Facts

• Derek Bentley was 18 years old but had the mental age of a 10 year old.
• He befriended Christopher Craig, who was 16 years old.
• In Nov 1952, Bentley and Craig attempted to burgle a warehouse. Craig had a gun with him, and Bentley had a knuckle duster.
• Neighbours spotted the burglary and called the police.
• A police officer ordered Craig to hand over the gun. Bentley shouted ‘let him have it, Chris’, and Craig fired the gun, injuring the officer.
• Another officer, PC Sidney Miles, then arrived and was shot in the head by Craig.
• Craig and Bentley were both charged with murder under the principle of joint enterprise. They were found guilty.
• Craig could not be hanged because he was under 18. Bentley was hanged.