Daddy! Quick! Over here!
Help me! It's Derek! He's under here!
He's under here! Quick, get him out!
- Alright! - Help me, please, Daddy!
- Derek! Derek! - There's someone under there.
Get this stuff away.
Derek.
Is he alright? Get some more help!
- Careful. - Take it easy.
- It's alright. - Don't worry, son.
- We'll get you out. - Can you hear me? Derek!
It's me!
Come on!
Oi, Derek!
Oi! Get off!
Come on!
Look.
- It's fluorescent. - Hey!
Yes!
- What the bloody hell?! - Shit! The watchman.
Hey!
What are you doing?!
I'll teach you, you bloody vandal!
Oh, my gawd!
Easy, son, Easy!
Educationally Derek has not been progressing
and, as you know, his fits have been getting worse.
Taking into account his low intelligence and his epilepsy,
we have decided he should be allowed home,
though it's unusual for a boy to be released so early in his sentence.
It will be up to you to make sure he stays out of trouble.
He should never have been put here in the first place.
He was caught stealing tools.
We brought him up to tell the truth and he told us he was just playing.
Do you know what the magistrate asked him to do?
He asked him to spell "fluorescent".
Fluorescent. I can't spell it, can you?
Derek has a low intelligence quotient that's part of the problem.
It makes him easy prey to bad elements here.
Derek knows how to look after himself.
Just remember his sentence isn't over.
He'll be back here if there's any trouble. The probation officer
- will make certain of that. - More than likely.
- Oh! - Come on!
Oh, look, it's the canary. Yellow canary!
- Hello, Danny. - Yellow canary!
- Had your hair done again, Iris? - Yes.
- You look beautiful. - Thanks.
- Forget her, let's play football. - Yeah! Come on!
Hello, Max.
Go on.
Shhh! Max!
Derek.
Shhh! Max! I've got those comics for you.
Thanks, sis.
Come on, Derek, you don't want to be all on your own, do you?
Cor! You could smoke kippers in here!
Don't start, Iris.
He's been going on at me again, about getting a job and...
.. paying my own way.
I bumped into Gordon Lewis.
I told him you'd been home a year and haven't set foot outside once.
He asked if you were dead.
That's what all your old friends must think, Derek.
Gordon don't wanna hang about with a bloke what's been to approved school.
You're daft, Derek.
You know Dad don't like you doing that.
It's not fair, is it? The dogs and cats get to smoke in the house.
Susie must be on 20 a day in this room.
- Come on, give us that fag. - No, she wants another puff.
You're the one who'll get a puff, off Dad when I tell him.
- You wouldn't do that. - Sure I would.
Ah, yes! Look what I found!
- Dad, look what I found. - That's nice, son.
You'll have an aerial sticking out the top of your head
if you spend much more time in here, son.
Daylight raid on saloon bar.
Cosh and pepper bandits in pay grab.
Fight to save stiletto victim.
Those were the headlines from last night's "Evening Post".
Commenting in parliament,...
In America it seems two eras may have come to an end.
In the world of politics,
President Truman relieved General Douglas MacArthur of all command,
and in boxing, Sugar Ray Robinson
relieved Jake La Motta of the world...
.. my way
Will this be my day?
Oh, wheel of fortune
Please don't pass me by
Let me know the magic of
A kiss and a sigh
While the wheel is spinning, spinning, spinning
I'll not dream of winning
Fortune or even fame
While the wheel is turning, turning, turning
I'll be yearning, yearning for love's precious flame
Oh, wheel of fortune
I'm hoping somehow
If you ever smile on me
Please, let it be now
While the wheel is spinning, spinning, spinning
I'll not dream of winning
Fortune or even fame
While the wheel is turning, turning, turning
I'll be yearning, yearning for love's precious flame
- Oh, wheel... - No.
I can't remember the bloody thing.
Great song, though. I wish I knew the words.
How about going and getting it?
If we don't tell mum and dad, there won't be a song and dance about it.
Can't you just get it for me?
No. I can't.
Derek, you've been in a year. I've never nagged you, have I?
Come on, Derek, let's go.
You look around, I'm just popping into Woolies.
- Alright? - Let's go, Iris.
- Have you got your record? - No, it don't matter.
Come on, Derek.
- Hello, Iris. - Stella.
This is my brother, Derek. What was it you wanted, Derek?
- Have you got Wheel of Fortune? - Kay Starr? Sure.
- How's that boy you're seeing? - Who, Johnny?
I'm not going about with him no more. His car's off the road.
- Fancy her, do you, Derek? - Yeah, she's alright.
.. smile on me
Please, let it be now
Well, we're gonna have to think about getting you a job.
You'll be able to buy more records when you've got money in your pocket.
Your mum and I are ever so pleased.
- I'll take the dogs for a walk. - Why not?
Turn that off first though, son.
Judy. Judy. Prince. Go on.
Hands up, buster!
Against the wall.
Get down!
- You cheeky little bleeder! - Derek, can't you take a joke?
How'd you know my name?
I like to keep tabs on all the local muscle.
Christopher Craig. You've been keeping a low profile.
Lying low, eh? What's it like in the slammer?
It wasn't the slammer, it was an approved school.
Are you soft or something?
Is that soft?
Tommy-gun slugs.
See how it feels.
No, it's alright.
I'd been up and down your road a hundred times trying to catch you.
I've got some jobs planned, thought I'd cut you in.
Welcome to the underworld.
- What underworld? - I followed you from the corner.
That's where I hang out.
- You're a bloody idiot! - That's not very nice, is it, Derek?
I think I'll kill myself.
- Oi! Leave it out, Chris. - Just chill out.
Here's your milkshake.
Two teas.
One minute.
Bah!
Hold it, buster!
- Not you again? - What you up to, then?
- I've gotta get some things. - I'll give you a hand, then.
Thank you, Mr Watts. Come on, Mary.
- Morning. - Hello, young Derek.
A pound of sausages, please.
Is that all?
Er... lamb chops.
- Four. - Someone off their food?
There's five of you Bentleys, ain't there?
Yeah, five. I meant five.
Which one is it?
It's that one.
There we are.
Wrong coupon, Derek.
Give me the book.
- Come on. - Gotta get this stuff back.
Don't be so windy. Come in and meet the gang.
Derek Bentley, Vincent Montgomery.
- Hello. - Terry Stringer.
How do?
Let the man sit down.
- What happened to your eye? - Oh, you know my old man,
he give me a right talking to the other night.
Still,... he won't be doing that for a while.
I was thinking of flogging 'em later.
Oh, that'll make you rich.
Hey, I like these. You got good taste.
Yeah, or he can't read,... like you.
Hey! Shut your mouth, college boy.
Yeah, you gonna make me, wise guy?!
I'll make you!
Hey!
It's the Velvet Kid!
See the pyramids along the Nile
And watch the sunrise on a tropic isle
But just remember, darling, all the while
- You belong to me - He's got a new car!
I know, I helped him choose it.
- Oh, yeah! - Yeah.
Is that Stella from the record shop?
Could be. Must be Niven's new piece of stuff. That's my brother.
You're talking to the brother of the Velvet Kid.
- How'd he get her? - With the car of course, dimbo.
- He's flash with the cash. - She's easy.
And she's easy.
I could square it with Niv if you wanted to have a shot at her.
I don't suppose he'd mind if you're a pal of mine.
Charlie! Charlie!
Swapsies!
Shut up!
Best piece you can get, perfectly balanced.
- Why'd you wanna swap it then? - Cos I got three of 'em.
Let's see what you got.
bloody hell!
Bit knackered, innit?
Yep, so would you be if you'd been shot down.
Bollocks!
Come on, what else you throwing in, Chris?
- Thought you'd appreciate this lot. - Nice. Oi! Hands off.
- Done? - Yeah, done.
Alright. I thought you said you had some ammo in this?
Who'd have the gear for one of them?
- You mean you've never fired it? - Yeah, with. 38s.
You file 'em down, they work alright.
I doubt it.
Whoa! Run!
- Johnno's coming! - Get back! Go on!
Open your desks.
Thank you, Mr Capone.
A Wolsey.
It's a long time since I've seen one of these.
What have I told you about bringing guns in?
- Not to, sir. - That's right.
Again I have to tell you.
You never seem to learn.
And what about bullets?
I didn't tell you to shut your desks, did I?
If you'd have fired this gun, you would have shot your head off.
I want every gun on my desk. Now!
Move!
Thanks!
This place is massive.
You don't miss a trick, do you, Derek?
It's a smashing car.
Oi, you smoke, don't you? Help yourself.
Nah, that's alright.
I could do with a car like this.
Get in.
Niv's had some pretty close scrapes in this.
You'll never take me alive!
Watch what you're doing, Del!
- You'll have the bogeys down on us. - Maybe worse than that, pal.
What the fuck do you think you're playing at?
Just visiting, Niv.
It's past your bedtime, little brother.
We're not fucking playing games down here, you know!
- What shall we do with him? - Dip him in the river.
- The river it is. - Niv!
- Fuck! - Who are you?
This is my mate, Derek.
- Niven. Big Cecil. - Ce-cil.
Get out of the car.
Get out!
- So you're Derek, are you? - Yeah.
Pleased to meet you.
Store's open, Derek. Help yourself.
He said to wish you happy birthday.
Oh,... isn't that nice?
Well, he got the brand right.
- What's wrong? - They're stolen.
- He's given me stolen cigarettes. - You can't be sure, Will.
- Yeah? - Is Derek in?
- He's in Croydon. Who are you? - Chris Craig.
- A pal of his are you, Chris? - Yeah. You might say that.
I'll go up town, see if I can find him.
- Were you with him last night? - Anything wrong in that?
I dunno, it depends what you got up to.
- What's that supposed to mean? - Don't take that tone with me.
- You're off your rocker. - Derek's been ill all his life,
and it's given us a lot of trouble. We don't want any more.
Surely you don't think I'll get him into trouble?
You keep out of Derek's way. Don't call here for him again.
Off you go.
There we go.
Spend all that money building a fucking flying saucer
just to show us how great the future is!
And we've still got bleeding rationing!
What right have they to spend so much of the taxpayers' money
just to tell us how great everything is?
Money ought to be in people's pockets.
Where we can get at it.
Here's your pal.
What's doing then?
- Hark the coruscated oriole! - Get off! It cost a bomb!
Style don't come cheap, Derek.
In your case it might prove exorbitant.
- It's bloody stupid! - What?
What's the idea? You can't go to the flicks dressed like that.
Terry's right. Derek's letting the side down.
You've got to have the image if you're gonna go about with us.
I can start you off in the right direction, Derek.
Come round here.
Oh! Oh, look at that.
Try it on, Derek. There's nothing wrong with it,
it's just I tend to change my get-up almost as often as I change my women.
It's made out of the stuff that don't crease.
You need a hat. Borrow this one for a while.
- Oh, lovely. - Cheers.
I'll get myself one, give you this back.
We gotta blow.
- See you, Derek. - Catch you later, brats.
There you go, Derek, you're one of us. Let's go.
They use real guns in these American movies, you know.
- What? Is this a gangster film? - Well, it ain't a bleeding musical.
Get out of it.
Get off, Judy! Oi!
Go on.
Where'd you get the jacket?
- Have you been with Craig? - Did he come round here?
Yeah.
Don't worry about him, Dad, he's just barmy, that's all.
Just a minute, son. Where'd you get your gear?
- I bought it. - With what?
Me wages, I've been saving.
- How much was it, then? - I forgot.
It must have been cheap if you could buy me cigarettes as well.
What you done with the bill?
Look, Dad, what's the matter?
Is there something wrong with me trying to look smart or something?
Alright, son, you bought it, but you better not be lying to me.
I don't think much of the hairstyle either.
Leave him alone, Dad. All the boys look like that now.
Don't you worry, Derek.
Why can't you leave him be? He'll be alright.
Yes, well, we've had a few of these before
and they've all turned out to be forgeries.
People trying to dodge their National Service.
That's from my doctor.
It's OK, we've got the equipment here to check if you're really epileptic.
I've had the test before. I don't wanna do it again.
Put that cigarette out, please.
Close your eyes now.
He wouldn't have enjoyed it in the army.
It's the one place he could've got on.
No offence to you, but he needs to get away from the apron strings.
- What d'you mean by that? - It's plain enough.
What you talking about?!
What have I done wrong with the boy? Brought him up badly have I?
You want him sent to Korea or Malaya to get his head blown off,
that'll teach him to be a man?
Of course it won't, Lil. It's just this Grade Four.
Who are these people to shove him on the rubbish heap?!
They've put him down as subnormal!
Subnormal?
- He's just no good at tests. - Derek!
Derek! Derek!
- What you doing here? - The bogeys have been at my house!
Niv's gang pulled a job at Waltham Abbey. Now they're looking for 'em.
- Jesus! - Come on, sneak out!
- I know where they're hiding. - Why, what we gonna do?
We're gonna go down there and see if they need any help. Come on!
Get your filthy hands off me!
You're sleeping, copper!
Come on!
- That's my brother! - Come on!
Fuck! See you, boys!
- Come on! - Get him in handcuffs!
What's your problem?
- Get the fuck off me! - Get him in! Get in!
You're gonna get it, bitch! You fucking fingered me!
You alright, kiddo?
- What's up? - Nothing.
- Are you upset about Niven? - Do I look like I'm crying?
I had my National Service medical yesterday.
- Yeah? - They said I was subnormal.
You ain't subnormal, Del.
You ain't normal, but you ain't subnormal.
- My dad's annoyed about it. - You don't wanna let him bother you.
I'm going catch it, alright. We've been out all night.
- What, does he wallop you? - No.
He wouldn't do that.
If my dad ever walloped me, he'd find out about trouble.
Come on, let's get going.
Come on.
For Christ's sakes, Derek!
What the hell you think you're playing at, huh?!
So what, are you a salesman?
What do you sell, then? Used bog brushes?
Smells like it.
Maybe you'd like me to drop you off at the police station, huh?
Just round the corner'll do me.
Which house is it?
- Huh? - Just pull up.
Del! Del!
- Del. Del! Del! - What are you doing, man?
- Watch my car! - Del! Del!
- Go get some help. Go on! - Del!
Help! Quick, man!
A doctor! For God's sake, get a doctor!
You've done the right thing, you know,
making up your mind to stay in and keeping away from them boys.
I know they're not as bad as Dad says, but...
Dad scared me.
I don't ever want to go back to approved school.
Thank you. Oi, Derek. Stop smoking and come and help.
- Alright, sis. - Here, take this as well.
Come on, muscle man, let's see what you're made of.
Very cosy, Derek.
Go away, Craig.
I'm talking to your fucking brother.
- Don't you talk to her like that. - Derek, let's go.
You been keeping away from me so you can play happy bloody families?
Chris, mind your own business. I'll see you when I want to.
My brother don't want to go round with you no more.
- Well, Del? - Look, fuck off!
You thick bastard!
You're a useless bastard and a fucking traitor!
I have watched you carefully in the course of this trial
and can say that I do not remember in some 17 years on the bench
trying various crimes of violence, a young man of your age
who struck me as being so determined as you have impressed me as being.
You are not only cold-blooded, but it is clear from this case
that you would shoot down any police officer
who was attempting to arrest you or, indeed, any lawful citizen
who tried to prevent you from committing some felony
which you had in hand.
I have little doubt that you held the gun in this robbery.
And the man standing next to you in the dock
was simply taking your instructions.
You are... a dangerous man.
I sentence you to 12 years' imprisonment.
- Bye-bye for now. - Yes, goodbye from Ben. God bless.
Bye.
Mr Justice Hillberry at the Old Bailey yesterday
- sentenced Niven Craig, 26,... - Derek?
.. and Cecil Burley, 27, to 12 years' imprisonment for armed robbery.
Craig was also convicted of possessing an automatic pistol
with intent to endanger life at the time he was arrested
at Kensington Gardens Square, Paddington.
Thank God we got you away from that Craig.
They're obviously wrong 'uns, the lot of 'em.
His parents and younger brother were present at the sentencing.
- What d'you want? Clear off! - I'm sorry about Niven.
- Come on out. Let's do something. - I don't wanna do nothing with you!
You ain't no pal of mine. Stick with your fucking family!
Come on, Chris, it ain't been easy for me.
Fuck off!
There you are, Derek. Give my regards to your mum.
Derek!
Wrong coupon again.
This one's for the fish shop.
Give me the one for the butcher's.
Hello, boys.
Hello, Derek. What exciting things have you been up to?
Me and Chris did a job last week. It got in the paper.
Well, I've got a job lined up.
I got the keys to the butcher's in Tamworth Road.
Tell Chris any time he fancies it.
- Alright? - Yeah.
Denis, I've told you before, bedtime.
Alright, Mum.
Headache any better?
- Is Derek in? - No, Derek's not in.
I thought you were told not to come round here.
You keep away from him. Alright?
That was that Craig again! I told him you were out.
Alright, Ma. Thanks.
He's the one who ought to be in the army, Will, all his silly talk.
He'll get a flea in his ear if he comes round here again tonight.
Spoiling our Sunday evening!
Once again let's say welcome to "What's My Line"?
We'll start by introducing the experts.
Top of the table, David Nixon.
I'll handle this.
- Isobel Barnett. - Good evening.
- Barbara Kelly. - Hello.
- Oh, Mr Bentley. - Sorry, son, I don't know you.
No, sir. My name's Vincent Montgomery, I'm a friend of Derek's.
How do you do?
I was wondering if Derek would like to come out for a walk.
Have a look at the bonfire on the common.
Vincent? I'm surprised Derek's never mentioned you.
Oh, we haven't known each other very long.
I see. Well, he's had a rotten headache today,
so I'll have to see how he's feeling.
But if he's not up to it, you're welcome to call any time.
Oh, my friends call me Monty, sir.
Monty, eh?
- Come in. - Thanks.
Young chap called Monty wondering if you fancy a walk.
Go on, son, get your coat. It'll be good for your headache.
Oh, hello, Derek.
- OK, Chris. - Thanks, Monty.
I hear you got a job lined up for us.
Come on,... let's get going.
There's a Tony Curtis on at the Astoria at nine.
- I'll like to make it. - Shut up, Terry.
We're out on a job of Derek's. We're not gonna rush it, right, Del?
Even if it is a Tony Curtis.
You be in charge, Chris.
Come on, guys, let's go!
They'll be necking in a minute.
I'll see you later!
Seems like a nice quiet night for it.
Yeah!
Made it myself. Like it?
Christ!
I made it for you. Keep it. You might need it later.
- Shit! - Oh, great!
What are we gonna do now then?
- Well? - Fuck it!
I'm going up the Astoria, you lot can do what you like.
- Suppose you're gonna go too? - Yeah, I think I might.
- This is a botch job. - Great. Some gang we are.
Off you fuck, then!
- What we gonna do then? - Come on.
.. hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come,
Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses...
Mummy, Mummy, come and look!
- What is it, Victoria? - That man.
Yes, I see. What on earth's he doing?
Harry?
Come and have a look at this.
- I think I better tell the police. - Right.
What d'you think, Del? Reckon you can handle it?
Nah. Leave it. This is a waste of time.
- Don't be so windy. - Come on, Chris, let's blow.
Look, Del, are we gonna do this or what?
Or are you gonna piss off too?
You go first.
Come on, Del. It's alright.
Come on.
Croydon police station. Can I help you?
- Don't look down, dimwit. - Shut it!
Car 5Z. 5Z, come in.
5Z, are you receiving me?
5Z receiving. Over.
Proceed to Barlow & Parker's, Tamworth Road.
Two young men on the roof.
That's Barlow & Parker's, Tamworth Road. Over.
A new set of darts won't do you any good, Milo.
You never know.
Bring a ladder next time, Del.
- Don't fancy doing that again. - Don't worry, you won't have to.
Come on, wise guy, let's do it.
It's gotta be down there.
- Up there. On the roof, two of 'em. - We can see 'em from our window.
It's right opposite, you see.
- You go in the back. - Right.
What you got that for?
You wanna get down again, don't you?
Shit! Wait here.
We need the keys. Where does the owner live?
Down the road, second turning on the right.
- What's up? - Bogeys! They've come for us.
My dad's gonna kill me!
- Think they've got guns? - Don't be soft.
Christ! If they catch me with these!
I'm a police officer. Show yourselves.
If you want us, why don't you fucking well come and get us?
Don't be so bloody stupid!
- What are you doing? - Don't be stupid!
This place is surrounded, you hear me?
- Don't try anything, alright? - He's got a gun!
Don't fucking move!
Come on, son, game's up.
Get back, copper!
Give that thing to me.
Let him have it, Chris!
Move it!
Ah, shit!
Shut up!
Have you got a fucking gun too? Hey? What's this, hey?
What's this? You're under arrest, of course.
Jesus!
Hello, GW, this is car 2Z. We need help.
There are men armed and shooting at Barlow & Parker, Tamworth Road.
You ain't getting up here that way.
Break your neck doing that, copper!
Right, stand back. Stand well back.
Go home. There's nothing to see. Go home.
Let's get that ladder up. Come on!
- Come on! Move it! Come on! - Up there on the roof.
You're surrounded! Give yourself up!
I'm Craig! You've just given my brother 12 years!
- Milo. - I've got the keys.
The kid's off his head!
Come on, you brave coppers!
- Where are you, Bill? - We're on your right.
Kid's on the left!
Here, let me.
Milo?!
Milo?
You bastard!
Come on then, you fuckers! I'm only 16!
Give me a fucking gun!
Fucking... bastard!
You killed him!
Stay back!
You killed him!
Stay back or I'll blow your fucking head off as well!
I mean it!
Gotcha! You bastard!
You bastard!
You fuck! Fuck!
You fuck!
Fuck!
You fuck!
I wish I was fucking dead!
I'd have killed the fucking lot of you!
As in Adam, all die. Even so, in Christ shall all be made alive.
But every man in his own order. Christ, the first fruit...
Mrs Miles, Sir David Maxwell-Fyfe, the Home Secretary.
My sincerest condolences, Mrs Miles. Justice will be done!
My lord and members of the jury,
the charge against these two youths
is that on the night of November 2nd last,
they together murdered a police officer, Sidney George Miles.
You may have read in the press
of how these two young men were found on the roof of a building in Croydon,
how what was described as a Chicago-style gun battle ensued,
as a result of which one police constable was killed
and another wounded.
A spectacular jump by the boy Craig from the rooftop
as a result of which he was injured
and had to appear at the magistrates court on a stretcher.
The case for the crown is this and nothing less,
that Craig deliberately murdered PC Miles
and thereafter gloried in the murder
and only regretted that he had not shot more.
Bentley incited Craig to begin the shooting.
And although he was technically under arrest
at the time of the actual murder,
was nevertheless still mentally supporting Craig
in all that Craig continued to do.
And in English law, and you may say in common sense,
was in every sense party to that murder.
And this is where you stood?
Yes, sir.
Craig behind the lift head and Bentley just behind you?
- Yes, sir. - And what happened next?
Bentley shouted, Craig opened fire, I was hit in the shoulder.
And what was it Bentley shouted to cause Craig to fire?
I really must object. My learned friend is leading the witness.
It was a valid question, Mr Cassels. Please continue.
Mr Fairfax?
He shouted, "Let him have it, Chris!"
And what do you think he meant by that?
Shoot. Start firing.
Be quiet! I will not tolerate such noise!
You were hit in the shoulder and knocked down?
Yes, sir.
You recovered quickly and grabbed Bentley again?
Yes, sir.
Now, you were wounded and therefore more vulnerable.
Despite this, did Bentley make any attempt to attack you?
No, sir, I attacked him.
And when you took him to the top of the steps,
did he again do or say anything violent towards you?
No, sir.
Sergeant Fairfax, at this stage did you have hold of Bentley?
No, sir.
So he was free to run and join his friend if he had so wished,
even though you had just cautioned him?
Yes, I suppose so, sir.
Hmm. No further questions, my lord.
You may stand down, Mr Fairfax.
Should have killed that fucker as well.
I swear by Almighty God that the evidence I shall give to this court
shall be the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.
I swear by Almighty God that the evidence I shall give to this court
will be the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.
- What's your name? - Christopher Craig.
- Speak up. - Christopher Craig.
Now, between the age of 11 and your present age, 16,
how many firearms have you had?
40 or 50.
- Quiet! - I used to swap 'em at school.
- Why did you swap them? - Cos I liked 'em.
Did having them make you feel like one of the gangsters in the films?
Yes, sir.
And how often did you carry one around with you?
- Every day. - 40 or 50, do you mean?
Well, I didn't carry 'em all at the same time, sir.
So, then, was it unusual for you to be carrying one on that night?
Did Bentley know you had a gun?
Not that night, sir, not until I got it out on the roof.
- Are you a good shot? - No.
This is a case in which an officer of justice was murdered.
Shot.
If you are trying to prepare a case of manslaughter,
Craig was a bad shot so him killing PC Miles was an accident,
I'll tell the jury that that is no defence at all.
With respect, my lord, the argument is that Craig
was shooting to scare the police, not to hit them.
That is still to claim that it was an accident.
The gun didn't go off accidentally, he was firing at policemen.
Here is a selection of comments alleged made by you
during the days following your arrest.
"You're coppers! Ha! The other one's dead with a hole in his head!"
"If I hadn't cut a bit off the barrel of my gun,
I could have killed a lot more."
"That night I was out to kill because I had so much hate inside me
for what they did to my brother."
I never said any of that.
Various police officers have testified that you did
when you were in hospital.
It's not true.
On the way to the warehouse, Craig gave you a knuckle-duster.
Yes, sir.
Why?
I don't know, sir.
You do not know why he gave you the knuckle-duster?
Then why did you take it?
It's something I'd never had, sir, something that was given to me.
Now, Craig has admitted owning over 40 pistols.
Are you telling me you didn't know that your friend had any guns?
- No. - What do you mean?
I didn't know he had that many, sir.
But you knew he had at least one?
- The one he brought to the rooftop? - No.
Did you not agree beforehand to use this gun if there was trouble?
Not me, sir. I never thought he'd use it.
- So you did know he had a gun? - No.
And he started using that gun after you shouted,
- "Let him have it, Chris!" - No.
So the officers who heard you say that are wrong?
After Craig started firing did you ever shout out,
"For God's sake don't fire!" Or, "Shut up doing that"?
Can't remember, sir.
You incited Craig, didn't you?
I didn't say nothing. I didn't.
You did nothing to stop him shooting.
- No, sir. - You knew he was dangerous
well before you got on the roof.
- No. - And you had agreed to help.
That is why you had the knuckle-duster, to hit.
That is why you had a dagger, to stab.
That is why Craig carried a revolver, to shoot.
You two boys were heavily armed because you were prepared
to do anything to escape if caught in the crime you were committing.
Anything.
Let us turn to the fatal words of incitement.
"Let him have it, Chris!" "Let him... have it, Chris."
If we examine and think about Bentley's behaviour on the rooftop,
not struggling, standing alongside the police sergeant during the battle
and at no time attempting to escape,
surely these actions are more consistent
with the boy asking his friend to hand the gun back.
And I suggest, gentlemen of the jury, that, "Let him have it, Chris!",
meant, "Let him have the gun, Chris!"
And even if they were words of encouragement to shoot,
again they were said a full 20 minutes
before PC Miles arrived on the rooftop.
And during that period, the defendant, Derek Bentley,
was technically under arrest.
Bentley didn't have a gun.
He never shot anyone.
Neither did he show any resistance
to show that he was still part of this joint enterprise.
The two boys agreed to break into a warehouse,
not to shoot a policeman.
As I've already mentioned,
my learned friend urged us to use common sense in this case.
Well, I, too, gentlemen of the jury, urge you to use common sense
in acquitting Derek Bentley.
Let us put out of our minds in this case
any question of films or comics or literature of that sort.
These things are always prayed in aid nowadays
when young persons are in the dock,
but it really has very little to do with this case.
These youths are not children.
One is 16 the other 19.
It would be idle to suggest that they didn't know what they were doing.
Members of the jury, you have heard the testimony of three policemen
that Bentley called out, "Let him have it, Chris!"
And then the firing began.
And the very first shot struck Sergeant Fairfax.
Against this both Bentley and Craig deny these words were ever said.
All I will say is that these officers showed the highest gallantry,
they were conspicuously brave.
Are you going to say that they are conspicuous liars?
Because if their evidence is untrue
that Bentley called out, "Let him have it, Chris!",
then these three policemen
are doing their best to swear away the life of that boy.
These youths were armed to the teeth.
One carried a gun, ammunition and a dagger.
The other also had a dagger and... Where is that knuckle-duster?
This apparently was given to Bentley by Craig.
Have you ever seen a more horrible weapon?
If the blow with the steel is not enough,
you have this spike at the side to stab.
This weapon will be available to you together with the other evidence
for you to examine when you retire.
You will be faced with a simple question.
Did these two youths go out with a common purpose
simply to break into a warehouse,
or did that common purpose extend to resisting apprehension,
even by violence if necessary?
It is for you to decide what the evidence supports.
Take this back.
Members of the jury, I will ask you to retire and consider your verdict.
Don't worry.
Be upstanding for the Lord Chief Justice, Lord Goddard.
Will the foreman please stand...
.. and face the prisoners at the bar?
Please answer my first question yes or no.
Have you reached a verdict on which you are all agreed?
Yes.
Do you find the prisoner Christopher Craig
guilty or not guilty of murder?
Guilty.
Do you find the prisoner Derek William Bentley
guilty or not guilty of murder?
Guilty.
With a recommendation for mercy.
You find both prisoners guilty, and that is the verdict of you all?
It is.
Christopher Craig, you stand convicted of murder.
Have you anything to say
why sentence should not be passed according to the law?
Derek William Bentley, you stand convicted of murder.
Have you anything to say
why sentence of death should not be passed according to the law?
Christopher Craig, you are 16,
and evidently in the opinion of the jury the more guilty of the two.
It is quite obvious that the people in this country
will not be safe while you are out of prison.
I sentence you to be detained in strict custody
until Her Majesty's pleasure be known.
Take him down.
Derek William Bentley, you are 19 years of age.
It is my duty to pass upon you the only sentence the law can pass
for the crime of wilful murder.
You will be taken from this place to a lawful prison
and thence to a place of execution
where you will suffer death by hanging,
and your body buried in the precincts of the prison
in which you shall be last confined before execution.
And may the Lord have mercy upon your soul.
- Amen. - Take him down.
And now will Detective Sergeant Fairfax,
Police Constable McDonald and Police Constable Harrison stand up?
The conduct of the men of Z Division
in arresting these two desperate young criminals
is worthy of the highest commendation.
And the thanks...
Hello, Mum. Hello, Dad. Hello, Iris. Happy Christmas.
Happy Christmas, son.
We'll have our party when you get out,
as soon as this mistake's cleared up.
We've talked to Mr Cassels about why the appeal didn't work.
He says they want to delay letting you off
in order to warn people like Craig. Lord Goddard told him that.
Don't forget, Derek, the jury recommended mercy,
and the judge, he's passed that on to the Home Secretary.
They've never carried out the sentence
when the judge and jury recommended mercy.
We've got a petition going.
There's a lot of important people behind you, Derek.
Did you see Mrs Miles like I asked?
We tried but she wasn't well. She got your message, though.
She doesn't think you should be here.
She's not the only one who feels that way.
We're gonna beat this thing, aren't we, Dad?
No one will hurt you, son, I won't let 'em.
- It won't be long. - I don't mind waiting.
It's not so bad in here.
You should hear the jokes the warder's been telling me.
I'm gonna have Denis in stitches when I get back.
More mail, Mrs Bentley.
We've detailed a special van for you. See? Excuse me.
More than 200 colleagues in parliament are calling for a debate.
When the Home Secretary receives these petitions,
he'll have to take notice of what the public thinks.
- How many signatures do you have? - Over 100,000. This isn't all.
We've got medical papers which show he should never have been in court.
One doctor says that Derek has a mental age of 11.
- How has this not come out before? - It's all been so quick.
The trial was a month after what happened
and it's only lasted a couple of days.
That's never right, not when a life's at stake.
"We want what is right and not what is merely the law."
"It is a tribute to the people of Britain
that unrest is growing up and down the country
about the fate of this boy, Bentley."
"The feeling is that the British judicial system is now on trial."
"And it will be guilty indeed
in there is no reprieve before the execution date
five days from now."
You see?
A lot of people behind you. Your folks are doing a good job.
- Mr Bentley? - Yeah?
Good morning, sir. Soames, Daily Telegraph.
Well, what are your plans now, sir?
How d'you mean?
- You haven't heard the news? - What news?
Erm... the Home Secretary's decision, sir.
He hasn't been in touch with us yet. We're the ones who'd hear first.
- What is it, Will? - The Daily Telegraph.
They can't know yet, we haven't heard.
They're have been a messenger.
They posted it on the Saturday. Posted it.
No.
No!
Oh, they can't!
They can't!
He's had to go to the Houses of Parliament to talk to MPs.
He's sorry he can't be here, but he knows you'll understand.
Someone told me Vincent got five years
for a robbery him and Chris did. Is that true?
Oh, yes. It was all over the papers.
I'm not afraid to die.
Derek, don't talk that way.
I'm not afraid to die because I didn't kill anyone.
Everyone knows that.
That's why the MPs are seeing Dad right now.
Does it hurt?
Dad'll tell me, won't he, if it hurts?
Well, Will?
They're holding the debate tomorrow.
But that's the day before!
The Home Secretary's leaving it to the last minute.
I'm writing to the Queen. There's nothing more we can do.
We must not let an innocent boy hang!
Down with the death penalty! Please sign this petition.
Save an innocent child from the hangman's noose!
We must not allow this Derek Bentley boy to be hanged!
Get back!
Is that a new eye shadow, Iris?
You'll have to wash that stuff off when I get home.
There's old Pop grinding his teeth again.
Thanks for this, Mum. Will you stroke the dogs for me?
Course I will.
Well, son, we have to get going,
so we can be there at the House of Commons
when the members of parliament come out of their session.
Bye, son.
- Don't worry, Derek. - I'm not worried, sis.
Like Dad said, they're just trying to scare me.
Cheerio.
Cheerio, Dad.
Cheerio, Mum.
I'll see you tomorrow.
God bless!
Mr Bentley!
I'll be back as soon as I hear. There's still hope.
I don't know what to say.
They won't discuss the case until the sentence has been carried out.
Which is set for 9am tomorrow.
I told you, Mum, this letter would be difficult to write.
I can't think of anything to say...
.. except that you have all been wonderful,
the way you have worked for me.
Don't forget what I told you yesterday. Always keep your chin up.
And tell Pop not to grind his teeth.
And, Dad, keep a strict eye on Denis.
- If he does anything wrong... - Hey. Slow down.
If he does, wallop him so he can't sit down for three weeks.
I'm trying to give you good advice because of my experience.
I tell you what, Mum,
the truth of this story has got to come out one day.
And on that one day a lot of people are gonna get into trouble!
I think you know who I mean.
What do you think, Mum?
This letter may sound a bit solemn,
but I am trying to keep my chin up as I want all the family to do.
Don't let anything happen to the cats and the dogs
and look after them as you always have.
That will be all for now.
I will sign this letter myself.
Lots of love.
What d'you think?
That's a very nice letter, Derek.
Mr Bentley, this is all today, I'm afraid.
Our Father which art in heaven,
hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come...
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive them that trespass against us.
.. the power and the glory, forever and ever.
Amen.
The darkness deepens
Lord, with me abide
When other helpers fail and comforts flee
- For Thou art with me... - Stand up!
- Drink that quick! - The prisoner, sir.
Hands behind your back.
You follow me, lad. It'll be alright.