CONVICTION QUASHED

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 200, 21 May 1931, Page 9

CONVICTION QUASHED

Sequel to Murder Charge

RARE EVENT IN BRITAIN

(Rec. May 20, 9 p.m.)

London, May 20.

The conviction of William Wallace on a charge of murdering his wife at Liverpool has been quashed.

This is only the second successful appeal in the history of the Court of Criminal Appeal since it was established in 1003. The former case was in 1911.

The Bishop of Liverpool said he was very glad that the appeal had been allowed, as he had never been satisfied that the evidence justified the jury’s verdict, hence the Cathedral prayers.

There were extraordinary scenes when Wallace was released. He was literally hugged by his friends and lawyers.

A precedent was established on Sunday last when prayers were offered for Wallace during the Intercessions in the Liverpool Cathedral. According to the prosecution, Wallace, a cultured man, killed his wife with n poker, after he had completely undressed and donned a light overcoat. His act was described as “a perfect crime.”