Girl,19, in gas-filled room had knife wounds on wrists

Hertfordshire Mercury, 20th April 1951

A 19-year-old Potters Bar girl who was found dead by her father in a gas-filled bedroom , had wounds on her wrists , while nearby was an empty aspirin bottle and a knife.

This was stated by a police witness at the North London inquest on Tuesday on Jean Mary North , of 47 Borough Way , Potters Bar , on whom was recorded a verdict of suicide whilst the balance of her mind was disturbed .

The father , Stanley Frederick North , said he had to force his way into the house , the doors of which were bolted . His daughter’s bedroom door was also locked , and after forcing it he found her on the bed with the room full of gas.

P.c. Phillips said there were traces of blood on the knife which he found near the body .

Medical evidence was that death was due to coal gas poisoning .

Evidence was also given that the girl had seemed depressed, but had not given any indication that she contemplated taking her life .