Murder - Crimes - History - Bootle and North Liverpool

[lynne99]

Arrested with very little evidence. What was the importance of the elastic band. Think I have one on my pocket!! Again sad for all, I suppose the police man lost his job.

[Shelagh]

Strange case indeed, looking rather suspicious, but then again, doctors in disagreement!

Mortuary in Princes Dock - must’ve needed the extra space for all these Liverpool murders

Thanks Joe

[fatboyjoe90]

Thanks for your comments Lynne and Shelagh, it was a Strange case with very little evidence.

[fatboyjoe90]

Gaol Killer Transported.

A prisoner who stabbed another to death whilst in Kirkdale Gaol was extremely fortunate to evade a murder conviction and was instead transported for life after being found guilty of manslaughter.

George Metham, who had already returned to England after being transported for seven years, was coming to the end of a custodial sentence at Kirkdale in May 1825. He was transferred to another part of the prison where inmates could mix more freely, but taking advantage of these privileges led to the killing that would see him take to the seas again.
Metham took a sum of money with him when he moved and managed to add to this by successful gambling. However a group of prisoners led by William Hudson decided to rob Metham of this money, but their plan was communicated to him by another inmate. Methane sent word back that he had a knife and would use it if attacked.

On the evening of 16th, May Metham finished in the workshop at about 8 pm and was taken to the day-room by a turnkey. Metham had the knife on him at that point as he had been using it to cut bread, and he quickly hid it in his clothing without shutting it. On entering the room where the other prisoners were he stood with his back to the wall, ready to fight off any attack if it came.

For several minutes some other prisoners, who were unaware that Metham had been tipped off, tried to entice him away from the wall but he stayed where he was. Eventually, Hudson went up and grabbed Metham by the collar, then tried to bundle him to the ground. Metham responded by drawing the knife and stabbing his attacker in the belly.

Lancaster Castle 1778


Hudson died two days after the incident and Metham was charged with murder and appeared before Justice Bayley at Lancaster Assizes on Saturday 20th August. That he had stabbed Hudson to death was not denied, it was just a case of determining whether or not it was self-defence. Prisoners gave evidence stating that Hudson had planned to rob Metham, while another told how there had been no previous ill feeling between the two, with Metham having twice given Hudson tobacco in the preceding days.

The only evidence in respect of any intention to cause harm came from Metham himself, whose testimony did not do him any favours. In admitting that he had the knife in anticipation of the attack, the judge suggested that this could be tantamount to premeditated murder given the robbery should not have caused any physical harm and the idea of a prisoner having money in gaol was absurd. However, it was also pointed out that Metham admitted to having used the knife to cut bread just beforehand and may not have had time to close it before hiding it from the Turnkey. Another factor in Metham's favour was that he only had the knife as a precaution and did nothing to provoke an attack.

After deliberating for an hour the jury returned a verdict of guilty of manslaughter, the foreman saying they believed it was of the most aggravated character. The judge wasted no time on a prisoner who had already been transported once, telling him that this time it would be for life. On 1st August 1826, Metham arrived at Van Dieman's Land (now Tasmania) aboard the Woodman, on which he sailed with 149 other convicts.






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[lynne99]

Thanks again Joe. He did not commit murder, manslaughter was the correct conviction.. That is what I think, but I am often wrong. Too soft me.

[Shelagh]

Another well documented murder - this time the killing takes place in a prison...
Agree with Lynne, correct verdict given!
Good picture of Kirkdale Jail

Thanks Joe

[fatboyjoe90]

Thank's for your comments Shelagh, and Lynne we are all agreed that it was the right verdict.

[lynne99]

You know something, We Bootleites would do well in charge of justice. How do we apply?

[fatboyjoe90]

The Three Just Bootleites Lynne.

[fatboyjoe90]

The tragedy of a Devoted Couple

When an elderly couple in Edge Hill fell upon hard times the husband believed there was no other way out other than for them to die together.


Royston Street As it is today.

In the early hours of 28th December, 1933 police were called to 17 Royston Street in Edge Hill by the Annie Morris, sister of Jane Davies. On arrival, officers were met by Jane's 63-year-old husband, dairyman Joseph Davies who said to them "Go upstairs, I have done the missus in. See, I have done myself in too." On entering a bedroom they found his wife Jane with a very serious throat wound. There was no sign of any struggle and both Jane and Joseph were rushed to the Royal Infirmary.

Joseph received six stitches and within two days was declared fit to be put before magistrates, charged with attempted murder. On being told this by the detective sergeant, he replied "Something came over me"' At his first court appearance, Joseph stood silently in the dock as he was remanded for a week. He was described in the Liverpool Echo as tall and grey-haired.

Jane had nine stitches and her wounds were not thought to be life-threatening, but she died two weeks later on 14th January 1934 at Sefton General Hospital. This led to Joseph being charged with murder and on 25th January he appeared before the police court, where prosecutor Mr J. R. Bishop described he and Jane as 'a devoted couple who had fallen on hard times'. The court also heard how Jane was suffering from ill health and required hospital treatment.

A deposition taken from Jane was read out. which stated that in addition to her health concerns they had business worries and had remained awake until 5 am on the night in question. Joseph then got up with the intention of doing away with himself, then returned with a razor and after seeing her husband lean over the bed she felt a sharp pain then recalled no more. Medical evidence was then heard that a postmortem revealed the cause of death to be pneumonia and heart disease. Doctors from the Royal Infirmary stated that Jane was expected to recover in full at the time of her transfer, but it was then heard that at Sefton she had refused food.

Annie Morris told the court that she visited her sister daily and that she had stayed overnight on 27th December. She added that Jane had been suffering from a pain in her side for two years and that this had now been discovered to be a tumour that needed surgery in the New Year. The couple were extremely worried about this and the potential impact on their business.

After hearing all the evidence the magistrate said that the prima facie case for murder had not been made out, then committed Joseph for trial on the lesser charge of attempted murder, as well as an attempted suicide. On 28th February Joseph pleaded guilty to both charges and was sentenced to three days imprisonment, leading to his immediate release. He had wept throughout the proceedings, in which his defence barrister saying he had 'come to the conclusion there was nothing else to do but leave this life together.'




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[filsgreen]

Sad story that will probably be played out through time.

It reminded me of the play "whose life is it anyway?" It's about a man who is a quadriplegic, who presents arguments both in favour of and opposing euthanasia and to what extent government should be allowed to interfere in the life of a private citizen. In portraying himself as an intelligent man with a useless body, he leaves the audience with conflicting feelings about his desire to end his life.

Should the state be able to prosecute you for attempting to take your own life, does your existence belong to them? Especially in the above cas, the State would have persecuted them if they became members of the "Undeserving poor", which was relevant then and could be contended it's still prevalent today. Also, how would they have paid for the operation to remove the tumour?

[lynne99]

Joe, a real tear jerker, poor couple. As filsgreen says who should interfere, except to help them.
On a serarate note , I fancy being part of the 3 just Bootleites. Sounds good doesn't it. We will have to allow others to apply so may be 4 or 5

[Shelagh]

Unsure about this case, victim Jane Davies in much pain due to tumour in her side - extra agony inflicted by husband (slit throat) hardly the actions of a ‘devoted’ husband...no matter what the circumstances!
Probably should have served longer than three days in prison..just my opinion!!

Thanks Joe

[fatboyjoe90]

Thanks for your comments Phil, Lynne and Shelagh. I found it very sad and upsetting to read.

[fatboyjoe90]

Uncle Strangles Baby Nephew
A man who killed his baby nephew because he was 'squawking' was declared unfit to plead when he appeared at court charged with the murder.


30 Burleigh Road South

At 920am on 6th November 1951 George Thomas McCready, a 35-year-old seaman, walked into Rice Lane police station and said to the desk sergeant 'I have just strangled my nephew.' McCready was kept in custody while Superintendent Balmer of the murder squad went to his home at 30 Burleigh Road South, Everton. After seeing the body of 19-month-old Thomas Boston, who was the son of McCready's sister, Balmer returned to Rice Lane and formally charged him with murder.

McCready was taken straight to Dale Street to appear before the Stipendiary Magistrate Arthur McFarland. Prosecutor Mr. J. R. Bishop said that on being charged, McCready had replied 'I took the baby into the front bedroom and strangled him because he was squawking.' McCready remained silent throughout the hearing, during which he was granted legal aid and remanded.

The following February McCready appeared before Mr Justice Streatfield at the Liverpool Assizes. Evidence was heard from Dr Brisley, Chief Medical Officer of Walton Gaol, that he suffered epileptic insanity and suffered a number of fits while on remand. The judge accepted that McCready was unfit to plead and detained him at His Majesty's pleasure.









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[P4t4nn]

Hi

I wonder do you have any more info on the James McGuirk murder. It's likely that he was a relative of mine, perhaps great uncle, and I'd like to find out more. Great stories.

[fatboyjoe90]

Hiya p4t4nn, Hope this is the case you wanted.

Killers Indifference to Sentence
A man who killed a rival in a long-standing inter-family feud showed a total indifference when he was sentenced to fourteen years imprisonment for manslaughter.

Beresford Street.


At the beginning of the 20th century, there was considerable tension between the McGuirk and Donoghue families of Bootle, leading to several members on each side appearing before the courts on assault charges. On the night of Saturday 26th September 1902, a widow named Elizabeth Watson enticed 25-year-old Margaret Donoghue to go to the cellar-dwelling in Lyons Street of James McGuirk, who was the same age.

A quarrel took place in which Margaret was battered about the head. Passers-by heard screams and saw McGuirk run out into the street and make off, leading to the police being called. Margaret was lying unconscious on the sofa and was dead by the time she arrived at the hospital.

McGuirk was picked up and appeared before the Bootle Police Court on the Monday morning, charged with murder. A fireman by trade, he appeared at the Liverpool Assizes before Mr Justice Ridley on 1st December, the prosecution was unable to prove any premeditation, leading to a verdict of manslaughter being returned.

Mr Justice Ridley


On being sentenced to fourteen years penal servitude, McGuirk showed no emotion, saying 'A Verdict of manslaughter, all right!' He then shouted 'Keep your heart up Maria' to his sister as he was being taken down to the cells. The street where the death happened was so notorious for killings that later in the decade it was renamed Beresford Street.




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[Shelagh]

Always tragic when a baby is involved, can’t imagine what the child’s mother must have gone through!

Thanks Joe!

[fatboyjoe90]

You’re welcome Shelagh, another sad one.

[fatboyjoe90]

The Hunter Street Tragedy

A soldier who was arrested following the death of his wife whilst on leave was charged with her murder but discharged at the assizes.

On the evening of Monday 7th June 1915, Mary Mullarkey was found lying on flags and groaning in the rear yard of a house in Hunter Street. Assumed to be drunk, she was helped to her room by two other occupants and left alone.



Hunter street in 1966, just pre-demolition of the Manchester Slate Company and breweries for the building of the Churchill Way flyovers.



The following morning 34-year-old Mary was found to be dead and police were called. There were signs of a struggle with broken crockery scattered around the floor and the rear window, from where there was a 22-foot drop, was open.

That afternoon Mary's husband Martin Mullarkey, also 34, was arrested at his barracks in Freshfield where he was serving with the 4th Battalion Kings Liverpool Regiment.

At the inquest, it was heard how the couple lived unhappily together and that drunken rows were frequent. Mary's own mother, also Mary, admitted that Martin had told her his wife had gone through the window, but she did not go and see her, instead of buying her son in law some cigarettes. Detective Inspector Matthews said that it was impossible to say from the condition of the room whether Mary had fallen or been pushed. this led to an Open verdict being returned.

Despite the inquest verdict, magistrates still committed Martin for trial at the next Manchester assizes. This was on the basis of his statement to his mother in law, which didn't specify if she had jumped or he had pushed her. The soldier, who was still recuperating after being wounded in France, maintained he had never laid a finger on his wife that evening.

On 19th July, Martin appeared before Mr Justice Low. After the prosecution had made their opening comments, the judge intervened and said he did not think there is enough to justify a murder charge. The prosecuting counsel, Mr Swift, replied that he had pleasure with agreeing such a course. After directing the jury to return a not guilty verdict, Justice Low remarked that the coroner's jury had come to a sensible decision and ordered Martin's discharge.






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[filsgreen]

Impossible to call, he may have got away with at least manslaughter, thanks for posting, Joe. Here's a challenge, post a murder story, that doesn't have alcohol involved.

[Shelagh]

How wicked some people are; victims husband and her own mother aware that Mary had gone through a window, neither bothering to see if she was alright..shame on them!
Not enough evidence to convict..no justice for Mary Mullarkey

Another good’n Thanks Joe!!

[fatboyjoe90]

Thanks for your comments Phil and Shelagh, they are much appreciated and spot on as usual.

[fatboyjoe90]

Mother Killed by Speeding Driver

A speeding chauffeur who knocked down and killed a mother of three was found guilty of manslaughter and jailed, while his boss had to pay out compensation.
Amelia Dean, a dresser at the Shakespeare Theatre in Fraser Street, was on her way to work on 11th June 1925 when she alighted a tramcar on London Road. As she was crossing she was hit by a car driven by 22-year-old chauffeur Francis Sheppard, who lived at Potters Bar in London. She clung desperately to the bonnet but on falling off she was then run over and died under the wheels.

London Road.





On 3rd November Sheppard appeared at the Liverpool assizes before Mr Justice Fraser. He claimed that Amelia had slipped and he had slowed down and beeped his horn but he was found guilty of manslaughter. Learning that Sheppard had been driving at forty miles per hour, double the speed limit the judge told him that 'the public must be protected' as he imposed a sentence of eighteen months imprisonment.

Amelia, who was 49 years old and had three children, was the principal earner in their Kensington home, with her husband George only earning a modest wage as a gardener's labourer. George successfully sued Sheppard's employer Mr Lucy for damages and was awarded £500 in compensation.

How Sad is that £500, the price of a woman's life and three children for the loss of their Mother?

[filsgreen]

Sad story, Joe, but £500 in 1925 was worth £21250. That would have kept the family financially secure.

[Shelagh]

Young driver speeding through city centre; how often we see this - never learn!
“Amelia Dean clung desperately to the bonnet but on falling off she was then run over and died under the wheels”
If driver had stopped immediately, she might have stood a chance - three children wouldn’t have lost a mother!

Accompanying photo interesting..royal celebration taking place, many decorated buildings and greetings!

All good history..thanks Joe

[lynne99]

Thanks Joe. My Uncle was killed, aged 5, by a car on Vauxhall Rd in 1921. His father had died a few months before. It must have been awful for my Gran. The driver did not get any come back. It was very sad, because there were very few cars around.

[fatboyjoe90]

Thanks for your comments Phil, Shelagh and Lynne they are much appreciated.

[fatboyjoe90]

Killed by a Brick!!

An escalating quarrel fuelled by drink between neighbours in Everton led to the death of a newly wedded young man in 1895.

Mansfield Street.


The tragedy occurred in a court off Mansfield Street in Everton, where events started to unravel on the night of Saturday 17th August. Corporation refuse collector Stephen Dougherty and his wife, who had only got married at St Anthony's Church in Scotland Road on 31st May, were drinking with 30-year-old labourer William O'Neill and some of his friends. Dougherty's sister started shouting at O'Neill, leading to him throwing her out of the house and a serious argument breaking out between the two men, which led to police being called and separating everybody to their own homes.

The following morning O'Neill seemed determined to renew the row, his brother John telling Dougherty that he would meet the same fate as William Davies, who had been killed in Walton the previous week. At about 3 pm Catherine Price, who lived with him, threw a ginger beer bottle at Dougherty's window, smashing it. O'Neill then climbed on to the roof of his house and took some loose bricks from the chimney stack, throwing them into the court. Mrs Dougherty ran to find a policeman and while she was out of the court a brick struck her husband, who was leaning out of his window, on the side of the head. He then fell 30 feet to his death, which was instantaneous. When a police constable arrived, O'Neill handed himself over without putting up a struggle. With his wife unconscious after fainting, Dougherty was taken to the Infirmary where he was pronounced dead and she formally identified him in the Prince's Dock mortuary in the evening.

At the Liverpool Assizes on 25th November, O'Neill's counsel tried to say Dougherty had fallen accidentally to his death and it was just a coincidence if any bricks thrown by O'Neill had hit him on the head. However none of the witnesses called could confirm this and although Dougherty had acted aggressively the previous evening, there was no evidence that he had engaged in any provocation on the day he died. It took the jury half an hour to find him guilty and the death sentence was passed by Justice Collins, who said he would not waste any time commenting on the circumstances of the crime.

After an appeal by relatives, O'Neill had his sentence commuted to penal servitude for life by the Home Secretary and on 19th December he was taken by train to Knutsford Jail to serve his sentence.



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[lynne99]

I can't tell. Did he mean to kill him or did he just mean to cause him pain? I don't think he expected him to fall out of his window or planed for it. He was very stupid and does not mention drink on that day. .

[Shelagh]

Lynn, very sad about your uncle, must have been heartbreaking for your Grandmother, such a tragedy!!

Joe; imagine have that lot for neighbours!
Shame about Stephen Dougherty, he must have been terrified, especially after O’Neil’s brother had warned him that he’d be the next to be killed..what a horrible death, O’Neil chucking bricks from the roof, stupid stunt. (that’s stunt)
Paid the price by serving a life sentence in Knutsford Jail.

Thanks Joe
Not meaning to make light of the case, but kept thinking of ‘Murphy and the bricks’ (song)


,

[lynne99]

Shelagh, that was a great "song" . If I am thinking of the correct one, Is it about a pile of bricks going up and down and him on the other end?

[Shelagh]

The very same, Lynne,
Murphy explaining to the boss why he’s not at work...so funny

[fatboyjoe90]

Thanks, Lynne and Shelagh for your expert comments on the O'Neill case.

If I had them as neighbours I would’ve been fighting with them every day Shelagh.

Billy Butler used play why Murphy wasn’t in work today. I would doubled up and have tears running down the side of my face with laughter.

[fatboyjoe90]

Canada Dock Tragedy

A man who went to the aid of a crew member on board a ship berthed in Canada Dock died from stab wounds, leading to the assailant being convicted of manslaughter.

At about 10 pm on 6th November 1906 Wallace Tate, from Loxdale Street in Dingle, went to see off a relative on board the steamer Manchester City. The Manchester Line vessel was due to sail at 2 am for Buenos Aries. Whilst there he witnessed an altercation between able seaman John Wells and the boatswain after Wells had refused orders to go on deck.

Canada Dock


When Wells assaulted another crew member called Driscoll that had stood up for the boatswain, Tate went to break things up. There was a brief struggle and Wells ran off throwing a knife away as he did so. Driscoll had a stab wound in the hand but Tate appeared unhurt and went to sit on a bunk. However a few minutes later he doubled up and fell unconscious on the floor. He was rushed to Stanley Hospital where it was confirmed he had died from a severed artery near a wound on the groin.

Twenty-nine-year-old Wells, who lived in Greenside off Brunswick Road, was arrested on the quayside and appeared before the Police Court the following morning. He said he could recall nothing of the incident, having been drunk. He was then committed to the assizes charged with wilful murder.

Wells appeared before Justice Sutton on 3rd December, where the prosecuting counsel pursued the capital charge on the basis Wells was not acting in self-defence. However, due to his having been drinking, there being of no previous animosity with Tate and the very short premeditation period, he was found guilty only of the lesser charge of manslaughter. Wells was then sentenced to five years penal servitude.







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