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The Rhodesia Herald,

January 23, 1969 

Joyce Hall, a 29-year-old housewife, has promised never to brew any more home-made beer.  

After a swig of her first lot she remembered nothing – until she was arrested 50 miles from home. 

When she was detained she smashed a police station window and had to suffer the indignity of appearing in court for drunkenness and malicious damage to a window. 

Constable Charles Porter, of Croydon, told a magistrate that Mrs Hall, of Peace-haven, Sussex, a mother of two, was found “very drunk and incapable.” 

Her husband, John, told the court: “This was all a very stupid mistake. She had been making some homemade beer and drank a little.” 

Mrs Hall said: “I am very sorry. It was the first time I had made beer and it will be the last.” 

Mrs Hall was given a conditional discharge and ordered to pay £5 4s. costs.  

After the case Mr Hall said: “She got the beer recipe from a friend and made about three gallons. I am no beer drinker, but this was potent stuff. I have never heard of such strong beer. She will not make any more.” 

Lessons for today 

Illicit brews are very harmful. They can seriously impair bodily function especially the mind’s ability to make rational decisions. The woman in the story actually blacked out only to come around after she was arrested. It was fortunate that nothing serious happened to her given the state that she was in. 

Destruction of public property is an offence that can attract a hefty fine or land one in prison. 

Whenever someone does something wrong it is important to show remorse by apologising sincerely to solicit for forgiveness. 

It is always important to think carefully before taking any action which may have dire consequences.