Giles Chudley, in common with most criminals of his class, hoped to escape the punishment he so justly deserved.
A man put upon his trial for a capital offence has so many chances in his favour that nothing but the strongest and most conclusive evidence will suffice; and even when this has been offered by the prosecution, the jury will not return a verdict of “guilty,” and when once acquitted, as we all of us know, a prisoner cannot in this country be put upon his trial a second time for the same offence.
This surely ought to be amended.
In Scotland the jury, when there is not sufficient evidence to justify them in returning a verdict of guilty, return one of “not proven,” and the prisoner can be tried again if any additional evidence is obtained.
Many years ago a man, named Spollin, was charged with the murder of a railway official in Dublin; the trial was conducted in a hasty and slovenly manner, and he was acquitted.
It transpired afterwards that two witnesses who could have proved the guilt of the prisoner were never examined at all.
If he could have been retried there was abundance of evidence to ensure a conviction.
What was the sequel?
The wretch Spollin had the audacity to deliver a series of lectures upon murder in general, and the one he had been charged with in particular.
People paid their money to listen to the scoundrel’s statement.