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Birth:Jun. 30, 1933Death:Jan. 28, 1953
Execution Victim. Considered the victim of one of the greatest miscarriages of British justice. He suffered from epilepsy, had been injured during the War when a bomb fell on his house, was unable to read or write, had an IQ. of 66 and the mental age of a four year old. He had never been in any trouble with the law, except for two minor offences of petty theft for which he was bound over to keep the peace, until the November 2, 1952, when he and a boy of sixteen, Christopher Craig, broke into the premises of Barlow and Parker's wholesale confectionery warehouse in Tamworth Road, Croydon (demolished in 1977 and replaced by houses) and climbed onto the roof in order to gain entrance through the skylight. Before they could do so, the police arrived. Bentley surrendered at once, but Craig produced a .455 Eley ; not, as is often claimed, a Colt .45. Bentley shouted "Let him have it, Chris" (although this is under dispute) and Craig shot Police Constable Fairfax in the shoulder. Armed reinforcements were called and the first to arrive, Police Constable Sidney Miles was shot dead. At the trial, both Craig and Bentley were found guilty of murder although, in Bentley's case, the jury added a recommendation of mercy. Craig was too young to be hanged and served ten years. It was expected that Bentley would be granted a reprieve, but none was forthcoming. Bentley was buried in Wandsworth Prison until 1966, when his remains were re-interred in Croydon Cemetery. Ironically, that was where P.C. Miles's ashes had been scattered. However, his parents and his sister Iris were not allowed to have the words "A Victim of English Justice" inscribed on his tombstone. Consequently, there was no marker until a few years ago. In 1992, the Conservative Government refused to re-open the case, but one of the first acts of Tony Blair's Labour Government was to grant Derek Bentley a posthumous pardon. At the time of the execution, Reginald Paget, the Labour M.P. for Northampton, had summed up the case as follows : "The great condemnation of the German people was that they stood aside and did nothing when dreadful things happened. Now, a three-quarter witted boy of nineteen is to be hanged for a murder he did not commit and which was committed fifteen minutes after he was arrested. Can we be made to keep silent when a thing as horrible and as shocking as this is to happen?
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When did Derek Bentley case die?
Derek Bentley case died on 1953-01-28.
Is derek bentleys brother still alive?
Derek Bentley's brother, who was named Kenneth Bentley, passed away in 1996. Kenneth was the only sibling of Derek, who was executed in 1953 for his involvement in a robbery that resulted in a police officer's death. Kenneth Bentley was known to have actively campaigned for his brother's posthumous pardon.
Was Derek Bentley innorcent?
Derek Bentley was controversially convicted of murder in 1952 for his involvement in a robbery that resulted in the death of a police officer, despite not firing the gun himself. Bentley had a learning disability and was deemed to have acted under duress, leading many to argue that he was not fully responsible for his actions. Over the years, public opinion and legal assessments have increasingly viewed him as a victim of a flawed justice system. In 1998, Bentley was posthumously pardoned, highlighting the ongoing debate about his innocence.
What happened is the trial of derek bentley?
Derek Bentley was tried in 1952 for his involvement in the fatal shooting of a police officer during a burglary in Croydon, England. Although Bentley did not fire the gun himself, he was charged with murder under the controversial doctrine of "joint enterprise," as he allegedly encouraged his accomplice to shoot. The trial attracted significant public attention and controversy, leading to Bentley's conviction and subsequent execution by hanging. In 1998, he was posthumously pardoned, and in 2002, his conviction was quashed, highlighting issues of justice and the legal system's treatment of individuals with intellectual disabilities.
How tall is Wes Bentley?
Wes Bentley is 5' 11".
Where did Derek Bentley live?
Derek Bentley the last man to be hung in Britain lived in Croydon
When did Derek Bentley case die?
Derek Bentley case died on 1953-01-28.
When was Derek Bentley case born?
Derek Bentley case was born on 1933-06-30.
What year was Derek bentley hung?
On 28 January 1953, Derek Bentley was hung at London's Wandsworth Prison
What is the birth name of Fonzworth Bentley?
Fonzworth Bentley's birth name is Derek Watkins.
What were the names of Derek bentleys parents?
Derek Bentley's parents were George Bentley and Mary Bentley. They played a significant role in his life, particularly in the context of the events surrounding his controversial trial and execution for murder in 1953.
What did christopher Craig ask Derek bentley to do?
be friends
Is derek bentleys brother still alive?
Derek Bentley's brother, who was named Kenneth Bentley, passed away in 1996. Kenneth was the only sibling of Derek, who was executed in 1953 for his involvement in a robbery that resulted in a police officer's death. Kenneth Bentley was known to have actively campaigned for his brother's posthumous pardon.
What where the names of derek bentleys family?
Mum = Doris Dad = Wilberforce sister = Judith brother 1 = Moris brother 2 = Horis brother 3 = Boris
Where did derek bently live?
Derek Bentley lived in Croydon, a town in South London, England. His life was marked by his involvement in a controversial criminal case in 1952, which ultimately led to his execution. Bentley's case garnered significant attention and debate regarding the use of the death penalty in the UK.
Was Derek Bentley innorcent?
Derek Bentley was controversially convicted of murder in 1952 for his involvement in a robbery that resulted in the death of a police officer, despite not firing the gun himself. Bentley had a learning disability and was deemed to have acted under duress, leading many to argue that he was not fully responsible for his actions. Over the years, public opinion and legal assessments have increasingly viewed him as a victim of a flawed justice system. In 1998, Bentley was posthumously pardoned, highlighting the ongoing debate about his innocence.
What was Derek bently famous for?
Derek Bentley was famously known for his controversial execution in 1953 for his role in a robbery that led to the death of a police officer. Despite being present during the crime, Bentley did not fire the fatal shot; instead, he reportedly shouted "Let him have it, Derek," which was interpreted as encouragement for his accomplice to shoot. His case became a significant point of debate regarding the death penalty and issues of mental health, as Bentley had learning difficulties. In 1998, he was posthumously pardoned, and his conviction was quashed, highlighting the miscarriage of justice in his case.
