There was only one target for a drunken Ordnance Survey employee in a shooting gallery - himself! 

And Louis Callaghan might have succeeded but for the intervention of a shopkeeper who wrestled him to the ground and snatched a revolver he had been intent on buying.

The drama unfolded in the Southampton town centre shop of Edward Cox who had become increasingly concerned about the customer's slurred speech and erratic behaviour.

After clumsily examining several weapons, Callaghan eventually selected one gun and ammunition, constantly snapping it in such a way Cox feared he had no ability or training to handle it, and to test the theory, he suggested they should try it out in the shop's shooting gallery. 

Callaghan agreed and Cox inserted a cartridge, motioning to an assistant to call the police.


Ordnance Survey officesOrdnance Survey offices (Image: Echo) (Image: Echo)

The shopkeeper's fears about his gun control were immediately realised by the way he took aim, and catching him off-guard, Cox pushed him to the floor where they wrestled for the firearm. 

Seconds later, the police arrived.

"I don't know whether he was contemplating suicide but he is certainly under the influence of drink," he told officers who marched him to the Bargate police station for questioning. There, he admitted he had been feeling depressed and on that basis, he was charged with attempted suicide.

When asked if he had anything to say, he simply replied: "No, sir."

Southampton in the 19th century.Southampton in the 19th century. (Image: Echo) The following morning, December 29, 1888, Callaghan, who lived in Milton Road, appeared before magistrates and pleaded guilty.

He had the good fortune to be arrested by PC Burton who spoke up for him. "I have known hm for several years and consider him to be a quiet and well-conducted man."

The Bench considered help and not punishment was the best remedy, binding him over in the sum of £20 to keep the peace for six months with strong advice from chairman J H Cooksay. "We strongly suggest you keep away from drink."

Callaghan stepped from the dock to be hugged by his brother, John, who agreed to stand surety.