James Lakin
Died
:
23 February 1913
Age
:
76
Rank
:
Inspector
Force
:
River Wear Police
Cause
:
Drowned
Duty Status
:
On Duty
Roll of Honour Citation
Found drowned on duty in the river.
Inspector Lakin left Bodlewell Lane Police Station about 9.30am after the change of watch and stood at the steps of ferryboat landing as was his habit. After he failed to return officers made a search and his body was found about 2pm floating in the river a few yards from the steps. It was believed he slipped and drowned.
The Coroner ruled out suicide hearing evidence that one of the Constables who found his body noted a cut and abrasion above his left eye suggesting he slipped, suffered the injury and entered the water.
He was survived by his adult children.