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Today’s true crime episode focuses on Derek William Bentley who was born on the 30th of June 1933 in London, England, and was the youngest of six children. From the age of 19, he was unable to work due to epilepsy. In the 1950s, he was charged with murder after a failed burglary attempt resulted in the death of a police officer. Despite evidence to the contrary, he was sentenced to death. This case raised questions and debates on the use of capital punishment, hence his sentence was changed to life imprisonment following which he passed on in prison from “natural causes” which in fact meant death by hanging but was only described as “natural” because such death was natural based on the gravity of the alleged crime. Derek's case continues to be studied and serves as a reminder of the importance of a fair and just criminal system.

The events of 2nd November 1952 led to his incarceration; Derek was in fact involved in a burglary attempt at a warehouse in South London where a police officer was shot and killed by Derek's accomplice, Christopher Craig. Bentley did not have a weapon or fire the shot but was arrested and charged with murder. His trial lasted just four days, after which he was found guilty and sentenced to death. Irrespective of a petition for clemency signed by over 100,000 people as well as the lack of evidence that Bentley fired the shot, the authorities hanged Bentley in accordance with the sentence. Bentley's case is often cited as an example of the harshness of the British justice system at the time.

In 1998, Bentley was granted a posthumous pardon by the Home Secretary who said that there was serious doubt about Bentley's guilt.

Sarah believes that Bentley was autistic and as such, unable to speak for himself at a time when neurodiversity was poorly understood. Some autistic people are highly intelligent but are unable to speak. Had people understood this neurodiversity, Bentley may not have been killed. Because of cases like this, the death penalty has been abolished. It is important to take extra effort to listen to neurodiverse people who may not be able to communicate well.

Resources Mentioned

● Connect with Sarah on Instagram: @divineenigma

● Find out about the upcoming neurodiversity week events

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Music: “She Royalty” by Amaro & “Whistle” by Lukas Got Lucky

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Derek William Bentley