johndawsonjune1955

Hi Tony. As promised that pic of Phoenix Row. Also known as Piss Pot Row. It was said to be a dirty place. The photograph shows milk being delivered to Phoenix Row, Bedlington Station around 1910. A boy could earn a few pence per week helping the milkman on his daily rounds. The colliery houses in this row were built in the late 1850's and had one room down, one room up, and a pantry.

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. Post more Thursday , Hope you are all finding it interesting. Sorry its taking so long, but i will get it up for you all eventually.

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?.

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.

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. 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.

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. Pic is of Newcastle Gaol

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.

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 ?.

The pic is of Amos 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. 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.

Haha. Yes, it looks so. But doing a bit every day as i am not so well in health. I will get there eventually as its an important piece of history and 100 years in April. I can't let the forum readers down as i won't be around for the 200th. Mind you, Malcolm will

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.

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.

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. The pic is of Amos's legal reprsentative (Swinburn G Wilson)

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. 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 pic is of Sgt. Barton's remains entering the cemetary.

The funeral of the unfortunate officers took place during the afternoon of Friday 16th April 1913. 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 yearsâ€; and "George Bertram Mussell, died April 15th, 1913, aged 30 years.â€

Inspector Hutchinson, stationed at Blyth, said, on Tuesday he went to Bedlington to engage in the search for the prisoner, who, he was told, had escaped. He came in the direction of Bedlington to meet Inspector Culley, who suggested to him that they should examine a sewer underneath the road in Church Lane. The culvert leading to the sewer is about 18 yards long and two feet in diameter. They examined the ditch leading to the culvert and footprints. They then asked a miner who was with them and had a gun, to fire one shot into the culvert. The miner discharged the gun into the culvert. There was then a noise, but the prisoner did not come out. They asked the miner to fire another shot, but to fire near the side of the culvert, and that was done. Immediately afterwards prisoner rushed out and threw up his hands, saying he would surrender. He was then arrested. Inspector Culley stationed at Bedlington, said , at about 3.40 pm on Tuesday afternoon he proceeded to the Sun Inn when he learnt that Amos had run away. He went in search of him in the fields behind the Inn. He there met Inspector Hutchinson and they went together to the culvert where it was suspected Amos was in hiding. He heard a shot fired and then a shout, "He is here.†Prisoner then came out and Inspector Hutchinson and P. C. Smith arrested him. He asked the prisoner what he had done with the gun and Amos replied, "It is there.†The weapon was afterwards found in the culvert. When the gun was examined at the police station that morning, it was found to be locked, and there was a cartridge in the barrel, but the gun could not be used. Continuing his evidence, Inspector Culley said he visited the Sun Inn in company with Supt Tough, and in the bar he saw the body of Mrs Grice, who had been shot on the right side of the head. In the kitchen he saw the body of Sgt Barton, who was shot in the left breast. He also saw the body of P. C. Mussell, who had been shot in the neck and right shoulder. Amos who seemed dazed and looked haggard and miserable was asked if he had a reason to give why he should not be remanded, he just shook his head.

Malcolm you got your discount

will continue this later thanks for reading, i hope this is giving everyone an insight into this story. Many years research done for this.

Then there was shooting and Mr Irons ran out of the house and sought the services of Sgt Barton, who came to the public house and went in. What happened exactly no one could tell. Sgt Barton went to the rear of the premises, and whilst there a witness saw the prisoner in the back gate with a gun in his hand. That witness had tried to persuade the prisoner to put the gun down. The Prisoner refused and threatened the civilian, then Sgt Barton appeared at the back gate coming from the inside. The witness heard the prisoner tell Sgt Barton if he took another step he would shoot him. The Sergeant lifted his left foot to take a step and the prisoner deliberately fired at the Sgt. Afterwards the witness entered the house and found the bodies. In another part of the public house the body of Mrs Grice was found. Mrs Grice was going to take over the house and was in the act of descending the cellar in the bar when she was shot by the prisoner. With the consent of the Bench , the Supt said he would call evidence of arrest and that of another officer, and asked that prisoner be remanded until April 22nd.

With regards to the facts of the case, it would appear that John Amos had been Manager of the Sun Inn at Bedlington which was owned by a Newcastle gentleman Mr Wood Irons, the defendant acting as Manager for some months. It had been Mr Irons duty to look after the stock, and they would find from the facts when the case was gone into fully that there had been little matters of difference in regard to the stock, and Mr Irons had come to the conclusion he would have to alter the management, and on the previous day he had brought in Mr Grice to take over the management in the place of the prisoner, who was to be given a week's salary . Some little things happened which had not suited the prisoner, and from words that passed, Mr Irons deemed it advisable to seek police protection. On Tuesday afternoon, the prisoner's conduct was such that Mr Irons requested P .C. Mussell to accompany him to the public house and P. C. Mussell did so, and for a time it seemed there would have been no trouble at all. Everything was going smoothly evidently.

At a special court held at Bedlington on, Wednesday, April 16th, in the afternoon, John Amos was formally charged with unlawfully killing and murdering, George Bertram Mussell, Thomas Barton and Sarah Grice. The magistrates were Messrs. J. G. Weeks (chairman), Ald. A. Fairbairn and John Caine. There were not less than seventeen newspaper correspondents present. Amos was assisted to his place in the dock. His head was swathed in bandages from the injuries he had sustained while being arrested. Amos watched the proceedings silently, and listened intently as Supt Tough stated the main facts against him. Supt Tough remarked that he would give, shortly, some of the facts of that unfortunate charge. He went on to say that he had been instructed by the Chief Constable to ask to be allowed to express the sincere Sympathy of the Chief Constable with the deceased officers families, and he had wished him particularly to say that the Chief Constable had not been at all surprised at the manner in which Sgt Barton and P.C. Mussell had behaved in face of what would afterwards be detailed in face of a man with a gun and the possibility of their being shot. Their previous actions in the force would justify him in expecting they would have acted as they had done. Supt Tough proceeded to state that perhaps he might be allowed to express the Chief Constables sympathy with the deceased woman's relations and personally the whole of the force in the North of England would endorse the sentiments he had expressed.

P. C. Mussell was a trustworthy, capable officer, who was destined for speedily promotion. Of splendid physique, he was said to be an attraction in himself. Although his muscular propensities may have stood him good stead in times of difficulty, he was never the one to take advantage of anyone. Sadly he was only married just over a year, and to his young widow every sympathy would have been felt. Both the officers resided at the Bedlington Police Station. Mr Grice was also in a state of shock, he was in another part of the house when the tragedy occurred. He only saw his wife after she had been shot. (This is a very interesting letter) The vicar of Bedlington, The Rev R J Pearce, wrote to the, Blyth News and Wansbeck Telegraph, over his concerns from the tragedy. He wrote, The recent tragedy at Bedlington seems to lend special force to cry, often heard before and unheeded, that our police force ought to be allowed the protection of firearms in the execution of their duty. As the law now stands, the vilest of criminal, the man who from youth up has never learned to control his passions, the most unscrupulous evildoer, is permitted to carry deadly weapons unquestioned. But those who have to preserve our lives and property from felonious assaults are absolutely forbidden the needful protection against fatal attacks. Surely this state of things ought to be remedied and remedied at once. (An argument which is still ongoing today )

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