Cheshire Observer
Saturday 10 February 1900
ALLEGED DARING BURGLARY AT CHESTER.
LIPTONS' shop entered. On Monday morning, at the Chester City Police Court, a
man who gave the name of John Jones, and said he came from London, was charged
with burglariously entering the house of John Davies, 19. Steele Street,
Chester, and stealing the keys of Liptons' Limited and 3s. 7d. in money. He was
further charged with breaking and entering the shop of Messrs. Liptons Limited,
and stealing £1 Is. Od. in coppers, the property of the firm.—
Chief Constable Laybourne said he had to ask for a remand for eight days, as the
prisoner would have to go for trial. About twenty minutes to three o'clock that
(Monday) morning the prisoner was seen by P.C. Colley to go up Bridge‐street and
into Northgate‐street. Afterwards the man returned to the Cross. The constable
suspecting something was wrong, went to Liptons' shop, and heard a noise inside.
He got the assistance of Constable Shone, who went to the rear of the premises
and found the prisoner in the yard. After a struggle he arrested the prisoner,
in whose possession were found the keys of Liptons' shop. The safe had been
opened, and in the possession of the prisoner was also found the sum of £1 Is.
Od. in coppers.
Constable Shone went to the private residence of the manager of the shop and
knocked him up. The prisoner must undoubtedly have followed the manager from the
shop to his house on Saturday night. He had evidently broken into the house of
the manager and got into his bedroom, taking away with him the keys and 3s. 7d.
Then he must have come down to Liptons' shop and broken into that.
After their worships had heard sufficient evidence he should ask for a remand.
The prisoner had refused to give an account of himself, and said he belonged to
London, which was a very large place.
Constable Colley gave evidence, and the Bench remanded the prisoner for eight
days.
The Chairman : Was the safe open ? — The Chief Constable : Yes, sir. He had got
this copper from the safe. He had not time to get to the gold. There was from
£20 to £40 in the safe. The manager was in bed at his house, and heard nothing.
Cheshire Observer -Saturday 13 January 1900
On Tuesday at the Chester Castle County Petty Sessional Occasional Court, a
well‐dressed young woman named Jane Hooper, who said she belonged to the
Principality, was charged with the theft of a pair of boots valued at 4s the
property of Mrs. Margaret Hewitt, of Stamford Heath, near Chester. It was stated
that the prisoner called at the house of the prosecutrix on Sunday afternoon,
and asked to be supplied with tea, representing that she had met with an
accident while cycling. She received the refreshment, and after hearing her
story Mrs. Hewitt befriended her by allowing her to remain the night. When she
had departed on Monday the boots were missed, and when arrested by Detective
Inspector Hoole the same night in John‐street, Chester, she Was wearing them. —
Prisoner was remanded until Saturday.
Cheshire Observer
Saturday 27 October 1900
FATAL RESULT OF AN ELECTION DINNER.
CHESHIRE CONSTABLE'S DEATH.
On Tuesday Mr. J. C. Bate held the adjourned inquest at the Liscard Sessions
House, into the circumstances attending the death of George Gibson, aged 25, a
police‐constable stationed at Liscard The deceased with eighteen other
constables and an inspector, was detailed to do duty at the Altrincham election.
While there they were provided with dinner by a local caterer. After this meal
Gibson and another constable were taken ill, and the former subsequently died a
week later.
The doctors who attended deceased gave as their opinion that he had died from
peritonitis, as the result of having eaten diseased meat the previous Thursday.
A sad sequel to the affair had been the death, through shock, of deceased's
father, William Gibson, which occurred on Sunday, after having given evidence of
identification at the opening of the inquest the previous Friday.
Present in the court were Colonel Hamersley, chief constable of the county . Mr.
R. Corbett, solicitor, representing Jules Emile Metzger, the caterer; Mr.
Fletcher, barrister, representing the Manchester Co‐operative Wholesale Society,
who supplied the meat to the caterer.
Evidence tended to show that the meat had probably been put into a refrigerator
before it was properly cold which would cause the heat to be driven into the
centre and cause decomposition. The jury returned a verdict of death through
peritonitis, consequent upon eating putrid meat, and expressed the opinion that
the cooking and cooling of the meat was at fault.
Cheshire Observer
Saturday 2 June 1900
THORNTON HOUGH.
DEATH OF CONSTABLE LEWSLET.
Police Constable George Lewsley died on Thursday morning, aged 41 years.
Deceased, who had been ill about twelve weeks, had been stationed here about
four years, prior to which he had spent about six years at Little Neston. He was
one of the best officers ever stationed in this district, shewing every
consideration for the public, while at the same time conscientiously doing his
duty as a member of the Cheshire Constabulary. He was exceedingly popular, and
during his long illness there have been innumerable inquiries as to his
condition. He held the merit badge, was a member of the St. John Ambulance, and
had spent about twenty years on the force, but he was not over anxious for
promotion, and had a strong desire to spend the remainder of his service at
Thornton Hough. The funeral is to take place at Thornton Hough Parish Church.
Cheshire Observer -Saturday 18 August 1900
FISHING OR POACHING?
ELLESMERE PORT MAN AND HIS LURCHER
Was James Brown, an employee at the Smelting Corporation Works, Ellesmere Port,
fishing or poaching when Constable Potts came across him on the canal side on
the evening of the 27th July?
This was the question which the County Bench were called upon to decide at the
Sessions on Saturday, and their decision was not exactly in Brown's favour.
There were two summonses against Brown, and they were both for trespassing in
search of hares. Mr. J. Moore Dutton was the prosecuting solicitor. Brown
eloquently defended himself.—
Constable Potts saw him standing on the canal bridge in the township of Great
Stanney. Presently Brown went on to the land occupied by Mr. R. Parker,
accompanied by his lurcher dog, to which he said "Go on" and "Get on." The dog
ran up the field and remained there a quarter of an hour.—
Brown declared that he was not off the road, and that he had no dog with him. He
was fishing in the canal. He called as a witness Frank Woodfield, who said Brown
was fishing with him in the canal from half‐past seven till nine o'clock. There
was a dog, said Woodfield, which coursed the fields and then came to them. It
was a strange dog.—
ln the second case Constable Potts said that Brown, after coming off Mr.
Parker's land stayed twenty minutes on the canal bank with Woodfield, who was
fishing. Then the defendant went on land belonging to Mr. J. Darlington Dutton,
adjoining Mr. Parker's land, to look for his dog. He returned with the dog, and
witness searched him in Meadow‐lane, Whitby. Replying to a question as to
whether the dog was his, the defendant said “It is."— Brown (in court): Don't
tell lies.— There was no name on the collar of the dog, and Brown offered the
explanation that it had been rubbed off. The dog had been coursing on Mr.
Parker's and Mr. Dutton's land all the time.— Brown questioned the constable as
to why he had not been summoned for not having his name on the dog's collar,
seeing that, according to the constable, he had said the dog was his.— The
Constable said he would be served with the summons.— Brown put other questions,
which the Chairman evidently considered irrelevant to the case, for he told the
constable to leave the box.— Brown (to the constable) : Heigh! Arf a mo.—The
Chairman (to the constable): No, no, you can go.— Brown : Well, that's a very
funny thing. In an interval of the proceedings, Constable Potts served the
defendant with a summons for not having a collar on his dog, for which Brown
said "Thank you," but absolutely refused to read it or say if he would have it
heard to‐day, to save him another journey next Saturday.— Mr. Thompson
(magistrate) : Is it a dog which, in your opinion, could catch a hare ?
Constable Potts : Yes, sir.— The Chairman said the Bench were unanimous in
finding the defendant guilty in the first case, in which he was fined 10s. and
coats. In the second case he would have to pay the costs without a conviction.
(The above appeared in our last Saturday Evening Edition.)
Cheshire Observer - Saturday 17 March 1900
MYSTERIOUS DEATH OF A CHESHIRE CONSTABLE.
An inquest was held before Coroner Yates at Haslington, near Crewe, on Friday
morning, in reference to the death of Constable Alfred Kerns, of Haslington,
aged 42, who was carried home unconscious on the previous Tuesday even‐ing and
died a few hours later.
A post‐mortem shewed that death was caused by a fracture of the skull, and after
an inquiry which lasted over two hours, and in which much conflicting evidence
was taken, the jury returned an open verdict.
The funeral took place at Nantwich Cemetery on Saturday, in the presence of a
number of friends, many of whom had travelled a considerable distance to shew
the last mark of respect to the deceased. The cortege arrived at the cemetery
about 3 p.m., and was met by Superintendent Meredith, Inspector Crogan, and four
sergeants and sixteen constables of the Nantwich Division. Four officers acted
as bearers, and the coffin, of plain English oak with brass mountings, was
covered with beautiful floral tributes. The chief mourners were the widow and
daughter of the deceased and the brothers, Messrs. J. and E. Kerns.
A special memorial wreath was forwarded by the brother officers of the deceased,
the following inscription appearing upon a silver shield: — "In memory of a
departed brother, from the superintendent, inspector, sergeants and constables
of the Nantwich division." In addition to the wreaths forwarded by relatives
were others sent by Mrs. Darlington and family (Poole Hall, Worleston), J. and
C. Hulse (Worleston), F. Bebbington, &c. The Rev. Father Deery conducted the
service.
Cheshire Observer
Saturday 24 March 1900
FATALITY TO A CHESHIRE CONSTABLE.
CREWE WORKMAN CHARGED WITH MURDER. A great sensation was caused at Crewe on
Tuesday by the arrest of Alfred Walker, a striker in Crewe Railway Works, on the
charge of killing and slaying Alfred Kerns, a Cheshire constable. Kerns was in
charge of the Haslington police district.
During the night of the 6th inst. he, while on duty, received injuries which
produced unconsciousness, and death in a few hours. At the inquest Walker was
called, and said he had been with the constable on the night of his death. They
had both been in a public‐house, and later he saw the constable outside the
Winterley‐road. They shook hands, and while shaking hands both fell. The
constable complained of his head. Afterwards he fell in a field unconscious, and
died during the night.
Dr. Vaughan, who examined the deceased, said he did not think his injuries were
caused accidentally.
At Crewe, on Tuesday, Alfred Walker, aged 34, was charged with causing the death
of Kerns. Colonel Hamersley, chief constable of Cheshire, was present. Mr. C. H.
Pedley appeared for the defence. Superintendent Meredith said that Kerns was on
duty on the night of the 6th inst. He visited the Hawk Inn, Haslington, and
found prisoner and a man named John Boffey drunk. Kerns ejected the prisoner
from the Hawk. When out‐side prisoner used threats, and said he would kick the
constable. The prisoner and Boffey and the constable walked off in the direction
of Winterley. At Mr. Bebbington's gate they were seen standing in the road, the
constable being between the two men. Two witnesses saw a scuffle between them,
and afterwards heard a fall. The constable received injuries which produced
death.
On that evidence he asked for a remand. Mr. Pedley applied for bail. The Chief
Constable objected, adding that there might be further developments, and he
thought the granting of bail would defeat the ends of justice. He had
communicated with the Public Prosecutor, and the Crown would likely take up the
case. The Bench remanded prisoner for a week in custody. As stated in a previous
issue, the deceased officer was a member of a well‐know Neston family.
Cheshire Observer - Saturday 28 July 1900
LOVE AND TRAGEDY.
GHASTLY DISCOVERY AT MOULDS‐WORTH. UNITED IN DEATH.
A terrible story of love and tragedy was told at an inquest held by Mr. J. C.
Bate, Coroner, at the Railway Hotel, Mouldsworth, on Wednesday morning.
Since Sunday a young couple named Arthur Wade, son of Mr. Frank Wade, coal
dealer, Ashton, and Clara Jane Wall, a laundry maid at Ashton Hayes, had been
missing, and the discovery of their bodies in what is known as Catsrough
Fishpond, a deep piece of water at Moulds worth, at 12‐15 a.m. on Wednesday
morning caused a painful sensation throughout Mouldsworth, Ashton, and Kelsall
district, where both were known. They were clasped in each other's arms in the
water, and were fully dressed with the exception of their hats, which were found
together, with the young man's bible and a watch, on the embankment of the pond,
and led to the recovery of their bodies. In Wade's pocket was a memorandum book
and a hymn book, the former containing the following entry : — Blest is the
mighty love that will not let us part. Our bodies may go far apart, yet we are
one in heart.
The inquest was held at 9.40 am Frank Wade, coal dealer, of Ashton, said : — The
deceased was my son. He was aged 21 years, and was a porter signalman at Helsby
Station. He came home on Saturday to spend the Saturday and Sunday at home. I
last saw him about five or ton minutes past eight o'clock on Sunday night. He
was then coming from chapel, and was with the deceased Clara Jane Wall We stayed
up for him but he did not come, and we went to the farm at Ashton Hayes and
found that the girl, Clara Jane Wall, was absent also. I thought they had eloped
together. There was no great opposition to his keeping company with Clara Jane
Wall. The book produced is my son's, and the writing in it is in his
handwriting. He had not spoken to me of getting married.
Constable Wilson, of Kelsall, said:— l went to Catsrough Fishpond, and I was
there when they recovered the bodies near to the place where the hats were
found. They were clasped together when they were brought to the side, and had
evidently put their arms around each other. They were both fully dressed with
the exception of their hats. There is a wall at the spot and the pond is very
deep. The bodies were recovered at 12 15 this morning.
Jane Morris said: I am a laundry maid at Ashton Hayes. The deceased Clara Jane
Wall was in my employment at Ashton Hayes as laundry maid. She had been there
since last September. She came from Hereford, but her parents now reside at
Dimmock in Gloucester. She was 19 years of age. On Sunday she went out in the
afternoon and came in about 10pm. I was then in bed. She passed through my room
to her own, and then returned and said "You are in first to‐night." She went
downstairs and out of the house. I cannot tell what she came for. I thought she
had gone into the backyard. At
11.30 p.m. she had not returned, and I got Mr. and Mrs. Fleet up and we waited
till Mr. Wade came. I saw very little of the deceased on Sunday. She was a
cheerful girl and full of life and fun. She never mentioned any trouble to me; I
know she was in no trouble."I had no suspicion what‐ever that they had committed
suicide.
Frank Langley, a boy residing at Woodside, Ashton, said: Last evening I went to
Catsrough Pool, Mouldsworth, with Joseph Schofield and Henry Littler to bathe.
We found a man's straw hat and a girl's straw hat, a watch, and a Bible near the
water. I saw the name "Arthur Wade " in the Bible. I took the things to Mr.
Frank Wade, of Ashton, who identified a hat and the Bible as his son's. We found
the things on the embankment at this end of the pool. The water is very deep
there. I was present when the bodies were recovered about six yards out from
where the hats were found.
The Coroner, in summing up, said the whole of the facts pointed to suicide. They
were found clasped in each other's arms. She went home at 10 o'clock at night,
and could not have had any good purpose in going out again at that time at
night. The fact that their hats were found on the bank shewed that they had
taken them off before going into the water.
The jury returned a verdict in each case of suicide, and added that there was no
evidence to shew the state of their minds. The Coroner said he was sure the jury
would concur with him in an expression of sympathy with Mr. Wade and the other
relatives of the deceased young man; also with the relatives of the deceased
girl, although the latter were probably not known to any of them, in the very
sad and great trouble that had come upon them. It was a very sad thing that two
young persons, under circumstances which should simply have led to happiness,
should have taken their lives in a way which was almost impossible for them to
credit. There might possibly be some circumstances they did not know of, but he
did not think there was. It might be due to literature read now‐a‐days, or it
might be due to some other cause. The jury concurred in the expression of
sympathy, and the inquest concluded
Cheshire Observer
Saturday 24 February 1900
A BICYCLE THIEF AT NESTON.
SMART ACTION OF A CONSTABLE.
About dusk on Thursday evening James Ross, of Neston, entered the Plough Inn,
leaving his bicycle outside. A stranger who was in the house, noticing probably
by the condition of Roes' clothing that he had been cycling, left his glass half
full of beer and slipped out. Nothing was thought of this until, a few minutes
later, when Ross, on taking his departure, discovered that his bicycle had
vanished. Mr. Gilbert, the proprietor, at once despatched word to the police,
and Constable Thelwell at once procured a machine and darted off up
Leighton‐road in pursuit, while Mr. W. Lawton (the local cycle manufacturer)
rode off at full speed on the Birkenhead road in search of the culprit. The
officer, however, had hit the right track, and so hotly did he press the
fugitive that the latter flung the machine on the roadside and escaped over the
fields in the darkness. The police are making an active search
Cheshire Observer - Saturday 30 June 1900
TARPORLEY Found Drowned.
At about 8.30 on Thursday night Police Constable Harrison and two men found the
body of Samuel Woolley, of Birch Heath‐road, labourer, in a pit near the roadway
at the bottom of the Red Hill, Birch Heath. The deceased, whose age was 53, got
up about 5.10 on Thursday morning, and then went to work, taking his meals with
him. He was not seen alive again. He had been under Dr. Ayres for an abscess on
his back for a long time, and was low‐spirited, but never expressed any
intention to commit suicide.
The coroner has been notified
Cheshire Observer - Saturday 9 June 1900
THORNTON HOUGH.
Funeral or Police‐Constable Lewsley.
The funeral of P.C. George Lewsley, whose death was reported in our last issue,
took place at the parish church, Thornton Hough, on Saturday afternoon, amid
many manifestations of sympathy.
About 20 members of the Cheshire Constabulary, under Inspector Wilson, were
present in uniform to shew the last mark of respect to their former comrade,
including Sergeants Martyn, Jackson, and Ratcliffe, and at the special request
of the deceased four constables acted as bearers, viz., Constables Thelwell,
Dutton, Disken, and Parry.
The principal mourners were the widow and three daughters of the deceased,
Joseph Lewsley (brother), and Mrs. Lewsley (mother), and there were also present
Messrs. W. Burkey, H. Holland, John Bell, J. Crawford, E. Roberts, J. Daley, W.
Davies (Epley), J. Ward, W. Ellison, Joseph Ellison, T. Ankers, G. Kelsey, B
Thelwell, W. Bell, W. Shakeshaft (Brimstage), G. Ledder (Heswall).
The Vicar (the Rev. H. A. Bull) conducted the service.
There were a number of beautiful wreaths, including those from "His Family,"
"Comrades in Neston Section," " Police of South Wirral Division," Mr. and Mrs.
W. Burkey, T. Roberts, M. Hughes, Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Brewin, Mr. Davies, Mr. and
Mrs. Thelwell, Mr. and Mrs. E. Roberts, Mrs. Powell and Mr. and Mrs. Yallance,
&c.
Cheshire Observer - Saturday 15 September 1900
TRAGEDY AT BIRKENHEAD POST OFFICE.
MURDER AND ROBBERY.
The people of Birkenhead were thrown into a state of consternation on Sunday
evening by rapidly spreading rumours of murder and robbery at the General
Post‐office.
Inquiries elicited that the story was true. Some telegraph clerks going on duty
at 5 p.m. had been obliged to force an entrance, and had eventually discovered
the watchman, George Fell, aged 56 years, lying dead in the Postmaster's private
office, with his head battered and crushed in a frightful manner. The safe had
been forced and money stolen.
To make matters clear it should be understood that the General Post office in
Birkenhead is situated in Conway‐street, with a side‐entrance for letter‐sorters
and other officials in Burlington‐street, which overlooks a vacant square of
land, and a back entrance in Dacre‐street, a narrow thorough‐fare, where
mailbags and parcels are passed in and out on three sides the office abuts upon
public streets. The general office in front is not open to the public on
Sundays, with the exception of the telegraph department, which is open from 8
am. to 10 a.m. and from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. only. There is one delivery of letters,
which commences at 7‐15am., and no despatch of mails except at 9‐15 p.m. and
9‐35 p.m. Thus it will be comprehended that, taking the whole year through,
there are always officials at work at the office with the exception of the
comparatively brief period every Sunday between ten a.m. and five p.m. This is
important, because it is hardly to be assumed these facts are known to the
general public, and it follows as a reasonable inference that the murderer or
murderers were individuals who had made themselves closely acquainted with the
routine of the establishment, and had chosen the hours most favourable to their
scheme. That robbery was their intention is clear from the fact that the office
safe was broken open and cash and notes stolen to the total value of £144.
The unfortunate victim, George Fell, was not a regular Post Office official. He
was by trade a shoemaker, and resided with his wife at 44, Clarendon‐street, off
Oxton‐road. Formerly he was attached to the service as an auxiliary post‐man or
letter‐carrier, but for a long time past he had not been employed in that way.
Since he ceased duty as a letter‐carrier, however, he had been employed as an
occasional Sunday watchman to keep guard on the premises during the brief period
when business was at a standstill. It was while faithfully carrying out his duty
as watchman on Sunday that the unoffending old man was so brutally done to
death. Long before ten o'clock in the morning the letter‐sorting clerk had gone
home, and it was after ten o'clock when the telegraph clerks left their
department, locking the front door in Conway‐street and leaving the keys with
Fell in the sorting room. One of the post‐office employees left the premises by
the side door opening into Burlington‐street at a quarter past ten o'clock,
leaving the watchman safe and well. So far as is yet known, he was the last
person who saw the victim before the murder. At a quarter to five in the
afternoon one of the telegraph operators, who was to commence duty at five
o'clock, arrived at the post‐office. He knocked at the aide door in
Burlington‐street to gain an entrance. There was no response. Five minutes later
a second operator arrived, and the two knocked loudly and frequently at the
door, surmising merely that the watchman had perhaps dropped asleep. Still their
repeated hammerings on the door met with no reply. After ten minutes one noticed
that the door seemed loose, and they agreed that it could not be bolted and they
might force it open. They pushed and shook at it until it rattled open.
As soon as they set foot inside they were startled by catching sight of blood
spattered about the vestibule door and on the floor. Stepping into the sorting
room, more blood marks, right and left, met their eyes, and at the bottom end of
the room, towards the back of the premises, there was quite a pool of clotted
blood. They thought it best to call in the police at once, and, going back to
the door, they found Police constable Tingey, and, as it happened, Chief
Detective Inspector Parker with Detective Hall were just passing the office. The
officers were called in, and the two detectives with the two clerks made a
hurried search through the place. They traced the blood spots along the side of
the sorting room through the doorway into the front office, whence they passed
into the corridor leading to the telegraph room on the first floor above. At the
top end of the sorting room the safe was found broken open, but there was
nothing upstairs or downstairs to account for the extraordinary splashes of
blood about the floor of the sorting room and upon some of the mail bags, said
even on one of the hooks on which the mail bags were hanging in the direct line
from the aide door towards the front office. A second and more minute search was
made, and the officers this time entered the post master's private room. There
they found the watchman laid out upon the rug in front of the fireplace, with a
green bag placed over the face. There was congealed blood about the clothing,
and, hastily lifting the bag from off the head, the officers met with a most
harrowing sight. The front part of the man's head seemed to have been battered
in, his left eye was knocked out, and all the head and face were thickly
besmeared with blood. As the hands and feet were quite cold, and the body
underneath the clothing had only just a faint suspicion of warmth, it was
evident that an hour or two at least had elapsed since the foul deed was
perpetrated. Searching further, the detectives found the office poker broken and
smirched with blood. It appeared evident that it was the weapon with which the
murder had been committed. Everything pointed to the surmise that the life and
death struggle had occurred in the sorting room, and that the body of the
murdered man had been carried thence into the room where it was found as
described. Across the sorting room from the door was a chair and a newspaper at
a table, as if the watchman had been sitting reading when he was probably
disturbed by a knock at the door. One can imagine the man putting down his
newspaper and going to the door to see who was there and what was wanted. It is
only surmise, of course, but there are circumstances and again which seem to
point out that when Fell opened the door the visitor or visitors were either
admitted or rushed in. It is possible the watchman was immediately attacked, and
it is also possible that he was persuaded to oblige the strangers by getting for
them a telegraph or other official form from the front office, and was assaulted
from behind as he walked towards the public office. A rack fitted with hooks for
empty mail bags runs down the room a few feet from the wall and in the corridor
thus formed the blood splashes are most plentiful. A short distance from the
door there was a large splash of blood upon one of the bags, and the metal hook
from which it was suspended was also marked with blood, which seems to indicate
that someone had been dashed violently against it. All up and down this place
there ia blood and it seems very likely that the villains on entering had closed
the door behind them, and at once attempted to silence the watchman that they
might proceed with the robbery they had planned. Apparently they were not
altogether successful in stunning the watchman, and evidently there had been a
fearful chase and struggle up and down the premises. The villains in the chase
had snatched up the poker, and with it had followed and belaboured their victim
in a moat dastardly fashion until they had beaten the life out of him. The blow
seems to have been inflicted at the bottom end of the sorting room, for there
was a large clot of thick blood. Thence, apparently, the murdered man was
carried by the brutes who had done him to death into the postmaster's room,
where it was not likely that it would be early discovered. After committing the
crime the murderers had clambered over the wire‐screen partition en‐closing the
registered letter office in one corner of the sorting room, and then burst open
the safe, whence they extracted the cash and notes. This safe, it may be
mentioned, is constructed of block tin, the outer case enclosing the box
containing the valuables. Once in possession of the money, the thieves seem to
have made their departure unostentatiously, pulling the door to behind them. A
full view of the Burlington‐street door of the office is commanded by
pedestrians along Conway‐street, which is one of the main thoroughfare of the
town, with tramcar passing along it every few minutes and by the residents in
Dacre‐street, whose doors overlook the post‐office. but no person seems to have
observed any auspicious occurrence. It is a striking fact that twice within the
last twelve months the General Post‐Office in Birkenhead has been robbed and a
substantial amount of money stolen. The last robbery occurred about six or seven
months ago, when the whole of the officials salaries, which were left at night
ready for distribution on the following morning, were secured by some person or
persons, who have not yet been detected. Immediately the crime was known the
post‐master, Mr Joseph Wilson, came down to the office, and later the district
post‐office surveyor and the Liverpool postmaater visited the premises. The
constable of the borough, Mr Walter S. Davies, was early on the scene. The whole
of the detective staff were called out, and are working under the instructions
of Chief Inspector Parker
VIOLENT ASSAULT ON NESTON CONSTABLES.
EXEMPLARY SENTENCE
At the Neston Petty Sessions, on Monday, John Campbell, junr., was charged in
custody, before Mr. T. Comber and Colonel Lloyd, with having been drunk and
disorderly in Leighton‐road on the previous day, and with assaulting Constables
Ellis and Thelwell in the execution of their duty.— Constable Ellis stated that
he was on duty in Parkgateroad about 1.45p.m. when he saw the prisoner forcibly
removed from the camp ground of the Worcester and Warwickshire Artillery
Volunteers. Witness asked him to go away, quietly, but he went on the camp
ground again, and was again removed. He then went over the fields and across the
Vicarage gardens to Mr. Whineray’s yard, where he picked up a dog and carried it
for some distance. In Leighton‐road prisoner said that he would finish witness,
and would murder him. Witness closed with him, and after a desperate struggle
succeeded in hand‐cuffing him, and Constable Thelwell came up and assisted in
removing him to the police station. — Constable Thelwell stated that both he and
Ellis were violently assaulted by the prisoner when they were searching him at
the police station.— Sergeant Martyn stated that the prisoner had behaved in a
very beastly fashion in the cell, and his language was so abominable that for
several hours he had to keep all the doors closed which communicated with his
domestic apartments. The prisoner had been several times convicted of similar
assaults, and had only a fortnight ago completed a term of five months. He was
now sentenced to a month‐imprisonment for being drunk and disorderly, and six
months for each assault, the sentences to run concurrently (seven months in
all).
Cheshire Observer
Saturday 1 September 1900
THE RETREAT RENSBURG. FIERCE FIGHTING. (THE CHARGE OF THE INNISKILLINGS.
DESPERATE STAND BY TWENTY VICTORIANS. EVERY MAN KILLED. {"THE TIMES” –TELEGRAM,
PER PRESS ASSOCIATION) Naauwpoort, Feb. 13. Yesterday, when I awoke I found
there had been a general retirement from all our outlying positions. The number
of the enemy who had attacked the Worcestershire Regiment near Slingersfontein
the previous morning was variously estimated at from 4000 to 5000. Anyhow, we
were outnumbered, and all agree our men held their position on Worcester Hill
most bravely.
The Boers began the attack as soon as the moon went down on the morning of the
12th. Our men being under cover during the first advance must have done great
the execution among the enemy. Colonel Coningham was almost the first to be
shot, as he got up to try to ascertain the strength of the advancing force. The
major was dangerously wounded in several places and left for dead.
The total casualties are not correctly known, but are estimated at about 28
killed and 100 wounded and missing.
The Maxim gun of the Worcester accounted for a great number of the enemy, and an
overpowering number of their men were sent to attack it. The sergeant in charge,
seeing this, told his men to retire, and said that he would follow, but wished
first to destroy the gun. He hurled two heavy boulders at it, and was about to
damage it more with another when he was shot dead.
The whole of the forces retired in an orderly manner, and Slingersfontein camp
was moved during the night back to Renushurg.
On the left wing the enemy had also appeared in great numbers to the north‐west
of Bastard's Nek, on the Colesburg‐Hope town road, and from there towards
Hopkirk's Farm, threatening to cut off our forces ad at different out‐posts
north‐west of Colesburg. A few days before the kopjes west of Bastard's Nek had
to be abandoned by our men, the pickets being driven in by the Boers and one or
two Inniskillings and Victorian Mounted Rifles being killed and wounded. Our
guns went out the following day and re‐took the position without loss, the enemy
having been shelled out of the hills.
Yesterday it appears that a new gun, supposed to be a 40‐pounder, opened fire at
very long range on our troops, who were obliged to retire again from the
position at Bastard's Nek.
The Inniskillings and Victoria Mounted Rifles with a section of Field Artillery
were engaged in attack by the Boers near Hobkirks; in fact the enemy had
advanced to five hundred yards from the homestead, and el of were firing on Mr.
Hobkirk and his family as they escaped from their own comfortable home in a Cape
cart. 'Under cover of their big gun and two quick‐firing Vickers‐Maxims about
4000 Boers came on to Windmill Flat from Bastard's Nek Kopjes, our opposing
force not being more than a few hundred.
A troop of Inniskillings, whom the Boers attempted to cut off, elected to charge
about 500 of the enemy rather than surrender, and got through without loss,
inflicting considerable damage on the terror‐stricken Boers who came in contact
with them. The front rank used the lance and the rear rank the sword. The
Inniskillings during the day lost three officers wounded.
LETTER FROM A CHESHIRE RESERVIST. Lance‐Corporal W. A. Salisbury, 2nd Coldstream
Guards (late of the Cheshire Constabulary at Hyde), writes from Modder River
Camp to his friend. Police‐sergeant Venables, of Wallasey, under date January
19th. He says It came as a great surprise to us to hear of Gatacre's and
Buller's check, as did our own here; but I shall always believe we should have
had an easy victory h but for the unfortunate mistake of marching the Highland
Brigade in quarter column into the Boer trenches in the dark. . . . The Boers
gave us a shell this morning, but it struck short of the trench. They are
generally near the mark, but our guns replied with several in no time. Ever
since Magersfontein we have been busy every day trenching and placing barbed
wire entanglements in position. Last Tuesday our troops advanced in force in
front of the enemy's position with the Howitzer and 4.7 Lyddites. The Boer
trenches were shelled from the river to the hills; the shells seemed to plough
the ground up in cartloads, but what damage they did we cannot say. It was a
splendid sight from where we were in the trenches; each shell seemed to lift the
ground for yards where it burst. The Boers never fired until our troops retired
at dark, when they fired six shells at the Howitzer battery; although pretty
near the mark, no one was hurt; because they did not burst. I do not think the
Boers would last out long if we could get a few good victories, but the war is
lasting longer than most people expected. I daresay you will have read in the
papers how we are being fed and think things are improved, but I can assure you
the Government allowance of rations is the same as when you were out here. I
think I have had one potato this last fortnight. They did allow us a little jam
for a few days, but what we get now we have to buy. You know how dear things are
when you are on a job of this sort about four times as dear as they are in
England. The flies and dust here are something awful at present.
Manchester Evening News Monday 21st April 1902
DEATH OF THE EX‐CHIEF CONSTABLE OF STALYBRIDGE. AN INTERESTING CAREER. Last
night Mr. William Chadwick, who some three years ago retired from the position
of Chief Constable of Stalybridge, died at his residence' at Altrincham at the
ripe age of eighty years. The deceased gentleman was at the data of his
resignation the oldest borough chief constable in England. He published an
interesting book of reminiscences, from which it appears that he was born at
Haigh, Mottram, on July 24th, 1822. He joined the Metropolitan Police Force in
January, 1851, but disliking the monotony of night duty in London be became a
member of the Cheshire Constabulary two years later, being first stationed at
Dukinfield. At that time a great amount of illicit distilling was carried on,
and during his first three years’ experience at Dukinfield forty convictions for
this" offence were obtained. Subsequently he was appointed an inspector in the
Ashton Borough Force, and in 1862 was chosen Chief Constable of Stalybridge.
Before joining the force he had taken an interest in police matters. The first
handcuffs he ever saw were made of oak. He had during the early part of his
career some exciting experiences while engaged in hunting for illicit stills,
the number of which, having regard to the altered conditions that now prevail,
was incredibly large. In one chapter in which he alludes to tramps and beggars
the author expresses the opinion that “the upper and middle classes contribute
to keep this great evil alive more than they have any idea of by relieving them
at all." Stalybridge was, it appears, noted m the early thirties, as the abode
of a number of body snatchers, and one of Mr. Chadwick’s recollections as a boy
was that of seeing men wending their way to Mottram Churchyard to watch the
graves of their "departed friends. The high prices given for subjects for the
surgeon's knife led (he says; to the most atrocious crimes, and murders were
with no other object than the possession of the body of the victim, and for the
sake of the money it would bring. A number of local cases of body snatching came
under his notice. These acts aroused great public indignation, and on one
occasion one of a gang of snatchers was left for dead in the Catholic churchyard
in Dukinfield. In 1866 the Murphy riots occurred in Stalybridge. A band of men
headed by a man named Murphy went about lecturing against the Roman Catholic
priesthood, and the inhabitants of the town became divided into two parties
—Protestants and Roman Catholic. After one lecture fights were to be seen going
on at every street corner. A few days later the riots began. So excited were the
people that the police were altogether powerless, and the damage done was so
great that the military had to be called out. Late one night one of the
ringleaders, having climbed upon a house "overlooking the Catholic Chapel yard,
was shot. For this offence a priest was tried at Knutsford Quarter Sessions, but
was acquitted. About this time a band of 500 roughs, driven by the military from
Ashton, wrecked Thomas‐street, Stalybridge, under a dropping fire of revolvers.
Mr. Chadwick mustering fifty men, charged the mob with side‐arms, and drove them
across the river. The riots extended to surrounding towns and numbers of men
were convicted at the assizes. In his remarks about policemen in general Mr.
Chadwick observes, "He (the policeman) may not be a man of gigantic intellect
but he must be an observer. Robert must be impervious to outside influences. He
must be adamant yet elastic, a cosmopolitan creature capable of striking the
happy medium wherever he goes." The funeral will take place at Mottram on
Thursday.
Manchester Evening News - Monday 15 December 1902
A NORTHWICH TERROR. To‐day, at Northwich, Patrick Tracey, who though only thirty
years old has been convicted sixty‐nine times and has just served twelve months,
was again charged on a triple count with assaulting Constable Houlgrave,
drunkenness, and begging. The police stated that the prisoner thrice threw
Houlgrave down, kicked his legs, struck his jaw twice, and tupped him with his
head in the stomach. He also assaulted Inspector Sherwin and Constable Roberts.
He was sentenced to four months' imprisonment.
Manchester Evening News Saturday 22nd February 1902
THE NORTHENDEN TRAGEDY. ADDITIONAL DETAILS. In Northenden, Didsbury, and
district the terrible tragedy which occurred yesterday morning at Bradley Gate
was the principal topic of conversation last night. During the afternoon the
scene of the murder and suicide was visited by hundreds of people, and it is
safe to predict that if to‐morrow is fine it will be visited by thousands more.
THE POLICEMEN'S COURAGE. The utmost admiration is expressed for the coinage of
Police Sergeant Foster and Police Constable Lawson, who faced the fire of the
murderer without a tremor. Every credit is given to Foster, but Lawson is for
the moment the hero of the village. His bravery is only equalled by his modesty.
He told the story of the ordeal he passed through in a matter of fact way, and
from his demeanour one might have supposed that facing the fire of a murderer's
revolver was an everyday experience.‐It is not so long ago that he was the
victim of a brutal assault by a gang of Stockport poachers. He came across them
while passing through Wythenshawe Wood a spot which is familiar to all
Manchester cyclists in the dead hours of the night. When he challenged them they
set upon him. There were some five or six of them. In the course of the struggle
they pushed his head through a barbed wire fence, and then bit him with
bludgeons and left him for dead. For two months almost he lay at death's door,
but thanks to a strong constitution he pulled through and now, apparently, he is
little worse for the mauling he then received. It ought to be added that the
perpetrators of this crime were afterwards secured and severely punished.
THE MURDERER'S CAREER. From further inquiries which have, been made, it appears
that Cottrill had been living in Welbeck‐Street, Booth‐street, Manchester. He
was 72 or 73 years of age, about six feet or a little over six feet in height,
and well preserved. He had had experience as a butler in the West End of London,
and at one time would serve in no family beneath the rank of a nobleman. He had
a violent temper, which frequently got him into trouble. This was one of the
reasons why he was very unpopular in the village. When the affairs of the nation
were being settled by the village cronies he took an active part in the
discussions. He held strong views on the question of the war and strongly
sympathised with the cause of the Boers. Apparently he was never forgiven for
hanging a black flag from a window of Mr. Dyson's house when Mafeking was
relieved. He resented "the attitude of his fellow servants towards him on this
account, and for a long time seems to have nursed feelings of revenge. From
conversation with them it was evident that they believed he intended to "do" for
the lot, and after the terrible affair they all congratulated themselves upon
having escaped injury. Barrett, the coachman, who jumped on a pony when the
firing began, rode bareback at a helter skelter rate to the village for the
police, considered himself as having been particularly lucky. He arrived at the
policeman's house in a breathless condition‐It took him all day to recover his
composure. Last year Cottrill was the steward of a club in Douglas, Isle of Man,
and three or four years ago he was in the service of a well‐known baronet who
resides in North Wales. Though not a teetotaller, he was a very temperate man,
and his honesty was beyond question. His wife died some six months ago, a fact,
which coupled with his violent temper may have led to his mind becoming
unhinged.
THE COACHMAN'S ACCOUNT OF THE AFFAIR. Alfred Barratt, coachman to the late Mr.
Dyson, in the course of an interview stated that he had been in Mr. Dyson's
service for over four years, and was there before Cottrill became butler. The
cause of all the trouble was Cottrill's conduct on the Relief of Mafeking and
Ladysmith. Barratt believes that Cottrill got into the house by getting through
a window. His first impression was that Mr. Coombs the butler, who was engaged
after Cottrill left, had been shot. He at once went to the stable, got a pony,
and rode to the village for medical assistance and the police. When he returned
to the house he saw Cottrill with a revolver in each hand in front of the house.
The police sergeant; came and asked for a gun and he handed him one. When Police
Constable Lawson arrived on the scene he was also supplied with a gun. Then they
approached Cottrill, who began firing at them, and they fired in return. Then
when Cottrill received Lawson's charge in the head and chest he put a revolver
to his mouth and shot himself. "There was no doubt," added Barratt, "That
Cottrill intended to do for the lot of us."
ANOTHER INTERVIEW. Mr. William Leigh, a general contractor in Northenden, in the
course of an interview, put the time of the shooting in the roadway at about 8
30. When he came on the scene Cottrill was backing '» the direction of
Stockport, with a revolver in each hand, and being gradually approached by the
sergeant and the constable, who were armed with guns. Every now and then
Cottrill would fire a shot at them. He said to Cottrill, "What are you doing
here?" Cottrill replied that he had some occasion to be there. Mr. Leigh tried
to turn Cottrill away so that there would be "no further mischief, but he
refused. Then he asked him whether it was true that he had murdered a man, and
Cottrill, replied that he had shot one. Just after this the sergeant called upon
Cottrill to surrender. There was more firing, and then Cottrill was hit. He then
put the revolver in his mouth and fired.
COTTRILL RECEIVING OUT‐RELIEF. For some time Cottrill has been receiving outdoor
relief, at the rate of 3s. a week, from the Chorlton Union. He lived in lodgings
at Hulme, and often complained that, on account of his age (he was 73), be was
unable to secure a situation. Only this week he applied to the relieving officer
for an advance of a sovereign, to enable him to advertise in several papers for
a situation and to buy a few necessaries. As an inducement to the Guardians to
give him a sovereign, he said that if it were given to him he would not trouble
them again. The application would have been considered at a meeting of the
Relief Committee on Monday next. In his relations with the Union officials
Cottrill clearly showed that his poverty had soured him and made him desperate.
More than once he was heard to say that he would not mind putting himself in
front of an express train.
THE INQUEST. The inquest has been fixed for 9 45 on Monday, at the Church Inn,
Northenden.
LATEST DETAILS. The excitement caused by the tragedy yesterday at Northenden had
somewhat subsided this morning, but the murder and suicide are still the one
topic of conversation in the village. It is expected that the body of the late
Mr. Dyson will be interred at Cheetham Hill on Tuesday, the inquest being fixed
for Monday morning. Regarding the murderer Cottrill, inquiries have been made by
the police as to whether he has any relatives in Manchester or district. They
have succeeded in finding a distant relative, but have not been able to find
anyone closely related to him. Cottrill appears to have been a man who has
travelled all over the world, and there is some doubt in the minds of the police
as to what place he really belonged to. The distant relation referred to decline
to have anything to do with the arrangements for the interment and Cottrill will
in consequence be buried by the parish. It is expected that his burial will take
place on Monday afternoon after the inquest. His body lies in the stable behind
the Church Inn at Northenden, where it was removed after the tragedy. After
twenty‐four hours' reflection the police hold the opinion that Cottrill in the
first place intended to murder the gardener, a man named Carlisle, and Mr.
Dyson, as he had previously threatened to do. The witnesses summoned for the
inquest include the new gardener and Mrs Coombs, the wife of the butler, who
succeeded Cottrill. It is stated that during the earlier stages of the war
Cottrill, every time there was a British reverse, walked down to the village in
a delighted frame of mind and expressed sentiments which were obnoxious to the
majority of his acquaintances. No fewer than five bullets have been picked up in
the bedroom in which Mr. Dyson was shot.
INTERVIEW WITH P.C. LAWSON". P.C. Lawson was interviewed this morning regarding
his experiences yesterday when, in conjunction with Sergeant Foster, he was
called upon to face the bullets from Cottrill's revolvers. He said it seemed to
him like half an hour, though actually the affair lasted only two or three
minutes. He was given a hammerless gun and in the flurry of the moment he
misunderstood its mechanism. He thought it was ready for firing and pulled the
trigger without any result. Meanwhile he had to stand the shots which Cottrill
was aiming at him. This morning he showed an "Evening News representative the
holes which one of the bullets had made in his tunic. These holes were just
below the short ribs on the left‐hand side. When asked what he thought about
whilst the firing was going on, he said he had no time to think until it was
over. Sergeant Foster himself kept walking on towards the murderer, and he kept
going backwards. Neither he nor Foster seemed to realise what the danger was.
The risk they were running only occurred to them after it was all over. The late
Mr Dyson was a gentleman of means. In addition to having relatives in Hereford
it is understood that he had some living in Cheetham Hill. It is stated that he
had hunting stables and shooting in Herefordshire and occasionally he went over
there for the week‐end.' His servants were four in number, these being the
butler, cook, coachman, and gardener.
SKETCH OF THE MURDERER. Dr. O' Doherty, of Oxford‐street, Manchester, had from
time to time attended Cottrill for various ailments, and had also treated him
for a scalp wound which was inflicted upon him about two years ago by a gardener
with whom he had quarrelled at Northenden. Interviewed by our reporter this
morning the doctor responded cordially to a request that he would furnish us
with some idea of the man "I knew him well," said Dr. O’ Doherty having had him
under my care, but there was that in his appearance and general bearing which
commended more attention than one would give to the average man. For a man over
seventy years, he was very well set up, erect and dignified. He was courtesy
itself, in fact the very type of an old‐fashioned gentleman’s valet. His manner
was eccentric, so much so, indeed, that I sometimes concluded that he was not in
full possession of his senses. He had politics on the brain. His enthusiasm as
Radical was such that he hardly missed a meeting where he could find a vent for
his feelings, and many a time, as I have been sitting on a platform, I have seen
him amongst the audience, always leading the app and following the speeches with
keen enjoyment and animation. There is no doubt he was a man capable of
nourishing very intense feelings of animosity, and I was aware that he bore Mr.
Dyson a grudge.
AN APPLICANT FOR RELIEF ‐Cottrill, when out of employment, resided in
Manchester. He had lived in Sidney Street, and Welbeck Street, all in C.‐M., his
last place of residence having been in Welbeck Street, but within recent years
he has filled situations, in various places, including Kent and Southport. It
was in Southport last June he lost his wife within a week of their arrival in
the town Cottrill was again out for a situation and returned to Manchester. At
last, a mouth ago, Cottrill was driven to appeal for relief from the Guardians.
He first applied to Mr. F. Cooper, relieving officer to the Chorlton Union on
Saturday, January 25th when it was too late to relieve him officially. Mr.
Cooper, however, gave him something on his own account, and called later on to
see him at Welbeck Street. Cottrill subsequently received out relief for four
weeks. He impressed the Guardians as a man who ought, if possible to be kept out
of the workhouse, and only on Tuesday last he inquired whether it was likely
that the Guardians would advance him a sovereign, saying that if he got it he
would trouble them no more. Whether Cottrill wanted the money to enable him to
purchase the fatal weapons can only be surmised. His own explanation was that he
wanted to pay his lodgings and advertise for a situation, which in spite of his
age according to his own account was 73, he seemed confident of securing. The
question of this advance was never settled, however, for he was to have applied
for it again on Monday next.
Manchester Evening News Monday 24th February 1902.
NORTHENDEN MURDER.
INQUEST TODAY.
STARTLING EVIDENCE BY THE SURGEON.
HOW COTTRILL WAS KILLED.
Mr. C. F. Newton, County Coroner, held an inquest at the Church Inn, Northenden,
on the bodies of John Gibson Dyson, of Bradley Gate, Northenden, and Frederick
Cottrill. It will be recollected that on Friday morning Cottrill, who had been a
butler in the service of Mr. Dyson, shot his former master in bed, and then,
after a murderous attach upon the police, at whom he fired a number of shots
from his revolvers, committed suicide. The inquest excited a considerable amount
of interest in the village. A number of people assembled outside the inn, and
remained in its vicinity as long as the proceedings lasted, notwithstanding that
rain was descending.
VIEWING THE BODIES.
The jury met at Bradley Gate, and there viewed the body of Mr. Dyson. They then
adjourned to the Church Inn, and having been sworn in, were taken to see the
body of the man Cottrill. The proceedings were watched on behalf of the police
by Mr. Leah, Deputy Chief Constable of the County, and Superintendent Oldham,
and on behalf of the relatives of Mr. Dyson by Mr. Grace, solicitor, of
Manchester. Mr. Gibson Dyson and Mr. W. Dyson, brothers of the deceased
gentleman, were also in attendance. Shortly after ten o'clock the first witness
was called. The Coroner at the outset of the proceedings mentioned that he had
received a letter from the rector. He asked whether the gentleman was present
who had brought it. A gentleman stepped forward and said he had brought the
letter. The Coroner informed him that the rector might rest content about the
matter mentioned in the letter. There will be no difficulty at all.
REMARKS BY THE CORONER.
The Coroner, in opening the proceedings, said he must ask the jury before
commencing the evidence in the case to dismiss from their minds all that they
may have heard or read with reference to the terrible tragedies which had taken
place at Northenden. The evidence so far as the police had been able to obtain
it would be laid before them, and they would be asked to return a verdict solely
upon the evidence which was given there to-day, and not upon anything they might
have heard or read. Any observations he might have to make in reference to the
death of Mr. Dyson he would postpone until the jury had arrived at their
verdict— except to say that in his case they would have very little difficulty,
after hearing the evidence which would be laid before them, in arriving at their
verdict. The only thing he must ask them to direct their special attention to
would be that of motive.
THE CASE OF COTTRILL.
Then in the case of Cottrill he had not had any report from Dr. Humphries until
this morning. He would be able to guide them with regard to the cause of death
of Cottrill. Until he received that report it was his intention to direct the
jury to be very careful in arriving at the cause of death, because the evidence
pointed to one cause.
SUGGESTED FATAL RESULT OF THE POLICEMEN'S SHOTS.
He thought, however, when the doctor gave evidence he would direct their
attention especially to another cause. It struck him at the time when he read
the evidence that it was very probable that Cottrill was shot by one of the two
policemen who were shooting at him. They both had guns and were shooting at the
same time, and it would be very difficult under any circumstance for a policeman
who was facing a revolver, and who fired in return, to say at what portion of
the body of his assailant he aimed at. If anyone had directed a pistol at his
head, he (the Coroner) would not have shot at his legs—that was certain. A
Juror: Hear, hear. Proceeding, the Coroner said he thought the jury would be
able to arrive at a conclusion which was not his first conclusion that the man
shot himself. Mr. W. Leah, Deputy Chief Constable of Cheshire, said the police
courted the fullest investigation.
MRS. COOMBES' EVIDENCE.
Mrs Coombes, wife of James Coombes, butler in the employ of Mr. Dyson, said the
deceased gentleman was 33 years of age, and was a solicitor practising in
Manchester. Witness and her husband lived at Bradley Gate, in the house. On
Friday morning, about 25 minutes past eight witness was cleaning the
drawing-room. She heard a noise, and looking to ascertain the cause she saw a
strange man passing up the stairs. She at once called her husband's attention to
it, and he suggested it might be the village plumber. Witness and her husband
followed the man up the stairs, and when they got to the first landing witness
heard two shots. They sounded as if they were in Mr. Dyson's room. Cottrill at
that moment came from the room and pointed a revolver at witness and her
husband, having first closed the door after him.
The Coroner: One or two revolvers?
Witness: I saw one. What did he say?
He said, "Go back, or I will shoot you both."
I said, “let me have my little boy." Where was your little boy?
He was coming along the landing, near to Cottrill.
What did he say? He said " I won't hurt' your boy, but you go down."
And you both went down? Yes.
And he followed?
No, he stood on the stairs.
RAISING THE ALARM.
Witness, continuing, said that she and her husband raised an alarm, and called
the coachman and gardener. The gardener, Thomas Hewitt, came into the house, and
Cottrill was then still standing on the top stairs. Witness went partly up the
staircase, and Cottrill allowed her little boy to pass. Hewitt went with her up
to the first landing. Cottrill stood aside to allow witness's little boy to go
to her. She heard Cot trill open Mr. Dyson's bedroom door and go in again.
Immediately afterwards she heard two more shots in the bedroom. She never saw
Cottrill alive again. She took her little boy to the coachman's, and when she
returned Cottrill was being picked up off the roadway. Mr. Grace: I think it was
only a matter of seconds between your first seeing Cottrill and hearing the
shots?
Witness: That is so.
A Juror: May I ask if the witness had ever seen Cottrill before?
Witness: Yes; I saw him shortly before Christmas at the top of the lane. He
asked my little boy whether he lived at Bradley Gate, and whether Mr. Dyson was
in.
The Coroner: You did not bear him say that; your little boy told you?
Yes, that is so. But you saw him yourself?
Yes, shortly before Christmas. I cannot say the exact time.
A GARDENERS ACCOUNT OF THE AFFAIR.
Thomas Hewitt said he was a gardener employed at Bradley Gate, and resided at
Rose End Cottage, Northenden. At 8 20 on Friday morning he was in the greenhouse
at Bradley Gate. He heard two shots fired and then two more immediately
afterwards. They seemed to come from Mr. Dyson's bedroom. He heard the second
pair of shots just as he was leaving the greenhouse. He entered the house by the
back door and went upstairs to the first landing. He was there confronted by
Cottrill, who had a revolver in each hand, and who was standing at the top of
the stairs. Cottrill exclaimed "Stand back, you or I'll shoot you," at the same
time pointing the revolvers at him. Witness retreated one step, and then Mr. and
Mrs Coomb’s ran in and up the stairs. Mrs Coombs asked for her child. Cottrill
said she could have the child, but she must go. He then allowed the child to go
to her. Witness and Mr. and Mrs Coombs then went downstairs, and he went out at
the back door. Witness ran round to the front of the house, and saw Cottrill
leave the house by the front door. He walked to the front gate. Witness and
Alfred Price, another gardener who was employed at the place, left the premises
by another gate. Catching sight of them Cottrill said "Are you there again," and
shot at them twice. He then walked up the road in the direction of Northenden
Station for a distance of 25 or 30 yards.
THE ARRIVAL OF THE POLICE.
At this juncture Sergeant Foster appeared on the scene, and then Cottrill turned
back and entered by the front gate. Foster approached Cottrill, and when he was
about six yards away the latter, taking a revolver from his pocket, pulled the
trigger twice, but the weapon did not go off. The revolver was pointed at the
officer, and just before he aimed it said "Are you come for a bit, you
---“Cottrill then took another from his pocket it was one of a smaller size—and
Foster backed towards the gateway.
THE SHOT GUNS SENT FOR.
Foster ordered witness and Coombs to fetch any guns that might be in the house.
They got two, and one of them was handed to Foster, witness holding the other
until the arrival of Police Constable Lawson, some five or ten minutes later,
when he handed it to that officer. In the meantime Cottrill had again gone in
the direction of the Station for a distance of thirty yards from the house.
Afterwards Cottrill went to the big gate at the front of the road, loading the
two revolvers as he walked along. He held one in each hand as he approached the
gate. When got to the gate Sergeant Foster and Constable Lawson stepped into the
road, each holding a loaded gun. They called on Cottrill to stand and hold up
his hands, and they ran towards him. He made no reply, but discharged three
shots at the officers before they shot back again. He shot both revolvers but
missed the officers. He ran backwards, shooting from both revolvers as he ran.
Sergeant Foster and Constable Lawson each discharged a shot at Cottrill but did
not hit him, and he then turned round and ran. Facing the officers once more he
shot at them again, and they shot at him in return.
COTTRILL SHOOTS HIMSELF
Witness added that at this point Cottrill turned round, put up his right hand,
and shot him-self. He fell down, and the police at once went to him, witness
following. Cottrill was then alive, but dying.
A Juror: Did the police only fire one shot?
They fired two shots each.
And the first missed him altogether? Yes.
How far were they off when they shot the second time?
About twelve yards, as near as I can say.
COTTRILL NOT AIMED AT.
Mr. Leah: At the time the man Cottrill took the second revolver from his pocket
had he fired at the police? No, sir; there was only Sergeant Foster on the the
scene then.
The first revolver had missed fire, and he took out a second revolver? Yes. ,
Did he present it to the Sergeant? Yes. He presented it to the sergeant, and he
backed with his hands up. He did not fire.
About how far was he from the sergeant?
About six yards when the sergeant stepped from the gate way and said “Hands up
"did he say “or we fire”. Did he caution him in anyway? He said “Hands up” that
is all I heard.
Well then, after what you have told the Coroner, Cottrill shot three times
before the police fired? Yes. How far was Cottrill away from the police? I don't
think he was above eight or nine yards away. At a distance of eight or nine
yards he fired three times? Yes. And then you say he moved away backwards,
firing both revolvers all the time? Yes. Were the Sergeant on the side of the
roadway and the Constable on the other? Yes. And then you say the police fired,
but did not hit Cottrill? That is so. Do you know they aimed at Cottrill or
whether they fired high? I am sure they did not shoot at Cottrill at the time.
Do you know or could you tell from the way the guns were levelled whether the
barrels were pointed upwards or straight at the man? I can honestly say he was
not shot at. You can honestly say that neither gun was aimed at Cottrill? Yes. ,
After the second shot at the police you say Cottrill turned round, raised his
right hand, and shot himself? Yes. Are you quite sure he shot himself with the
right hand? He seemed to have both hands up and revolver in each, but I think he
shot himself with the right hand. Are you of opinion that the deceased fired the
revolver at himself after the second shot from police? I can honestly say he
did. Did you see P.C. Lawson's coat damaged by a revolver shot? No. By the
Coroner: Witness said he was twelve yards away when Cottrill put the revolver to
his face both revolvers were very close to his face. By Mr. Leah: At the moment
the police fired the second time was Cottrill upright or was he stooping down?
He stooped down, and I thought he got hit in stooping down. Do you think the
police pointed the guns at him a second time that he stooped to avoid the shots?
Yes,
PRAISE FOR POLICE.
Witness: I should like to say a few words in praise of the Sergeant. The
Coroner: We should all like to do that, and I think we had better di it all at
once afterwards. Witness: If it had not been Fosters presence of mind in asking
for the guns there would have been a few people killed.
Alfred J. Price, who was also employed at Bradley Gate, was the next witness. In
the main he corroborated the details given by the last witness, and added a few
more. It was 8 50 according to witness, when he saw Coombs and his wife come out
of the house. They had their little boy with them. After this Cottrill made his
appearance. The Witness generally corroborated the last witness’s account of
Cottrill’s movements from that time up to the arrival of Sergeant Foster. The
latter was only five or six yards from Cottrill when the murderer fired twice
but the weapon missed fired. Had it not done so Foster would certainly have been
shot dead?
Proceeding, the witness Price said when the officers had got the guns Cottrill
came towards them and fired. Then the officers each fired a shot, but without
effect. After this Cottrill fired at the officers five or six times in
succession, first at one and then at the other. They called upon him to throw up
his hands and he replied by several shots. They then discharged a shot each at
Cottrill, and that aimed by Police Constable Lawson took effect. Cottrill
thereupon reeled. In doing so his right hand went to his mouth, but he could not
say whether he fired at himself or not. Did you hear any report when his hand
went to his mouth? I cannot swear to it.
A SCORE OF LIVES ENDANGERED
Mr. Leah: How many people's lives were endangered by Cottrill’s reckless firing?
I should be within mark if I said a score were within range of his fire. Are you
of opinion that the only way of preventing further danger was by the police
disabling Cottrill? Most certainly. The Coroner: I think the jury will have to
decide that question. Mr. Leah: I only asked the witness for his opinion. The
Coroner: He can only give evidence; the jury must form the opinion, not the
witness. He said these people were in danger, and it is quite evident that the
lives of the officers were in danger from the fact that they were continually
being shot at. I think that is sufficiently clear? Mr. Leah: Who fired the first
shot fired by the police? Witness: I think it was the Sergeant. But whichever
fired first, it was Lawson’s shot which took effect? Yes. You do not know
whether you heard a report of not after Lawson’s shot took effect? You do not
know whether Cottrill fired? No; in the confusion of the moment I could not
swear to it. By Mr. Leah: Witness thought from the position of the guns the
first shots aimed by the police were aimed at Cottrill's legs. Foster and Lawson
did their best to effect the arrest without further bloodshed. In order to do so
Foster walked deliberately up to the man, who was armed with a revolver.
SERGEANT FOSTER'S EVIDENCE
Sergeant Albert Foster was next called from information he received from the
Coachman Alfred Barrett, about 8 30 on Friday morning he went to Bradley Gate.
Walking down the road he saw Cottrill come out of the front gate of the house.
Cottrill stepped on to the footpath, and when witness was seven or eight yards
away he turned his face towards witness and pointed are revolver straight at him
saying, " Have you come for some, you---? The revolver clicked twice, but
misfired .Witness put his hand up, and said to Cottrill “What’s Up” The man put
the revolver into his pocket and produced a smaller weapon from his pocket; also
pointing that at witness, who stepped back as he did so Cottrill said " I'll
show you." Witness stepped back he did not hear any report. Cottrill walked to
the corner of the road, and witness called for guns to be brought from the
house, and in the meantime Cottrill examined the revolvers and reloaded one or
both of them. The guns were brought out, and one was handed to witness and
another to Constable Lawson who had appeared by that time. Cottrill advanced
from the corner towards them, and when he got ten or twelve yards away, witness
and Lawson stepped into the the road, having first loaded the guns. Witness
called to Cottrill, "Stop hands up, or we shall fire”. Cottrill, however, who
held a revolver in each hand began to fire at them from both. When he had
discharged three or four shots at witness and Lawson shot over him. He turned
and ran a little distance road, followed by witness and Lawson. He then turned
and faced them again and fired at them several times. Witness fired again and
Cottrill stooped as if to dodge the shot. He then wheeled round and put a
revolver to his head, Witness could not say if Lawson fired at him before he did
so. He could not say either whether Cottrill discharged the revolver at himself.
All he knew was that he fell down holding the revolvers as he fell. His mouth
was full of blood and he did not live above two minutes afterwards. He made no
statement before he died.
At this stage the three revolvers which were found upon the deceased were
produced, and were examined by the jury. All three are first-class weapons and
the first of a large type which is generally supposed to be used by cowboys, the
second though somewhat smaller but also almost as formidable, and the third is
of the type (Unreadable). The third revolver was in Cottrill’s pocket he held
the other two in his hands. The Sergeant said he found 69 cartridges inn
Cottrill’s pockets.
IN MR. DYSON’S BEDROOM
Proceeding, Sergeant Foster said he afterwards went into Mr. Dyson's bedroom. He
found Mr. Dyson in bed, and there was a wound at the back of the head. He did
not stop to examine him as the Doctor was in the bedroom. Mr Dyson was uncovered
to the waist. His brains were protruding from the wound at the back of the head.
Witness produced four spent cartridges, which were handed to him by a nurse who
had found them in the bedroom. A fifth was picked up on the bedroom floor.
By Mr. Leah: When he first saw Cottrill attempted to fire at him. The revolver
clicked, but did not go off. What was your object in firing at him? To frighten
him and see whether it would make him give in. When Lawson fired first he fired
high as I did. Why did you fire at him a second time? Because he was facing us
again and was still firing at us. Were you of the opinion that if Cottrill was
not disabled he would have done further mischief? Yes. Had you any other means
of disabling him than by aiming at his legs? No. There were a score of people
about, and some of their lives were in danger
SENSATIONAL SHOOTING.
Dr. Edward Angus Humphreys, of Northenden, police surgeon, said he was called to
the scene of the tragedy about twenty minutes to nine on Friday morning last. He
went there, and the first incident which attracted his attention was a bullet
passing his ears he entered by the back way. He went into Mr Dyson’s bedroom
after passing James Coombes, who was putting a fowling piece (a light gun that
fires small shot, used in hunting game birds) together at the time. Coombes
handed the gun to witness, who took it into Mr. Dyson's bedroom. He satisfied
himself that Mr. Dyson was dead and threw up the window. Firing was going on
pretty briskly at the time on the part of Cottrill as he advanced towards
Lawson. Witness called to Lawson to “drop him” as he fully expected Lawson to be
killed every minute. It was hammerless gun which Lawson held, and witness did
not think the officer understood the mechanism, the catch being on. There was no
mistake about it, said witness emphatically, that irrespective of sentiment he
should have himself shot to kill. When he shouted to Lawson he was under the
impression that the officer was afraid to fire. The Coroner: Did you notice that
Lawson’s gun would not go off? Yes in the first instance, but by some reason or
other he found the catch I was under the impression that Hewitt went up and did
something to the gun whilst it was in his hands. How far were Cottrill and
Lawson apart just then? About six or seven paces. And Cottrill was still firing?
Yes, fully five or six shots occurred whilst they were at that distance. I don’t
think the first shot of Lawson’s touched him at all. Witness shouted to Lawson
“Let him have the other barrel” and he did so. Cottrill crouched before Lawson’s
second shot, and when he received it he seemed “to cringe and wither up and
drop” He had a fiendish look on his face. Witness never saw a revolver go into
Cottrill’s mouth.
THE MURDERER ALMOST LYNCHED.
Proceeding, the witness said he went to Cottrill, who was bleeding profusely and
almost at his last gasp. Seeing he could do nothing for him, witness told some
people to put on a lorry and take him away. If Cottrill had only been disabled
he would have been lynched. As it was, it took the police all their time the
people from him. One person in fact did get hold of something with the object of
attacking him, and had to be restrained.
Mr. DYSON’S WOUNDS.
Proceeding, the Doctor said that he had examined Mr. Dyson’s body and found that
one shot entered by the left side of the head. This was no doubt the fatal
wound. A second wound went through the mouth and cut the lip. The third and
fourth shots were fired at Mr. Dyson’s back and went through the lungs. Witness
could not account for the fifth bullet.
RIDDLED WITH SHOT
Describing the appearance of Cottrill after death, Dr. Humphreys said he
examined the dead body after it had been removed to the Church Inn. He found no
bullet wound either in the roof or the back of the mouth. One of his teeth had
been struck by a bullet and the front part of his head was literally riddled
with shot, due to his having stooped down. Several pellets had passed through
his throat. On the right front side there was another wound, as from shot which
had entered the lung. Anyone one of the wounds would have been sufficient to
cause death. The Coroner: Suppose he had shot himself, would you not have found
something to show it. Yes, you would not only have found the entrance of the
bullet but here would have been singeing.
TESTIMONEY OF THE POLICE.
So you are clear that there was no shot at a very short distance? Yes. I may say
that if he had not been shot we should probably have all been shot in cold
blood. I can only add to what has been said before as to the gallantry and
bravery of both the police officers at the risk of their lives. Had it not been
for their conduct in getting the guns we should all have been shot, because the
man came fully prepared, and there would have been nothing to stop him. Mr.
Grace: Mr. Dyson died in his sleep? Witness Yes. And died an absolutely painless
death? There would be the throes of death, but he was on his back when the first
shot was fired. By Mr. Leah: The police were not only justified in firing, but
it was absolutely necessary that they should do so. A shot in the legs would not
have answered the purpose. If they had not shot him dead they would have been
shot. The enquiry at this stage was adjourned until 2 30pm.
AN OLD THREAT
When the inquiry resumed after luncheon. Police Sergeant Bladen, stationed at
Wincham, said he was present at Stockport Police Court on May 2nd 1900, when a
charge was brought by Cottrill against a man named Thomas Carlisle for
unlawfully wounding. The case was tried and dismissed. Mr. Dyson gave evidence
on the occasion, and after the case was closed Cottrill threatened Mr. Dyson.
Cottrill was in Mr. Dyson’s service before the trial, but he was subsequently
discharged. Bladen added that Cottrill left Mr. Dyson’s house on the day of the
trial. At the request of Mr. Dyson witness saw Cottrill off the premises at
Bradley Gate. Cottrill asked Mr. Dyson on that occasion to see that the silver
was all right, and that he was very sorry for Cottrill, who thereupon remarked
to him “I shall probably see an end of you” Witness: then saw him off the
premises.
CONSTABLE LAWSON GIVES EVIDENCE.
Constable Lawson was then called, and the Coroner told him it was his duty to
caution him as his evidence would be taken down in writing, and if a jury came
to the conclusion that he had feloniously killed Cottrill such evidence might be
given in evidence against him on his trial. He therefore asked the Constable if
he was still willing to give evidence. Lawson replied that he was. Giving
evidence Lawson said that he got to Bradley Gate at 8.50 on Friday morning. He
saw Sergeant Foster in the yard with several other people. He then went to the
yard gate leading into the road, and saw Cottrill at the end of the road, a
distance of about 25 yards away. He was standing, and appeared to be loading a
revolver. A gun was handed to witness, and Foster had another gun in his hand.
Cottrill in the meantime was walking down the road towards them on the footpath
with a revolver in his hand. When Cottrill got within about ten yards they both
stepped into the road. As soon as saw them Cottrill started firing. Witness
levelled the gun at him and shouted “Stop hands up or I will shoot” Cottrill
took no notice, but kept coming towards them and firing shots. Witness pulled at
the gun, but it would not go off. Someone then came behind witness and did
something to the gun, which was a safety. Before this witness had pulled the
trigger without result. He then fired “wide” at Cottrill, who however took no
notice, but went on and continued to fire as he went. Witness and Foster
followed. Then Cottrill stopped and faced them with a revolver aiming at each of
them. At the same time he approached them. It appeared as though he had made up
his mind to “come for it” Witness shouted “Hands up” Again he took no notice,
and witness aimed at his legs, just above the knee, with the intention of
disabling him. Cottrill appeared to stoop to dodge the shot. After witness had
shot Cottrill rose he appeared to reel around and his hands went up towards his
face. As Cottrill’s back was to the witness could not tell what he was doing,
Cottrill then fell backwards. Witness did not think Cottrill fired at himself
after he received the charge of gunshot. One bullet fired by Cottrill passed
through his jacket and another passed his right ear.
COTTRILLS LANDLADY GIVES EVIDENCE.
The next witness was Annie Abraham, widow, living in Welbeck Street, Hulme. She
stated that Cottrill and his wife came to lodge at her house last June. They
went away to Southport but Cottrill returned about two weeks later alone. He
told her he had lost his wife and that he had buried her at Southport. He owed
witness four months lodgings, and latterly had been selling and pawning things
for food. Witness gave him a week’s notice last Wednesday. On Friday morning he
went out between five and six o’clock. She had not heard him say anything about
Mr. Dyson.
THE SUMMING UP.
The Coroner in summing up said the case was the most painful one he had met with
since he was appointed to his office. Mr. Dyson was a perfect gentleman Cottrill
was in low water; could not pay his lodgings and was evidently brooded over his
dismissal. In this frame of mind he went to Northenden and committed the murder.
The Coroner added that he had never heard of a more dastardly or wicked act.
Cottrill had enough ammunition in his possession half the people of Northenden
Police Constable Lawson was justified in bringing him down and he was protected
by the law. If the jury thought Cottrill by Lawson Cottrill’s state of mind need
not trouble them.
THE VERDICT
In the case of Mr. Dyson, the jury found a verdict of wilful murder against
Cottrill. In the case of Cottrill, they found that he was killed by gunshot
wounds in the head, throat and chest, with the gunshot wounds being caused by
Sergeant Foster and Police Constable Lawson whilst in the execution of their
duty, and in defence of themselves and other persons. The Coroner said this was
a verdict of justifiable homicide, which carried no penalty. The jury expressed
their deep sympathy with the family of Mr. Dyson, and their admiration of the
courage of Sergeant Lawson and Police Constable Lawson. They asked the Deputy
Chief Constable of Cheshire to bring their conduct under the notice of the
authorities.
INSPECTOR JAMES DIXON – HYDE BOROUGH POLICE
James Dixon joined the Hyde Borough Force upon its formation on 1st April, 1899.
He had transferred from the Rotherham Borough Force which he had joined on 6th
July, 1891. (See obituary following his death in 1917).He was appointed to the
Hyde Force in the rank of Detective Sergeant. It would appear that he was
brought to Hyde by J.W. Danby who was appointed Chief Constable of Hyde having
himself come from Rotherham where he was an Inspector. The photograph of the
Hyde Force taken upon inauguration together with the nominal roll is of
assistance in identifying those mentioned in the obituary who were members of
the force upon formation. The obituary gives the names of the six members of the
force who acted as pallbearers at his funeral namely: Insp Moore – Sgt in 1899.
Insp Atkinson – Sgt in 1899. Sgt Basford - PC in 1899. Sgt Vernon – not
mentioned in 1899. PC Nash – 1899. PC Riley – 1899. In addition Mr J.H.Dain,
Chief Constable of Norwich said to be former member of Hyde force was at the
funeral, no mention of him in 1899. Mr Butler, Chief Constable of Barnsley
attended also said to be former member of Hyde force, there is a PC A.E.Butler
on 1899 photo probably same. Mr T Nuttall, Chief Constable of Congleton also
attended he is also said to be a former member of the Hyde force, no mention in
1899, he was CC Congleton between 1915 and 1923. Insp Watson of Hyde shown on
1899 photo was Chief Constable of Congleton between 1902 and 1908 when he went
to Devonport as
CC. There was also a Thomas Danby who was CC Congleton from 1912 to 1914 then
Peterborough but it is not known if he had served in the Hyde force but may have
had a connection to J.W.Danby Information about former Congleton CC’s is from
1955 force history. The obituary mentions Mr Dixon’s daughter who was married to
a PC Yates of the Hyde force.
Will Brown.
18th January, 2013.
Harold Berry
Age:-30 Date of Execution:-Tuesday, 9th April, 1946 Location of
Manchester
Execution:Hangman:-Not Known Assistants:-Not Known Tried At:-Chester Trial
Dates:-11th - 14th February, 1946 Trial Judge:-Mister Justice Stable
Crime:-Murder
Victims:
Name:-Bernard Philipps Age:-37 Location of
Murder:-Near Moulton Hill Farm, Winsford
Date of Murder:-Thursday, 3rd January, 1946 Method of Murder:-Stabbed
Relationship to None
Killer:
Warrington Newspaper Opening of Bruche 1946
First impressions are best, and without conjecture, 130 recruits in their best
uniforms, undoubtedly
gained the confidence of Major Al. J. Egan, H.M. Inspector of Constabulary, when
on Monday he
opened the No. 1 (North-Western) district police training centre at Bruche Hall,
Manchester Road
Paddington.
The centre as mentioned in last weeks “Guardian” was formally a camp for
American Servicemen,
who took over a set of buildings originally intended as a munition workers’
hostel.
In Gusty and bitterly cold weather Major Egan, watched by more than 30 Police
Chiefs from county, city and borough forces in the Lancashire and Cheshire areas
– Mr F Summers chief constable of Warrington, was an interested spectator
conducted an inspection of the recruits.
Within seven days these men, who have served in various branches of the forces
several proudly displayed decorations have become acclimatised and their
military training, especially on the cinderod parade ground, gained them their
first good marks.
ANOTHER “BIG FOUR”
Inspection over, the men assembled in a bright concert hall where G.I. artist
had cleverly captured the features of the former international “BIG FOUR” With
the Stalin’s silent features looking across at the infectious smile of
Eisenhower.
Major Egan reminded the men that for the past 100 years the British Police force
was the envy of the world. By becoming police officers they would be invested
with great powers over their fellow citizens. But they must remember that they
were servants of the public and they must use that power with the upmost
discretion.
They should remember that the people of this country needed little or no
“chivvying” to get them to obey the law, and by their courtesy and consideration
police officers could guide them in the right way.
Captain A.F. Horden, chief constable of Lancashire, in referring to the present
crime wave, said such things were always to be expected as the aftermath of war.
It was difficult to assess which was the most important to a police officer’s
duties – the prevention of crime or the prevention of death and injury on the
roads.
Given the manpower and the tools the police could play a vital role in the
prevention of the ghastly tragedies taking place on the roads of this country
day after day.
As a police officer of 40 years’ experience Mr T. C. Griffiths Chief Constable
of Chester, advised the recruits to do their best to their fellow men.
Under the guidance of Mr P. Hawkins, chief constable of Glossop, the camp
commandant the recruits who live under ideal conditions, will be augmented week
by week by new arrivals from other forces.
Mow Cop Murder 1963
On Friday 8th of February a red mini traveller was noticed by several people
parked in High Street Mow Cop, just in front of the Castle. It was a cold frosty
night so little time or attention was paid to the vehicle even though the lights
were still on. The windows were frosted over and cars were often left broken
down or abandoned in the cold.
On the Saturday morning a
bus driver, Mr. Reuben Austin became curious, and investigated with a torch. He
discovered in the back seat of the car the dead body of Mrs. Mary Elizabeth
Walton aged 52.
The suspect later convicted of the murder was Mrs. Gwen Massey, a Sunday school
teacher and choir soloist from Rudyard. Miss Massey had been having an affair
with Mr. Frank Walton, which ended in October of 1962 when his wife had found
out.
During the subsequent court case, which began in May 1963 the court, heard how
Miss Massey had somehow tricked Mrs Walton, the only person that stood between
her and happiness with her lover Frank Walton, to a meeting at the Plough Hotel
in Endon. While there Miss Massey attacked her victim with a brick hammer and
hit her skull at least eight times. Miss Massey then put the still live, but
unconscious body of Mrs. Walton in the back of the Mini Traveller and drove to
Mow Cop where she abandoned it. Miss Massey then walked the 11 miles home, in
order to escape responsibility. The case had been backed up with bloodstain
forensic evidence, and several witnesses saw Miss Massey walk home on that cold
night.
On Wednesday 29th May 1963 after just 1¼ hour the jury returned a verdict of
guilty. Miss Massey was sentenced to life imprisonment.
The Judge John Ashworth said it was: “The only possible sentence”
The Moors Murderers
Myra Hindley (1942‐2002)
Ian Brady (Born 1938)
Crumpsall‐born Myra Hindley, in her day described by the British press as 'the
most hated woman in Britain', along with her partner and lover, Ian Brady, were
found guilty of several murders at Chester Assizes after a two week trial and
were both given life sentences for their crimes on the 6th May 1966. They were
convicted of the murders by strangulation in 1964 of 10 year old Lesley Ann
Downey and of 17 year old Edward Evans in 1965.
Ian Brady, who had been born in Glasgow on the 2 January 1938, was also
convicted of the murder of 12 year old John Kilbride, and Hindley was found
guilty of being an accessory.
The victim's bodies had been buried on the remote Saddleworth Moors above
Manchester and soon became known as the 'Moors Murders'. Much later, in 1987,
Brady and Hindley also confessed to the murders of 16 year old Pauline Reade and
12 year old Keith Bennett. But, while intensive police searches carried out on
Saddleworth Moor led to the discovery of Pauline Reade's body, the remains of
Keith Bennett were never found.
Hindley had left school at the age of 15 and began work at a local chemical
company, where she met Ian Brady, who was working as a stock clerk. Brady
already had a criminal record and had served time in Borstal and in Strangeways
Prison. Until then, Hindley had been, by all accounts, a perfectly normal girl,
with a strong religious leaning.
She soon became infatuated with Brady and they became lovers. Completely under
Brady's influence, Hindley was persuaded in July 1963 to lure Pauline Reade up
to the moors where the couple subsequently killed and buried her body.
Next, in October 1963, they gave a lift to John Kirkbride in
Ashton‐under‐Lyne ‐he was never seen alive again. Their trail of murder was
brought to an end eventually by Hindley's brother‐in‐law, David Smith, who
called the police after he witnessed the murder of Edward Evans.
In prison Hindley eventually showed signs of contrition for her crimes and
turned to religion for comfort during her latter days; she also pursued a long
campaign for parole, supported by the late Lord Longford, who visited her
frequently in prison. Despite her reputation, Hindley had supporters, who argued
that she had shown remorse and had become a devout Roman Catholic.
In 1994, Hindley had admitted that she was "wicked and evil" and had behaved
"monstrously", going on to say that "…without me, those crimes could probably
not have been committed". By that time she had obtained an Open University
degree in humanities.
Brady, on the other hand, admitted that he had no desire to be freed, and will
never seek parole.
In 1998, Home Secretary Jack Straw concluded that Hindley should stay in prison
for the rest of her natural life, which she did. She died in prison hospital
following a chest infection, at the age of 60 on Friday 15 November 2002.
The body of Myra Hindley was cremated on 20th November 2002 in a small private
funeral attended by just 12 friends. Later, and chillingly, a banner was found
at the entrance to the crematorium which read "Burn in Hell"!