Limerick, Monday – A disconcerting incident unfolded following the conviction of Patrick Tracey, a 14-year-old, at the Limerick Petty Sessions on Friday. Tracey was found guilty of being involved in the theft of coal, and due to his two prior convictions, he was sentenced to five years of detention in a reformatory.
While in custody at the John Street Police Barracks before being transferred to Phillipstown Reformatory on Saturday, Tracey made a harrowing attempt to take his life. During the night, he managed to break an earthenware vessel that had been used to serve him tea. Using a shard from the broken ware, he attempted to cut his throat.
The alarming incident was detected before serious harm occurred. After inflicting minor scratches on his throat, Tracey was promptly discovered and removed to Barrington’s Hospital, where he received the necessary medical treatment.
On Saturday afternoon, under the watchful eye of a police escort, Tracey was relocated from Limerick to Phillipstown to commence his five-year sentence. The incident highlights the challenges faced by young individuals within the criminal justice system and raises questions about the adequacy of support and supervision within these institutions.
Local authorities are expected to conduct an investigation into the circumstances leading to Tracey’s suicide attempt. The incident emphasizes the importance of addressing mental health concerns and implementing robust support systems for individuals within the reformatory system, ensuring their well-being and preventing such distressing occurrences.
Dublin Daily Express – Monday 30 May 1910
