Case Study - Derek Bentley

• In 1952, Derek Bentley was sentenced to death for a murder done by Christopher Craig
• • Christopher Craig and Derek Bentley attempted to rob a factory
  • When the police arrived they hid on the roof
  • The first detective was shot in the arm by Craig
  • The officer Sidney Miles got up to the roof when Bentley shouted 'let him have it!', in which Craig shot Bentley in the head and was killed
• • Christopher Craig was 16 years old and organized the robbery.
  • He fired the gun
  • Bentley was 18 years old but did not fire the gun
  • He shouted ' let him have it ' in which Craig shot the gun
• Why Bentley should be punished:

  • Encouraged Craig by saying ' let him have it '
  • Had a long history of criminality, been in youth detention
  • Responsible and aware of his actions
• Why Bentley should not be punished:

  • ' Let him have it ' could mean to give the police the gun
  • Bentley did not have the gun himself
  • He did not try to resist arrest
• Bentley was found guilty of murder and sentenced to death, while Craig was sentenced to prison, as he was under age.
• Before Bentleys death, over 200 MPs signed a petition to not give him the death penalty, but was not discussed in parliament until after his death
• The home secretary suggested that the queen use her royal prerogative to only give Bentley prison, but he decided there was no reason to do so
• Some people believed Bentleys punishment was passed so the government could make an example out of him, at a time where violence towards police officers was common