The Derek Bentley case was a heinous travesty of Western jurisprudence. He was hanged because there was a legal loophole which allowed it, and the authorities demanded blood because of PC Sidney Miles was killed. True, Bentley was accomplice of Craig. But he was at best subjectively culpable on the crime - he participated in the burglary of the warehouse - but he was by no means objectively culpable - he did not take part in the PC Miles's murder as he had been arrested already. His degree of guilt was far lower than that of Craig. Likewise, the mens rea clause would have not been fulfilled with him. He was neither fully culpable nor had intention to murder. He should by no means have been hanged. He should have been charged only from armed robbery and sent to prison for some years or to state hospital. But having him hanged was a gross miscarriage of justice.

JUSTICE TO LATE I LOST A BROTHER IN 77 SAME ILLNES AS YOU EASILY LED HE WASANT HUNG OF COURSE BUT HUNG HIS SELF CRAIG GOT OFF THAT DAY AND NO DOUT IS SUFFERING DAILY

i just watched the film about you and i was so upset you got hanged for somthing you never did i cried when i saw rest in peace and for a 19 year old boy you was brave xxx R.I.Pxxxx

This is a music video promo of my animation short movie currently at the Edinburgh International Film Festival, Craig and Bentley - Joint Enterprise. The movie is registered, copywritten to me and is listed on the IMDB Synopsis; it follows the path of two wayward youths from south london in 1953 who were tried and found guilty of murder although only one of the two, Christopher Craig, killed a policeman by the name of Syd Miles. The other youth was Derek William Bentley who was offered mercy by the jury wh

This is a reconstruction of the Last words Derek Bentley offered to his parents. It was not written by Derek but instead dictated by him to a warder at Wandsworth Prison on January 27th after visiting hours. Thus I have animated a representation of him lying on the cell bed chatting to a friendly warder taking his notes. It is likely that the warder stopped Derek on occasion to write at his own pace but I have made the animation as one monologue so that you can see what Derek looked like. He was known for

craig should have swung for what he did derrick did nothing at all to die rest in peace now derrick xx

i just saw the film let me have it 2day for the 1st time . it was heartbreaking. after seeing the film ive been researching derek bentley all day and i feel sickend by how calious the law was back then .. im pleased that his familes persistence payed off and that finally in 1998 derek was pardend ..still it was 40 odd years to late a pardons not going to undo the past or bring back an inconcent man from the dead but im sure it brought closure and peace to his familly memebers who are alive .. although his parents and eldest sister have past on .. who knows maybe they've been reunited in another life . we can only hope

dashing girl

14 years ago

woops ment let him have it

Yes, his sister Joan was born in 1927 and killed in a bombing raid in 1940... Iris was born on 5th August 1931 and died on 23rd January 1997 and his younger brother Denis was born on 18th August 1942.... he had a brother with Down's Syndrome who was born in 1946 and died in 1947....

Did Derek have any siblings, if yes older or younger? and also Did bentley look up to craig?- I hope you can help me as I have to write an essay on the event and why i think he shouldnt have been hung. Thanks

sarah Giblin

15 years ago

Have you tried reading Miscarriages of Justice by John J Eddleston. There's a whole chapter about Derek in there - he tries to prove why it was a miscarriage of justice. I think it's available to buy on Pen & Sword website. Hope this helps.

sarah Giblin

15 years ago

Have you tried reading Miscarriages of Justice by John J Eddleston. There's a whole chapter about Derek in there - he tries to prove why it was a miscarriage of justice. I think it's available to buy on Pen & Sword website. Hope this helps.

Kay Starr - The Wheel Of Fortune 1952 50s 50er