal, leaving the baby, also James, in charge of her eldest child, who was aged just seven. When she returned home three days later, the baby was dead. A police officer who attended the property found him lying on a broken door supported by two boxes.  The body was in a filthy and emaciated condition. As she was arrested, Alice said: "If it had not been for drink and company, I would never have neglected my children."

An inquest returned a verdict that the child died from inflammation of the lungs caused by want of proper nutrition and general want of attention arising from gross neglect. Alice was committed to the Assize for trial on a coroner's warrant.

On 19th March, 32-year-old Alice appeared before Justice Day. Her eldest child gave evidence, saying that he had seen her in the street on the Sunday, but she would not come home. The baby, he said, died in his arms. A doctor said that Alice had taken James to him about two weeks before his death, and he warned her that if he died, he would not feel justified in issuing a death certificate. One witness called on Alice's behalf said that the baby was a delicate one, and she had always been kind to him.

The jury found Alice guilty of manslaughter. Prior to passing sentence, Justice Day said this was a shocking illustration of the consequences of drink and debauchery. She had failed to give attention to her baby and instead indulged in hideous drinking with low women. He then sentenced her to twelve months imprisonment with hard labour.