The funeral of the unfortunate officers took place during the afternoon.Never since the funeral of the late, Miss Swann, who was murdered at a farm house on the outskirts of the town of Bedlington, had a crowd as large assembled. People of all classes streamed into the town from outlying villages and joined together at the West End in the vicinity of the Police Station. Business was suspended and the blinds of the shops and buildings were drawn. The Co-Operative Society of which the deceased officers were members even sent wreaths for the sad occasion.
When the coffins were carried out from the residential quarters of the police station, it was noticed that the coffins were exactly alike in construction. They were made of panelled fumed oak, with brass ornamentation's. The inscriptions were simple and gave only the customary facts. “Andrew Barton, died April 15th, 1913, aged 40 years”; and “George Bertram Mussell, died April 15th, 1913, aged 30 years.”
When the coffins were carried out from the residential quarters of the police station, it was noticed that the coffins were exactly alike in construction. They were made of panelled fumed oak, with brass ornamentation's. The inscriptions were simple and gave only the customary facts. “Andrew Barton, died April 15th, 1913, aged 40 years”; and “George Bertram Mussell, died April 15th, 1913, aged 30 years.”
Mourners outside Bedlington Police Station.
The underbearers for Sergeant Barton were, Sergt Little, from Morpeth; Sergt Anderson, Newsham; Sergt Barrons, Whitley Bay; Sergt Wood, Bedlington Station; Sergt Ormston, Blyth; and Sergt Hill, Blyth. P.C. Mussell who was a leading member of the Northumberland county tug-of war team was given the same treatment from his colleagues. They were P.C. Walker from Seaton Sluice; P.C. Scott, Seghill; P.C. Taylor, Westerhope; P.C. Barclay, Kenton; P.C. Middlemiss, Shankhouse; and P.C. Storey, DInnington.
The funeral begins from the police station.
The police arrangements were under Supt. James Tough, the superior officer of the deceased men, who was in charge of the Blyth division of which Bedlington formed a part. An invitation to the funerals had been sent out to every office and member of the police force in the county of which about one
hundred were able to attend.
hundred were able to attend.
The body of Sgt Barton is transported to the hearse
The funeral cortege
The cortege was headed by the Barrington Prize Band, in uniform, under Mr. George Allen. Next came the representatives of the County Constabulary,
including the Chief Constable; Capt. Fullarton James; Supt Taylor, Hexham; Supt Bolton, Alnwick; Supt Marshall, Morpeth; Supt Metcalfe, Wallsend; Supt Weddell, Gosforth; and Supt Tough, Blyth, followed by Inspector Jackson, Whitley Bay; and Inspector Hutchison from Blyth.
including the Chief Constable; Capt. Fullarton James; Supt Taylor, Hexham; Supt Bolton, Alnwick; Supt Marshall, Morpeth; Supt Metcalfe, Wallsend; Supt Weddell, Gosforth; and Supt Tough, Blyth, followed by Inspector Jackson, Whitley Bay; and Inspector Hutchison from Blyth.
The Barrington Prize Band heading the cortege.
The funeral cortege approaches the cemetary.
At the cemetery, the last sad rites were conducted by the Rev M Davies. Within the chapel it was only possible to accommodate the family mourners and a few others. Those who were present were very privileged to listen to the most impressive reading of the Burial Service by the vicar, he also gave a remarkable address towards the close of the service.
Sgt. Barton's remains are carried into the cemetary
The vicar began by saying, “They were gathered together on an occasion surely the saddest on which they had ever met. How true it was that in the midst of life we were in death. Three days ago their two brothers whom they were all out to lay in their last homes were healthy, well and strong, and were apparently likely to live for many years to come. Suddenly they were called away through no fault of their own. What thankful hearts they all ought to have for the splendid sense of duty evidenced by those entrusted with the care and protection of our lives. There could be no nobler instance of the power of duty than that in which their two brothers went to their death at its call. May we not say of one of our dear friends that he gave his life for another ?. One among us, I do not know whether he is present at this ceremony or not was saved through his death for he took the bullet intended for someone
else. That person may truly say of our brother, he died for me”.
After emphasising the story of Christ’s sacrifice, the speaker coincided with the remark that surely in the mind of the person to whom he was alluding must live as long as life lasted the thought that he must take up what was best in the character of the man who had died for his sake as well as the feeling that the widow and family had some claim upon him as long as he lived.
Only the mourners were allowed into the grounds, the two graves which were side by side, were filled in by the attendants, they were then smothered in wreaths and floral tokens of respect and esteem. The undertakers were Mr D Davies of Bedlington, Ashington and Blyth.
else. That person may truly say of our brother, he died for me”.
After emphasising the story of Christ’s sacrifice, the speaker coincided with the remark that surely in the mind of the person to whom he was alluding must live as long as life lasted the thought that he must take up what was best in the character of the man who had died for his sake as well as the feeling that the widow and family had some claim upon him as long as he lived.
Only the mourners were allowed into the grounds, the two graves which were side by side, were filled in by the attendants, they were then smothered in wreaths and floral tokens of respect and esteem. The undertakers were Mr D Davies of Bedlington, Ashington and Blyth.
The grave of the murdered police officers with headstone
The inquest was held at the Court House, Bedlington, the Coroner, Mr Rutherford, and the jury, heard evidence from everyone concerned, and also, Dr J K Howarth, on the victims injuries and the causes of death. In addition to the Coroner, there was present Captain Fullerton James, and Supt Tough. Mr Peter Dickinson was foreman of the jury. The innkeeper, John Vickers Amos, who was in custody in connection with the melancholy affair was absent. He was represented by Mr Swinburn G Wilson, of Newcastle.
Swinburn G Wilson
Detailed events of what occurred with Amos, were given by witnesses. Mr J W Young who lived at, Glebe Row, Bedlington, gave a graphic account of what
happened outside the inn. He was talking to several acquaintances at 3.50 pm, when he heard two shots from the direction of the Sun Inn. He said to Sergt
Barton, who was near, “Did you hear them shots ?.” Sergt Barton, replied, “Where are they from ?,” and ran over the road to the Sun Inn. He was not there two minutes until he was shot dead. Mrs Grice shouted from an upstairs window, “Hinney, save me, save me.” The landlord ran out with a gun and told them to get away, or he would shoot them. Amos had neither coat nor hat on. Mussell was in the house then, and Sergt Barton had gone round the back.
Amos aimed the gun at Mrs Grice, who disappeared. Mr Young went on to describe Amos’s cool conduct in lighting and smoking a cigarette while holding the crowd at bay, and how the search party, after finding that Amos had not, as was expected, sought shelter in a cowshed belonging to Mr James Bower, at the south of the village proceeded to scour the countryside for miles around.
Another person named James Corbett, a cycling engineer, living at Bedlington, stated that where he worked overlooked the premises of the Sun Inn. Shortly after three in the afternoon he was looking out of the window when he saw Mr Irons running out of the back of the Inn and proceed towards the main street. Mr Corbett then went to the back of the inn, noticed a number of people standing there. Amos came out of the back with a gun in his hand and went down the back. He returned up the bank and looked round the gates and came down the bank
again. He then raised his gun and aimed at the direction of the front door. I went inside the premises and found the body of Constable Mussell lying in the
back passage. On coming outside I saw Amos still in front of the inn. I shouted to Amos twice before he took any notice. Amos then said, “Mr Corbett, the man inside has £30 belonging to me and wont give it to me.” Amos then walked towards me and said, “If you come inside I will shoot you also.” Mrs Amos who was crying, spoke to her husband, but Amos pushed her aside and said, “You get away or I’ll shoot you an’ all.” Sergt Barton then opened the gates and said to Amos, “Put down the gun.” As soon as he heard the officer speaking, Amos wheeled round and said, “Stop there or I’ll shoot,” pointing the gun at him. Sergt Barton again said put down the gun, and made a step forward. Amos who was only three or four yards away fired, shooting the sergeant in the left breast. I then lost sight of Amos. Shortly afterwards I saw Amos standing on the bank. Amos then lit a cigarette and talked to his wife. He afterwards went towards the fields.
Mr Thomas Wilson, miner, stated that between three and four in the afternoon he was in his house. In consequence of a statement made by his wife, he went to the back of the Sun Inn. There were waggons standing beside the big gates. While standing behind the waggons he saw Amos about four yards from the gates leading into his yard. Amos was resting his gun on the ground. He next saw Mr Craggs come out and run past him. Next he himself ran away, but returned to find Amos at the front of the house with his gun. Amos held up his hands to his wife and had a conversation with her. He heard Amos say something about Irons and his money. He also said, “If I get him I would give up the gun.” He next heard Sergt Barton say “Put down the gun man.” Stepping forward, Mr Wilson saw the sergeant standing between the gates. Amos then said to the sergeant, “Stand back,” and fired. The officer staggered on his left leg towards the Inn door. When the sergeants back was turned, Amos stepped forward and fired another shot at him.
The doctor said that on Tuesday the 15th, April, he was summoned to the Sun Inn, Bedlington, arriving about 3.50. He went in by the back door in the yard, and there saw the fully dressed body of, P C Mussell. Deceased was lying on his back with the limbs outstretched, and his helmet on his head.
He was lying to the right of the door in a pool of blood. Deceased was quite dead. He found in the right side of his neck and lower jaw a large wound
exposing all the cheek, the structure of the neck, four jugular veins. Other chief vessels had been severed. The right side of the collar of his tunic showed
marks of pellets, and was extensively torn, a piece of the collar and number missing. There was a circular hole two inches in diameter and a deep wound
extending to the shoulder bone. The back of his tunic showed no mark of violence. His shirt showed marks corresponding with the shoulder marks. He
obtained several shots from the wound.
The cause of death was haemorrhage from the wounds caused by gun shot. He proceeded to the kitchen and saw the body of Police Sergeant Andrew Barton. He was lying on the floor on his back; his left foot was over his right, and his arms were semi extended. His head was lying against the pantry door, which was open, inwardly, towards the pantry, so that his head was in the pantry, his feet pointing towards the fireplace. He was lying in blood. He breathed occasionally and artificial respiration was tried. There were marks of violence in the left breast of his tunic, in the centre of which there was a hole one inch in diameter. The back of the tunic was untouched. There was many circular wounds, from some of which he extracted shot. There was also a large wound two inches below the centre of the left lung from which he extracted a pellet, a cartridge, and some shot. The underclothing showed spots corresponding with the injuries on the body. There was blood oozing from the mouth and nose. The injury to his left breast was mortal. It was due to
gun shot, one penetrating the left lung and the base of the heart.
He next proceeded to the cellar where he found Mrs Grice. There was blood flowing from the right side of her head. He examined the wound and found the
skull fractured. The brim of her hat had penetrated into her brain. He found a single shot in her brain. The doctor waited some time in the cellar and did what he could do for her. She was afterwards removed to the bar, where she died. The cause of her death was compound fracture to the right side of the
skull.
The doctor was the very last one to give evidence. The Coroner began summing up, and that it had been a very difficult case. The evidence was very complicated, and he was glad the jury had an opportunity of having it read out to them. They all knew exactly the whole of the circumstances, and it was for them to tell him who they thought had shot, P C Mussell, Sergeant Barton, and Mrs Grice. He wanted the jury to answer him two questions. The first one was: “Are you satisfied that those persons died from the wounds described by the doctor ?.” He thought that they would have no difficulty about that. The second question to answer and the most important one was this: “Who do you think inflicted the wounds ?.”
Proceeding, the coroner said that in a case of this sort it was not exactly a question of manslaughter. It was either wilful murder or it was not. They had
heard all the evidence and they must tell him before they give their verdict whether they thought that, John Vickers Amos was the man who shot those people, and they must also tell him whether they thought he shot them wilfully and with malice aforethought. If they returned a verdict of wilful murder against Amos, then he (the Coroner) must commit him to the Assizes to take his trial. He did not want to trouble them; they had heard the evidence and they would not like him to labour the case unnecessarily.
The jury retired to consider their verdict, and after an absence of about ten minutes the foreman said: “The jury find that the three victims died from
gunshot wounds from a gun fired by, John Vickers Amos, wilfully and with malice aforethought.” The Coroner then replied, “That is a verdict of wilful
murder ?.” The foreman then said, “Yes sir.” The Coroner then went on to say, “I commit John Vickers Amos to take his trial at the next assizes for this County on charges of having murdered, Sarah Ellen Fenwick Grice, George Bertram Mussell, and Andrew Barton.”
happened outside the inn. He was talking to several acquaintances at 3.50 pm, when he heard two shots from the direction of the Sun Inn. He said to Sergt
Barton, who was near, “Did you hear them shots ?.” Sergt Barton, replied, “Where are they from ?,” and ran over the road to the Sun Inn. He was not there two minutes until he was shot dead. Mrs Grice shouted from an upstairs window, “Hinney, save me, save me.” The landlord ran out with a gun and told them to get away, or he would shoot them. Amos had neither coat nor hat on. Mussell was in the house then, and Sergt Barton had gone round the back.
Amos aimed the gun at Mrs Grice, who disappeared. Mr Young went on to describe Amos’s cool conduct in lighting and smoking a cigarette while holding the crowd at bay, and how the search party, after finding that Amos had not, as was expected, sought shelter in a cowshed belonging to Mr James Bower, at the south of the village proceeded to scour the countryside for miles around.
Another person named James Corbett, a cycling engineer, living at Bedlington, stated that where he worked overlooked the premises of the Sun Inn. Shortly after three in the afternoon he was looking out of the window when he saw Mr Irons running out of the back of the Inn and proceed towards the main street. Mr Corbett then went to the back of the inn, noticed a number of people standing there. Amos came out of the back with a gun in his hand and went down the back. He returned up the bank and looked round the gates and came down the bank
again. He then raised his gun and aimed at the direction of the front door. I went inside the premises and found the body of Constable Mussell lying in the
back passage. On coming outside I saw Amos still in front of the inn. I shouted to Amos twice before he took any notice. Amos then said, “Mr Corbett, the man inside has £30 belonging to me and wont give it to me.” Amos then walked towards me and said, “If you come inside I will shoot you also.” Mrs Amos who was crying, spoke to her husband, but Amos pushed her aside and said, “You get away or I’ll shoot you an’ all.” Sergt Barton then opened the gates and said to Amos, “Put down the gun.” As soon as he heard the officer speaking, Amos wheeled round and said, “Stop there or I’ll shoot,” pointing the gun at him. Sergt Barton again said put down the gun, and made a step forward. Amos who was only three or four yards away fired, shooting the sergeant in the left breast. I then lost sight of Amos. Shortly afterwards I saw Amos standing on the bank. Amos then lit a cigarette and talked to his wife. He afterwards went towards the fields.
Mr Thomas Wilson, miner, stated that between three and four in the afternoon he was in his house. In consequence of a statement made by his wife, he went to the back of the Sun Inn. There were waggons standing beside the big gates. While standing behind the waggons he saw Amos about four yards from the gates leading into his yard. Amos was resting his gun on the ground. He next saw Mr Craggs come out and run past him. Next he himself ran away, but returned to find Amos at the front of the house with his gun. Amos held up his hands to his wife and had a conversation with her. He heard Amos say something about Irons and his money. He also said, “If I get him I would give up the gun.” He next heard Sergt Barton say “Put down the gun man.” Stepping forward, Mr Wilson saw the sergeant standing between the gates. Amos then said to the sergeant, “Stand back,” and fired. The officer staggered on his left leg towards the Inn door. When the sergeants back was turned, Amos stepped forward and fired another shot at him.
The doctor said that on Tuesday the 15th, April, he was summoned to the Sun Inn, Bedlington, arriving about 3.50. He went in by the back door in the yard, and there saw the fully dressed body of, P C Mussell. Deceased was lying on his back with the limbs outstretched, and his helmet on his head.
He was lying to the right of the door in a pool of blood. Deceased was quite dead. He found in the right side of his neck and lower jaw a large wound
exposing all the cheek, the structure of the neck, four jugular veins. Other chief vessels had been severed. The right side of the collar of his tunic showed
marks of pellets, and was extensively torn, a piece of the collar and number missing. There was a circular hole two inches in diameter and a deep wound
extending to the shoulder bone. The back of his tunic showed no mark of violence. His shirt showed marks corresponding with the shoulder marks. He
obtained several shots from the wound.
The cause of death was haemorrhage from the wounds caused by gun shot. He proceeded to the kitchen and saw the body of Police Sergeant Andrew Barton. He was lying on the floor on his back; his left foot was over his right, and his arms were semi extended. His head was lying against the pantry door, which was open, inwardly, towards the pantry, so that his head was in the pantry, his feet pointing towards the fireplace. He was lying in blood. He breathed occasionally and artificial respiration was tried. There were marks of violence in the left breast of his tunic, in the centre of which there was a hole one inch in diameter. The back of the tunic was untouched. There was many circular wounds, from some of which he extracted shot. There was also a large wound two inches below the centre of the left lung from which he extracted a pellet, a cartridge, and some shot. The underclothing showed spots corresponding with the injuries on the body. There was blood oozing from the mouth and nose. The injury to his left breast was mortal. It was due to
gun shot, one penetrating the left lung and the base of the heart.
He next proceeded to the cellar where he found Mrs Grice. There was blood flowing from the right side of her head. He examined the wound and found the
skull fractured. The brim of her hat had penetrated into her brain. He found a single shot in her brain. The doctor waited some time in the cellar and did what he could do for her. She was afterwards removed to the bar, where she died. The cause of her death was compound fracture to the right side of the
skull.
The doctor was the very last one to give evidence. The Coroner began summing up, and that it had been a very difficult case. The evidence was very complicated, and he was glad the jury had an opportunity of having it read out to them. They all knew exactly the whole of the circumstances, and it was for them to tell him who they thought had shot, P C Mussell, Sergeant Barton, and Mrs Grice. He wanted the jury to answer him two questions. The first one was: “Are you satisfied that those persons died from the wounds described by the doctor ?.” He thought that they would have no difficulty about that. The second question to answer and the most important one was this: “Who do you think inflicted the wounds ?.”
Proceeding, the coroner said that in a case of this sort it was not exactly a question of manslaughter. It was either wilful murder or it was not. They had
heard all the evidence and they must tell him before they give their verdict whether they thought that, John Vickers Amos was the man who shot those people, and they must also tell him whether they thought he shot them wilfully and with malice aforethought. If they returned a verdict of wilful murder against Amos, then he (the Coroner) must commit him to the Assizes to take his trial. He did not want to trouble them; they had heard the evidence and they would not like him to labour the case unnecessarily.
The jury retired to consider their verdict, and after an absence of about ten minutes the foreman said: “The jury find that the three victims died from
gunshot wounds from a gun fired by, John Vickers Amos, wilfully and with malice aforethought.” The Coroner then replied, “That is a verdict of wilful
murder ?.” The foreman then said, “Yes sir.” The Coroner then went on to say, “I commit John Vickers Amos to take his trial at the next assizes for this County on charges of having murdered, Sarah Ellen Fenwick Grice, George Bertram Mussell, and Andrew Barton.”
Amos is led away from Bedlington to Newcastle Gaol
The jury fees, amounted to, £2. 5s, were ordered to be handed over to a fund established in aid of the widows and children of the deceased officers. The fund for the dead officers dependants was published in the Morpeth Herald. First a letter was sent to the editor dated 24th April, 1913. Sir, I have been requested by the chairman of Quarter Sessions, the deputy chairman of the Standing Joint Committees, and the Chief Constable of the County of Northumberland to send you a copy of a letter which they request you will insert in the first issue of your paper.
The above named gentlemen would be glad if you could see your way to open a subscription list in your paper. I will send you a list of subscriptions which
have been notified to me in the course of a few days. The letter was signed by, Henry D Irwin.
The letter began, Sir, Sergeant Barton and Police Constable Mussell, both of the Northumberland Constabulary, were on Tuesday, 15th April, killed at Bedlington while acting in the execution of their duty; the gallant behaviour of these officers is in the recollection of all. Sergeant Barton had served over nineteen years and Police Constable Mussell over eight years in the County Police Force.
Both officers were Northumbrians, and they had discharged their duties in a most excellent manner. Sergeant Barton has left a widow and two sons, aged twelve and four respectively. Police Constable Mussell has left a widow. The police authority have only power to grant £15 per annum to each widow during widowhood, and in addition, £2. 10s, per annum for each child while under the age of fifteen.
It is suggested that a subscription list should be opened for the purpose of supplementing the above mentioned pensions and allowances. The amount subscribed will be invested in the names of the undersigned and the successors in the offices appended to the signatures as trustees of the fund and such amount and income arising from the investment of the same will be devoted in so far as the trustees may deem it necessary, for the benefit of the widows and children of the deceased officers, and should any surplus remain in the hands of the trustees after those objects have in the opinion of the trustees, been satisfied, such surplus will be held by the trustees with a view to utilisation in assisting the widow or children of any officer in the Northumberland Police Force who may lose his life whilst in the execution of his duty.
Accounts have been opened with the banks having branches in the county of Northumberland, and subscriptions will be received at those banks, or may be
forwarded to the Chief Constable, County Police Office, Morpeth. Tradesmen in many places in the county have also kindly undertaken to allow subscription lists to be deposited in their places of business and to receive donations. A preliminary list of subscriptions will be published in the course of a few days.
The letter was signed by, G D Atkinson, chairman of Quarter Sessions; F D Blake, deputy chairman of Quarter Sessions; Thomas Taylor, chairman of the Standing Joint Committee; Fullarton James, Chief Constable of Northumberland.
The above named gentlemen would be glad if you could see your way to open a subscription list in your paper. I will send you a list of subscriptions which
have been notified to me in the course of a few days. The letter was signed by, Henry D Irwin.
The letter began, Sir, Sergeant Barton and Police Constable Mussell, both of the Northumberland Constabulary, were on Tuesday, 15th April, killed at Bedlington while acting in the execution of their duty; the gallant behaviour of these officers is in the recollection of all. Sergeant Barton had served over nineteen years and Police Constable Mussell over eight years in the County Police Force.
Both officers were Northumbrians, and they had discharged their duties in a most excellent manner. Sergeant Barton has left a widow and two sons, aged twelve and four respectively. Police Constable Mussell has left a widow. The police authority have only power to grant £15 per annum to each widow during widowhood, and in addition, £2. 10s, per annum for each child while under the age of fifteen.
It is suggested that a subscription list should be opened for the purpose of supplementing the above mentioned pensions and allowances. The amount subscribed will be invested in the names of the undersigned and the successors in the offices appended to the signatures as trustees of the fund and such amount and income arising from the investment of the same will be devoted in so far as the trustees may deem it necessary, for the benefit of the widows and children of the deceased officers, and should any surplus remain in the hands of the trustees after those objects have in the opinion of the trustees, been satisfied, such surplus will be held by the trustees with a view to utilisation in assisting the widow or children of any officer in the Northumberland Police Force who may lose his life whilst in the execution of his duty.
Accounts have been opened with the banks having branches in the county of Northumberland, and subscriptions will be received at those banks, or may be
forwarded to the Chief Constable, County Police Office, Morpeth. Tradesmen in many places in the county have also kindly undertaken to allow subscription lists to be deposited in their places of business and to receive donations. A preliminary list of subscriptions will be published in the course of a few days.
The letter was signed by, G D Atkinson, chairman of Quarter Sessions; F D Blake, deputy chairman of Quarter Sessions; Thomas Taylor, chairman of the Standing Joint Committee; Fullarton James, Chief Constable of Northumberland.
Amos was before the assizes on July 2nd 1913, The trial was covered by a large amount of newspaper reporters. The Blyth News and Telegraph covered the
events in their paper, dated Thursday July 3rd 1913. The story was broke with the following title, Amos on Trial at the Assizes. It went on to say, The trial
of the man, John Vickers Amos, aged 35 years, of Bedlington, who is charged with the wilful murder of Sarah Ellen Fenwick Grice, Police Sergeant Andrew Barton, and Police Constable George Bertram Mussell, at the Sun Inn, Bedlington, on April 15th last, was commenced at the Northumberland Assizes yesterday and continued today.
A large number of witnesses were called by the prosecution and the case against Amos was concluded today, after which the prisoner gave evidence on his own behalf, in which he declared that he could not remember what happened on the day of the terrible tragedy. He had been in a mine explosion in America and this had had a serious effect upon his health. Any excitement caused pains in his head, frequently lasting from two to three hours.
The newspaper then followed on with the title, True Bill Returned. It said. The Commissioner in charging the Grand Jury on Tuesday, having outlined the
circumstances of the tragedy, said he did not suppose the Grand Jury would have really any difficulty in coming to a conclusion on the matter. There was only one other thing he might say to them. If the question arose as to the mental condition of the accused, if it was suggested that he was mentally deficient in some way, that was a matter with which they had nothing to do. It would be investigated hereafter. All they had to do in the first instance was to say whether they did or did not think there ought to be a true bill found against the prisoner for the murder of these three persons. A true bill was returned against the prisoner, and it was decided that the trial should take place the following day.
The trial finally began, it commenced before Commissioner English Harrison, and a jury at the Newcastle Summer Assizes, Newcastle. The indictment charged Amos with the murders, but the prosecution only proceeded on the count charging him with the murder of Sergeant Barton Council for the prosecution were, Mr Bruce Williamson and Mr Jardine, (instructed by Mr Donald Prynne), and for the defence, Mr W J Waugh, K.C, and Mr Leon freedman, (instructed by Mr Swinburne G Wilson, of Messrs Thomas Gee and Co, Newcastle.
A great deal of public interest was manifested in the case, the court being rapidly filled as soon as the doors were open, whilst a large gathering
assembled outside the Moot Hall in the hope of catching a glimpse of the accused man as he was being conveyed from the Newcastle Prison. In the court there was a large number of ladies who were accommodated in the public gallery. The father of Amos occupied a seat at the solicitors table, and the widow of Sgt Barton and her sister were also in court.
When Amos was called, he stepped into the dock between two warders. He had greatly improved in appearance since he was last in court, and was clean shaven. He was neatly attired in a brown jacket suit. He took his place in the front of the dock while the jury was being sworn in, and followed the process with some interest. The charge put to him was that on April 15th at Bedlington, he did wilfully murder, Sgt Andrew Barton. He gave his head a sharp jerk to one side as if to express a negative, and in a firm voice said “Not guilty.” The prisoner was then accompanied by the warders to a seat in the dock.
Mr Bruce Williamson opened for the prosecution at a considerable length, outlining the story of occurrences.
events in their paper, dated Thursday July 3rd 1913. The story was broke with the following title, Amos on Trial at the Assizes. It went on to say, The trial
of the man, John Vickers Amos, aged 35 years, of Bedlington, who is charged with the wilful murder of Sarah Ellen Fenwick Grice, Police Sergeant Andrew Barton, and Police Constable George Bertram Mussell, at the Sun Inn, Bedlington, on April 15th last, was commenced at the Northumberland Assizes yesterday and continued today.
A large number of witnesses were called by the prosecution and the case against Amos was concluded today, after which the prisoner gave evidence on his own behalf, in which he declared that he could not remember what happened on the day of the terrible tragedy. He had been in a mine explosion in America and this had had a serious effect upon his health. Any excitement caused pains in his head, frequently lasting from two to three hours.
The newspaper then followed on with the title, True Bill Returned. It said. The Commissioner in charging the Grand Jury on Tuesday, having outlined the
circumstances of the tragedy, said he did not suppose the Grand Jury would have really any difficulty in coming to a conclusion on the matter. There was only one other thing he might say to them. If the question arose as to the mental condition of the accused, if it was suggested that he was mentally deficient in some way, that was a matter with which they had nothing to do. It would be investigated hereafter. All they had to do in the first instance was to say whether they did or did not think there ought to be a true bill found against the prisoner for the murder of these three persons. A true bill was returned against the prisoner, and it was decided that the trial should take place the following day.
The trial finally began, it commenced before Commissioner English Harrison, and a jury at the Newcastle Summer Assizes, Newcastle. The indictment charged Amos with the murders, but the prosecution only proceeded on the count charging him with the murder of Sergeant Barton Council for the prosecution were, Mr Bruce Williamson and Mr Jardine, (instructed by Mr Donald Prynne), and for the defence, Mr W J Waugh, K.C, and Mr Leon freedman, (instructed by Mr Swinburne G Wilson, of Messrs Thomas Gee and Co, Newcastle.
A great deal of public interest was manifested in the case, the court being rapidly filled as soon as the doors were open, whilst a large gathering
assembled outside the Moot Hall in the hope of catching a glimpse of the accused man as he was being conveyed from the Newcastle Prison. In the court there was a large number of ladies who were accommodated in the public gallery. The father of Amos occupied a seat at the solicitors table, and the widow of Sgt Barton and her sister were also in court.
When Amos was called, he stepped into the dock between two warders. He had greatly improved in appearance since he was last in court, and was clean shaven. He was neatly attired in a brown jacket suit. He took his place in the front of the dock while the jury was being sworn in, and followed the process with some interest. The charge put to him was that on April 15th at Bedlington, he did wilfully murder, Sgt Andrew Barton. He gave his head a sharp jerk to one side as if to express a negative, and in a firm voice said “Not guilty.” The prisoner was then accompanied by the warders to a seat in the dock.
Mr Bruce Williamson opened for the prosecution at a considerable length, outlining the story of occurrences.
Sgt. Barton in Uniform. Amos stood trial for his murder only
He outlined the story of occurrences which led up to the charge of murder, and told the jury that the prosecution would ask them to say that Amos took the life of Sergeant Barton deliberately and intentionally, knowing what he was doing, and he was therefore guilty of murder.
The trial continued and towards the end the counsels began their own speeches. For the prosecution Mr Bruce Williamson in his address to the jury said that the prisoner’s plea was that he was not responsible for his actions on April 15th. It must be clearly proved that at the time of committing the act, the party accused was labouring under such a defect of reason as not to know what he was doing. There was no medical evidence before the jury in regard to which they could form any opinion in regard to the state of the man’s mind, excepting the doctor for the prosecution, who said, when he saw Amos after the unhappy events of April 15th, that he was quiet, collected and appeared to be perfectly composed. If the jury believed the prisoner was not responsible for his actions, they would have to come to the conclusion on the evidence of the prisoner himself. Were they going to accept that on the mere statement of the man in the box that he now did not recollect the crimes he had committed. Mr Williamson asked the jury to assume that Amos had real grounds for thinking that, Mr Irons had treated him unfairly. Did not that show that Amos had the strongest possible motive for anger and a desire for revenge against Mr Irons ?.
Mr Williamson referred to the deaths of P C Mussell and Mrs Grice, and submitted that Amos went into the yard afterwards because he knew that the other exit from the cellar was in the yard. When Mrs Craggs, who was a brave and courageous woman, came out of the hatchway, prisoner was pointing the gun in her direction and the only reasonable inference was that he hoped Mr Irons would come out of the cellar, and that he would have an opportunity of inflicting injury upon him. Mrs Craggs asked him,“On account of the children,” not to shoot. Did his act look like that of a man whose mind was no longer under his control. Nothing of the kind. He had no grievance against Mrs Craggs, and he dropped the gun to his side. That was a matter of importance, because it tended to show that the prisoner was in such a condition of mind that although at the time he was disposed to shoot, he appreciated the appeal made to him, and he acted upon it. Could the jury have the slightest doubt that Sergt Barton was deliberately shot by Amos because the prisoner wanted to keep the gun ?. All the evidence pointed to his having a rational mind, and if he knew what he was doing, and that he was wrong , the jury had only one duty to do. Without any sense of pity, which might be appealed to by his learned friend, they must return a verdict of guilty.
Mr Waugh, at the outset of his address for the defence said that he was going to make his appeal on the evidence alone. He was not going to make any appeal to their sympathy, excepting that everyone must feel sympathy for the man who stood in the position of the prisoner. The jury were dealing with his life. It was for them to say whether he should die the death of a felon or whether some clemency might be admitted to him so that his life could be spared. The one and only thing they had to consider was what was the state of Amos’s mind when he shot Sergt Barton. Those who had heard the evidence could have no doubt. Counsel for the prosecution said that the only evidence with regard to the state of the prisoner’s mind was that of the prisoner himself. He joined issue with his friend on that point. He said that the prisoner’s conduct on that occasion was the strongest piece of evidence that the mind of the prisoner now was not the mind of the prisoner on that day.
Mr Waugh turned to the marked change in the prisoner from the time he went to America and to when he came back to England and submitted that the reason for the change was the two serious accidents within a period of twelve months from now.
The trial continued and towards the end the counsels began their own speeches. For the prosecution Mr Bruce Williamson in his address to the jury said that the prisoner’s plea was that he was not responsible for his actions on April 15th. It must be clearly proved that at the time of committing the act, the party accused was labouring under such a defect of reason as not to know what he was doing. There was no medical evidence before the jury in regard to which they could form any opinion in regard to the state of the man’s mind, excepting the doctor for the prosecution, who said, when he saw Amos after the unhappy events of April 15th, that he was quiet, collected and appeared to be perfectly composed. If the jury believed the prisoner was not responsible for his actions, they would have to come to the conclusion on the evidence of the prisoner himself. Were they going to accept that on the mere statement of the man in the box that he now did not recollect the crimes he had committed. Mr Williamson asked the jury to assume that Amos had real grounds for thinking that, Mr Irons had treated him unfairly. Did not that show that Amos had the strongest possible motive for anger and a desire for revenge against Mr Irons ?.
Mr Williamson referred to the deaths of P C Mussell and Mrs Grice, and submitted that Amos went into the yard afterwards because he knew that the other exit from the cellar was in the yard. When Mrs Craggs, who was a brave and courageous woman, came out of the hatchway, prisoner was pointing the gun in her direction and the only reasonable inference was that he hoped Mr Irons would come out of the cellar, and that he would have an opportunity of inflicting injury upon him. Mrs Craggs asked him,“On account of the children,” not to shoot. Did his act look like that of a man whose mind was no longer under his control. Nothing of the kind. He had no grievance against Mrs Craggs, and he dropped the gun to his side. That was a matter of importance, because it tended to show that the prisoner was in such a condition of mind that although at the time he was disposed to shoot, he appreciated the appeal made to him, and he acted upon it. Could the jury have the slightest doubt that Sergt Barton was deliberately shot by Amos because the prisoner wanted to keep the gun ?. All the evidence pointed to his having a rational mind, and if he knew what he was doing, and that he was wrong , the jury had only one duty to do. Without any sense of pity, which might be appealed to by his learned friend, they must return a verdict of guilty.
Mr Waugh, at the outset of his address for the defence said that he was going to make his appeal on the evidence alone. He was not going to make any appeal to their sympathy, excepting that everyone must feel sympathy for the man who stood in the position of the prisoner. The jury were dealing with his life. It was for them to say whether he should die the death of a felon or whether some clemency might be admitted to him so that his life could be spared. The one and only thing they had to consider was what was the state of Amos’s mind when he shot Sergt Barton. Those who had heard the evidence could have no doubt. Counsel for the prosecution said that the only evidence with regard to the state of the prisoner’s mind was that of the prisoner himself. He joined issue with his friend on that point. He said that the prisoner’s conduct on that occasion was the strongest piece of evidence that the mind of the prisoner now was not the mind of the prisoner on that day.
Mr Waugh turned to the marked change in the prisoner from the time he went to America and to when he came back to England and submitted that the reason for the change was the two serious accidents within a period of twelve months from now.
This how Amos worked in the mines. Accidents and explosions were common
Mr Waugh continued, prisoner came to try and recover his health in his native land. Unfortunately not only for himself, but for those three unfortunate
persons he entered into a bargain with Mr Irons. He ventured to think he was doing no injustice to Mr Irons when he said, he drove a hard bargain with the
accused. It seemed perfectly obvious that it was impossible for anyone, however diligent, however honest he might be, to comply with the terms that Mr Irons laid down, namely that he was to be charged 70s for every barrel of beer. The fact of the matter was that Mr Irons was getting it both ways, the bigger the turnover the bigger the deficit. He would ask the jury to consider when, upon the day in question, Mr Irons in what he (Mr Waugh) suggested was almost a brutal way, turned the prisoner out on to the street, and never made the slightest inquiry as to whether he had a home to go to, were they surprised that in regard to the man evidently of a brooding disposition, that had preyed upon his mind.
Witness after witness had told them of the excited condition in which they saw the prisoner. Just think ?. A full grown man crying because he had lost £30.
They did not expect to see a man cry, and when they did, especially a man who had been through the rough experience of the mines in America, it must mean a terrible strain upon his mental faculties. The great misfortune, according to his counsel’s view was that the prisoner’s wife ever brought down the gun. It might have been that the sight of it put something into his head, a subconscious motive, that otherwise would never have been there. He put the gun away, and then he had no recollection of seeing it again until he saw it in the police court.
Mr Waugh contended that the prosecution had only elicited motive in respect of Irons. Amos had told them the two policemen were his friends, and in regard to Mrs Grice, what possible reason could he have for killing that unfortunate woman ?. “Of course, if the whole of his brain had gone to pieces, and he was in a demented crisis, and did not know and did not care who he shot, I could understand how he came to kill Mrs Grice.”said counsel. He suggested that they never knew what a man who was insane either permanently or temporarily would do, and it was quite possible that the appeal with regard to the little children might have struck some chord in the memory of the prisoner, when he remembered his own children, and that chord might have made him spare these children. At this point, Amos was visibly affected and wept, as did also many of the women in court.
The prisoner, counsel contended, had no grievance against his wife, he had lived on the most affectionate terms with her, but he threatened to shoot her if she did not get out of the way. Consider the brutality of the shooting of Sergt Barton. Barton having been shot, he swirled round, and was going away from the prisoner, when the prisoner again fired at him from behind. Was that the conduct of a sane man ?. Was it the conduct of a man who was trying to prevent a gun being taken from him.
“Gentlemen,” pleaded Mr Waugh. “don’t you think that he was simply mad at this time, and mad with the lust of blood, and he did not care what happened or what he did.” He was prepared to kill anybody, because he had lost his mental balance and his reason had been dethroned. His whole subsequent conduct was perfectly consistent with that. Knowing he had either killed or done serious bodily harm to three persons, he walked away in broad daylight carrying the gun, and went a distance of six hundred yards and crawled into a culvert. And if, when in the culvert, he tried to take his life, as the inference from the misfired cartridge did that make him any more sane. Did they disbelieve the prisoner in the account which he had given as to what happened?.
Mr Waugh went on to say, did they believe that any man who had control of his reason would have acted as the prisoner did ?. Did they not rather come to the conclusion that having regard to the injuries which he had sustained when he was working as a miner, to the alteration in his constitution and in his habits, what occurred on this occasion was too much for the prisoner, and that he became what was known as temporarily insane. He submitted to them that, without violating their oath, they could find the prisoner was not responsible for the extraordinary deeds which he did in the Bedlington Inn.
The judge in summing up the evidence, said that when they came to consider the circumstances of Sgt Barton’s death, it was quite plain that if the prisoner was not insane, the killing of Sgt Barton was a murder. Mr Waugh did not suggest anything of the contrary, but rested the whole of his defence upon the state of mind of the prisoner, by which he sought to evade what was the ordinary presumption of law, that every man was responsible for his own acts, and must be deemed to contemplate the consequences of his own acts. They had to consider whether to be satisfied that he was suffering from a defect of reason so that he did not know what the nature and quality of the act was.
Dealing with this point, his Lordship asked whether the jury could accept the statement that the fact, that Mr Irons had told the prisoner in substance that
the deposit had been forfeited was such a matter as to unhinge the man’s mind to the extent to which the law required it to unhinge. He also pointed out that they had not had the assistance of a medical gentleman to tell them what the effect of the two explosions in America had had upon Amos’s mind. The defence had referred to the purposeless of the murders, and the prosecution suggested that the prisoner had determined to shoot Mr Irons, and for that purpose prevented Mrs Amos from taking the gun out of the house. The murder of Mrs Grice, said the commissioner, remained a mystery. While Mr Waugh relied on that as confirmation of the statement made by the prisoner that he in such a state of frenzy and excitement as to not know what he was doing, the prisoner was in a state of control when he allowed Mrs Craggs to depart. He appeared to have lit a cigarette. Did that show that the alleged frenzy and excitement under which it was suggested he was suffering was not of the aggravated character which the prisoner would seek them to believe he was inHis Lordship concluded by saying that a sympathy with the prisoner was, perhaps, a laudable thing, he did not say whether it was or not, but they must not forget after all, the widows and children of all the persons who had been killed. They must not be guided in any way by their sympathy with the prisoner, neither, he suggested, should they be guided by any sympathy with the relations of the men killed. They must not be guided by sympathy, but by commonsense and sense of duty. They must carefully and dispassionately consider the verdict.
The jury then retired, and after eight minutes, returned with a verdict of, “Guilty of wilful murder.” Amos was then asked if he had anything to say why
sentence of death should not be passed on him, the prisoner replied, “I don’t remember anything. They were good friends of mine.”
In passing sentence, his Lordship said. Prisoner at the bar you have after careful consideration by the jury, been convicted of a cruel murder of a police
sergeant, who appears to have given to his important duties and executed them with much zeal and discretion, as well as courage. Those qualities were
certainly exhibited in a very marked degree in the endeavour to do his duty on this day. Your crime seems to me to have been somewhat aggravated by
the additional killing of the two other persons, namely, Police Constable Mussell and Mrs Grice. For the particular crime of which you have been in fact
now convicted, the law provides one sentence and one sentence only. His Lordship then passed sentence of death.
Amos received the sentence quite calmly and as he left for the cells below he waved his hand to some friends sitting behind. Mr Freedman asked permission for the prisoner’s father and brother to have an interview with the condemned man before he was removed, and his Lordship, granted the application.
persons he entered into a bargain with Mr Irons. He ventured to think he was doing no injustice to Mr Irons when he said, he drove a hard bargain with the
accused. It seemed perfectly obvious that it was impossible for anyone, however diligent, however honest he might be, to comply with the terms that Mr Irons laid down, namely that he was to be charged 70s for every barrel of beer. The fact of the matter was that Mr Irons was getting it both ways, the bigger the turnover the bigger the deficit. He would ask the jury to consider when, upon the day in question, Mr Irons in what he (Mr Waugh) suggested was almost a brutal way, turned the prisoner out on to the street, and never made the slightest inquiry as to whether he had a home to go to, were they surprised that in regard to the man evidently of a brooding disposition, that had preyed upon his mind.
Witness after witness had told them of the excited condition in which they saw the prisoner. Just think ?. A full grown man crying because he had lost £30.
They did not expect to see a man cry, and when they did, especially a man who had been through the rough experience of the mines in America, it must mean a terrible strain upon his mental faculties. The great misfortune, according to his counsel’s view was that the prisoner’s wife ever brought down the gun. It might have been that the sight of it put something into his head, a subconscious motive, that otherwise would never have been there. He put the gun away, and then he had no recollection of seeing it again until he saw it in the police court.
Mr Waugh contended that the prosecution had only elicited motive in respect of Irons. Amos had told them the two policemen were his friends, and in regard to Mrs Grice, what possible reason could he have for killing that unfortunate woman ?. “Of course, if the whole of his brain had gone to pieces, and he was in a demented crisis, and did not know and did not care who he shot, I could understand how he came to kill Mrs Grice.”said counsel. He suggested that they never knew what a man who was insane either permanently or temporarily would do, and it was quite possible that the appeal with regard to the little children might have struck some chord in the memory of the prisoner, when he remembered his own children, and that chord might have made him spare these children. At this point, Amos was visibly affected and wept, as did also many of the women in court.
The prisoner, counsel contended, had no grievance against his wife, he had lived on the most affectionate terms with her, but he threatened to shoot her if she did not get out of the way. Consider the brutality of the shooting of Sergt Barton. Barton having been shot, he swirled round, and was going away from the prisoner, when the prisoner again fired at him from behind. Was that the conduct of a sane man ?. Was it the conduct of a man who was trying to prevent a gun being taken from him.
“Gentlemen,” pleaded Mr Waugh. “don’t you think that he was simply mad at this time, and mad with the lust of blood, and he did not care what happened or what he did.” He was prepared to kill anybody, because he had lost his mental balance and his reason had been dethroned. His whole subsequent conduct was perfectly consistent with that. Knowing he had either killed or done serious bodily harm to three persons, he walked away in broad daylight carrying the gun, and went a distance of six hundred yards and crawled into a culvert. And if, when in the culvert, he tried to take his life, as the inference from the misfired cartridge did that make him any more sane. Did they disbelieve the prisoner in the account which he had given as to what happened?.
Mr Waugh went on to say, did they believe that any man who had control of his reason would have acted as the prisoner did ?. Did they not rather come to the conclusion that having regard to the injuries which he had sustained when he was working as a miner, to the alteration in his constitution and in his habits, what occurred on this occasion was too much for the prisoner, and that he became what was known as temporarily insane. He submitted to them that, without violating their oath, they could find the prisoner was not responsible for the extraordinary deeds which he did in the Bedlington Inn.
The judge in summing up the evidence, said that when they came to consider the circumstances of Sgt Barton’s death, it was quite plain that if the prisoner was not insane, the killing of Sgt Barton was a murder. Mr Waugh did not suggest anything of the contrary, but rested the whole of his defence upon the state of mind of the prisoner, by which he sought to evade what was the ordinary presumption of law, that every man was responsible for his own acts, and must be deemed to contemplate the consequences of his own acts. They had to consider whether to be satisfied that he was suffering from a defect of reason so that he did not know what the nature and quality of the act was.
Dealing with this point, his Lordship asked whether the jury could accept the statement that the fact, that Mr Irons had told the prisoner in substance that
the deposit had been forfeited was such a matter as to unhinge the man’s mind to the extent to which the law required it to unhinge. He also pointed out that they had not had the assistance of a medical gentleman to tell them what the effect of the two explosions in America had had upon Amos’s mind. The defence had referred to the purposeless of the murders, and the prosecution suggested that the prisoner had determined to shoot Mr Irons, and for that purpose prevented Mrs Amos from taking the gun out of the house. The murder of Mrs Grice, said the commissioner, remained a mystery. While Mr Waugh relied on that as confirmation of the statement made by the prisoner that he in such a state of frenzy and excitement as to not know what he was doing, the prisoner was in a state of control when he allowed Mrs Craggs to depart. He appeared to have lit a cigarette. Did that show that the alleged frenzy and excitement under which it was suggested he was suffering was not of the aggravated character which the prisoner would seek them to believe he was inHis Lordship concluded by saying that a sympathy with the prisoner was, perhaps, a laudable thing, he did not say whether it was or not, but they must not forget after all, the widows and children of all the persons who had been killed. They must not be guided in any way by their sympathy with the prisoner, neither, he suggested, should they be guided by any sympathy with the relations of the men killed. They must not be guided by sympathy, but by commonsense and sense of duty. They must carefully and dispassionately consider the verdict.
The jury then retired, and after eight minutes, returned with a verdict of, “Guilty of wilful murder.” Amos was then asked if he had anything to say why
sentence of death should not be passed on him, the prisoner replied, “I don’t remember anything. They were good friends of mine.”
In passing sentence, his Lordship said. Prisoner at the bar you have after careful consideration by the jury, been convicted of a cruel murder of a police
sergeant, who appears to have given to his important duties and executed them with much zeal and discretion, as well as courage. Those qualities were
certainly exhibited in a very marked degree in the endeavour to do his duty on this day. Your crime seems to me to have been somewhat aggravated by
the additional killing of the two other persons, namely, Police Constable Mussell and Mrs Grice. For the particular crime of which you have been in fact
now convicted, the law provides one sentence and one sentence only. His Lordship then passed sentence of death.
Amos received the sentence quite calmly and as he left for the cells below he waved his hand to some friends sitting behind. Mr Freedman asked permission for the prisoner’s father and brother to have an interview with the condemned man before he was removed, and his Lordship, granted the application.
