South Eastern Gazette, 20 November, 1860.

Death in the Street.

On Friday afternoon last an inquest was held at the "Duke’s Head" public-house, before J. Lewis, Esq., coroner for the city, on the body of Michael Lacken, aged 33, who died in the streets at an early hour.

Police-constable 20 said he was on duty at the bottom of Star hill that morning, about half-past two, and saw the deceased standing against the door of Mr. Bartlett, bookbinder. Deceased trembled and appeared to be intoxicated. Witness advised him to go home, but he sank down on his knees twice after the officer had lifted him up. The only word the deceased uttered was "Tom," and then appeared to sink down insensible. With the assistance of another police-constable deceased was removed to the station-house in a wheelbarrow, but he died before they could reach the Guildhall.

Police-constable Winter, 5, said he saw the deceased staggering about in Eastgate a short time before the last witness discovered him. Witness told him he had better go home, but deceased, who said he lived on the Brook, replied that he could not, but if the police-constable would let him sit down a short time he should be better. Deceased appeared to be very much intoxicated, and witness offered to assist him along, allowing him to lake hold of his hand for that purpose. Deceased, after walking a little way, said he must sit down, and seated himself on a doorstep. Witness accused him of having been drinking, and he replied that he had, but he would not state his name, nor where he lived. He stated that he had formerly been a soldier, but was invalided from India seven years ago.

Thomas Benster, landlord of the "White Swan" public-house, Brook, said the deceased had lodged with him upwards of three years. He was a pensioner and formerly belonged to the 51st Light Infantry. He last saw deceased on Wednesday afternoon, and had not heard of him since until he received information of his death. Deceased appeared to enjoy good health until the Sunday before his death, when he complained of a pain in his side. On Tuesday night he appeared to be deranged, and kept shouting that "the devil was in the house." On the following day he was better and went out. Deceased was much given to drinking, and was frequently inebriated. On Wednesday witness sent for Mr. Fayle, surgeon, who said deceased was suffering from the effects of drink.

This being the whole of the evidence the coroner asked the jury if they wished the inquiry to be adjourned, to enable a post mortem examination to be made. The jury, however, thought there was no necessity for any postponement of the inquest, and returned a verdict of "Died from natural causes."