Murders Without Motive

by Harry Nankin

  Blewitt signed the sheet then walked to his office reporting the incident to Chief Superintendent Jinton, who said nothing except “Thank you, Inspector”

  Blewitt was certain that the Chief-Constable would be fully aware within five minutes.

  Pearson arrived and on walking in Striker updated him; he shook his head and replied.

  “He is still alive then and fit for interview?”

  “Yes on both counts” replied Striker who turned and left.

  Arriving in the CID office Pearson was joined by his sergeant Jonathon Gibson.

  At ten o’clock the phone rang Gibson answered.

  “CID Gibson” adding, “Ok we will be right there”.

  He turned and said, "Sir, Tim Templeton, Crampons` brief has arrived, the review is due so we ought to get on".

  Downstairs in the custody suite, Timothy Pendleton had arrived and when updated as to the attempted suicide asked for a copy of the sheet.

  He went to the interview room; he knew it well, he made many thousands of pounds within that small room. A regular source of income from the public purse. Mostly with repeat offenders.

  Due to the new system, little happened to them over the years and so they continued to offend, he continued to visit and represent them and thus his firms` income was a steady flow. He made no thought that the public were paying twice, that is to say, paying the police to arrest the villains and paying him to get them off.

  It was a never ending cycle, but why would he complain. It was all money and of course the state always paid.

  It was only moments before Charles Crampton arrived and sat down.

  “Are you alright now Charles? I read the notes. What made you try that”. police pressure I suppose?”

  “No” replied Crampton “just me, pissed off getting locked up for nothing”.

  “Well yes but let us not be too hasty letting the police off the hook, there may be money in pursing this later a civil claim I mean”.

  Crampton made no reply.

  Templeton opened his brief case and in doing so said, “Now this is the form. The police will ask the questions. You answer to your name and address”.

  “Yes ok” replied Crampton.

  Templeton then said, “Having told them your name and address, then tell them nothing, answer no comment to everything, that is vitally important”..

  “Why I have nothing to hide” replied Crampton.

  “Believe me Charles, say nothing. They will put words into your mouth. I might add, As they ask the questions I will write them down and then afterwards we will know what if any evidence they have and I will be able to advise you what to tell them later in a statement, I will prepare for you to sign. We will give them that and nothing else”.

  “I see but I can’t say anything I didn’t do anything”.

  “Just bloody do as I ask Charles”

  “When the appropriate time comes and you need to say anything remember, you tell them the truth, I will tell the lies after all I am your lawyer”.

  They sat and could hear voices and footsteps approaching, clearly it was time for the interview.

  Meanwhile in the office of The Chief-Constable

  “Joanne Watkiss speaking, hello Chief Superintendent Jinton, thank you for the updates in the Crampton murder cases”.

  “I received the latest that we had arrested the only remaining son in the country; let me think now, his name? Ah yes Charles Crampton”.

  “I am the bearer of bad news Chief”. Before giving her an opportunity to reply he continued.

  “I was updated not many minutes ago that although Sergeant Striker had his suspicions and put Crampton on suicide watch, when he, Striker that is, reported for duty today for the early turn he found the officer asleep outside the cell.”

  “Inside the cell Striker saw Crampton attempting suicide, he had stuffed toilet paper into his mouth and up his nose and doing the usual spinning, to suffocate himself”

  He pulled the phone from his ears to permit her to rant.

  There was silence when he said, “fortunately Striker saved the day. The prisoner recovered, he had been examined by the police surgeon and pronounced fit to be detained.”

  “Thank Christ for that, I won’t ask who was responsible as I will have to be in judgment of the case. I will of course immediately pass this to Professional standards for investigation.

  Jinton made no reply awaiting her further comment, which would not be any form of apology for blasting him.

  “What has Jack Richards been doing in all this?”

  “As far as I know Chief he has been reviewing the case papers. It appears Pearson; the DI on the case took it upon himself to arrest Crampton even though Richards was part way through his consultation process and review.

  “Well I can’t comment on that at this stage but I would have thought Pearson might have been advised to wait. Keep me updated Mister Jinton”

  “I will Chief. The latest is Crampton is with his brief awaiting interview”.

  “Who is the solicitor that represents him?” she asked.

  “Templeton” replied Jinton.

  “That smarmy bastard” she replied and ended the call.

  Jack Richards had finished breakfast, the uniform constable who had brought the last of the papers had also just left and although Jack was very grateful he was also a little peeved when he heard Anne giving him a drink in the kitchen, not that he was miffed by that, rather he heard her say.

  “Please officer, do take this last Brownie, Jack won’t mind, he is getting more over weight anyway”.

  “Jack won’t mind” he thought, “he is putting on weight, some room to talk. The officer who had just consumed the last goodie. he was more over weight than I am”, thought Jack.

  He flopped down in his desk chair and opened the enveloped addressed, Jack the Hat, Tarporley.

  Within the large envelope was a bundle of interview notes.

  He read them one by one. The first being.

  Alma Brown. She was employed by the Cramptons` in the year 1981 as a house maid. She then worked for 25 years at the Hall. She could recall nothing during her domestic service that would indicate anyone would hold a grudge against the family. She resided locally in some local Alms Houses and still kept contact with the family until their deaths.

  Barry Wilson had been employed the same year when the Cramptons` returned from overseas. He had worked on the estate and in the gardens for 30 years during which time he could recall no major incident that might indicate there was any family feud or any other reason why anyone outside the family would wish to murder anyone in the family.

  Basil Evanson had been employed at the Estate for twenty years; he still resided in an Estate Cottage. He had been a groom and stable lad. He was able to offer no theories, suggestions or anything that might give any lead as to who would wish harm on this family.

  Bessie Bromley had worked on the estate when the Colonel and his new wife arrived from overseas as newly weds. She had continued to work there for ten years as a dairy maid and land girl. She left on marriage and commenced a family. Nothing had occurred during her service and she had heard nothing since which might give rise any suspicion against anyone.

  Mildred Barnes the children’s Governess since they were born. She had, according to estate records, been employed in this capacity for ten years. When the children had grown older and were being educated at boarding school she had changed her role.

  She had then become Lady Crampton`s companion until she was forced to retire with ill health some five years ago. She was currently in a local care home called the Westland’s. It has not been possible to interview her for at the time she was ill. Pended, for following up later.

  “Nothing in those papers which might give a lead” he sighed.

  “It may well be worth while interviewing the Governess, Miss Mildred Barnes, if she is well enough.” thought Jack, I will check with Pearson in case he followed it up but failed to record it.”r />
  At Chester Police Station Detective Inspector Pearson and Detective Sergeant Gibson arrived in the interview room.

  As was the normal procedure the officers sat opposite to the prisoner Charles Crampton, his solicitor seated next to him, note pad in hand.

  Pearson spoke, “I am Detective Inspector Pearson, seated next to me is Detective Sergeant Gibson. Immediately in front of me is seated the prisoner, Mister Charles Crampton and next to him Mister Templeton, his solicitor.”

  Sergeant Gibson then gave the statutory caution.

  “You do not have to say anything. But it may harm your defence if you do not mention when questioned something which you later rely on in Court. Anything you do say may be given in evidence”

  ”

  He added “This interview is being taped and a video record is being filmed. On completion of this interview your legal representative will be supplied with original unedited copies of both, should you so request.”

  “Would you please confirm that your name is Charles Crampton?” said Pearson.

  “Yes” replied Crampton.

  “Do you reside at Crampton Hall?”

  “Yes” replied Crampton after a confirming nod form Templeton.

  “Are you the son of Colonel and Mrs Crampton"?

  “Yes” he replied.

  “Is it correct that at this moment in time you have run up many thousands of pounds in betting and other debts?”

  “No comment” said he.

  “Is it correct that for some years you have been in dispute with your parents and siblings over the fact that they objected to your suggestions of improving the income to the estate by selling off rights to private companies to build and otherwise erect certain industrial complexes.?”

  “No comment” said Crampton.

  “Is it correct that you once suggested to your father that he should retire and that you should take over the running of the estate even though you were not in fact the eldest son?”

  “No comment”

  I have here Mr Crampton an item found during the search of your room, I am holding the said note”.

  Pearson then read the note.

  Charles, Your suggestions for the updating of the estate to a more financial footing that is to say importing wind farms, a blight on the landscape, the offer to permit a new rail link across and thus dividing the estate not to forget permitting a large itinerant site to be built. In truth, you sir, are a disgrace to the family. It has been a long held tradition that the Crampton family support not only this estate but the local community.

  Prices in agriculture have dropped leaving the estate in some financial difficulties. It is hoped to lease some land but for country sport and similar thus leaving the area to its rural setting. All your brothers and sisters are completely against the scheme. I am aware you have placed pressure upon them to agree with your plans due to their low income.

  I assure you sir that you have become no son of this family. It is strongly urged you pack your bags and leave as soon as convenient to you. Your most distressed mother and father.

  This letter Charles as you can see has been preserved. You will be finger printed whilst you are here to ascertain if your fingerprint are upon this letter found concealed at the back of a drawer in your room.

  “In addition your DNA will be taken and if necessary a Court order will be applied for to exhume your father to check if the DNA of your late father is also upon the letter.”

  “I now ask you Mr Crampton what you have to say regarding this letter and it’s contents”

  He was about to reply when Templeton nudged him, a glance saw the lawyer shaking his head.

  “No comment” replied Crampton.

  I now turn to other matters I have to inform you Mr Crampton that your shoes, boots and personal clothing here at the police station but also from the hall have been seized to check if there are any matches to put you at one or more of the scenes of these atrocious murders. For example mud, and sand, petrol and similar, this is an opportunity for you to come clean and tell what you know of these deaths”.

  Crampton replied, “No comment”.

  “May I just say something” said Gibson. “Surely Mr Crampton if you have nothing to hide you would here and now give some explanation”

  “No comment” he replied

  Gibson asked, “May I suggest if you are considering waiting until you have an opportunity to confer with your solicitor, then realising what evidence is mounting against you? Then, come back with some concocted story, this will not only help you but go against you”.

  “I say Inspector, that is a disgraceful comment it amounts to an allegation I as a solicitor, an officer of the court, a respected person from a respected firm am in the business of colluding no more, aiding, abetting ,counselling or procuring a client to commit a serious offence,”

  He added, “I suggest that unless you have further questions and evidence, legal ones that is, to put to my client this interview should come to an end. As for you sergeant I intend to make an official complaint as to his over bearing attitude and unwarranted allegation”.

  The interview came to an end.

  They arose and then left the interview room arriving in the charge office where Pearson said to the custody sergeant, Striker, “Bail this man under part four of the police and criminal evidence act, say for two months that should give time for the results to be known.”

  “What is that” asked Crampton; part four bail, what does it cost I don’t have any money with me?”

  “ Sergeant Striker as the custody officer and now in charge replied, “It means Mr Crampton, that you sign a legally binding document that when you are now released from police custody you will go free but your are on bail until the date given. Bail is an obligation to do or refrain from something. At that time of your return you will appear here unless cancelled in writing. On your return you may be re-bailed to a further date or you may be released from bail or you may be charged with a crime or an offence”. If you fail to comply that is another offence to be dealt with by the court, you don’t have to pay the police anything”.

  “Oh I see” he said looking grim and worried.

  “Not to worry sir”, said Striker “all will be resolved; if you might just sign here Sir I will give you a copy.

  “Crampton signed and was given his copy

  Templeton replied as all good solicitors do, “Don’t worry Charles, what he is telling you is, they don’t have any evidence, they have just been on as fishing trip”.

  “Let them test your clothes they won’t find anything I am sure. Come Charles let us be off.”

  They both turned and left. Striker looked at Pearson and said, “Slimy Bastard that Templeton, ah. slimy and it is amazing how many of his clients most of whom are illiterate come up with the most fantastic stories when they send in their statement made to him. That is after they have had time to digest the questions and therefore the evidence the police have.

  “Yep, they are all the same Briefs, I mean, money grabbing bastards, making a mint on the taxpayer supposedly in the name of justice.” Said Pearson, adding a rider, “an informant told me that his mate on a charge of damage was on a bender, you know a community service order if he stays good ok but if he gets done again he goes down the line to the nick. The guy was told by Templeton to get some other kids with a clean sheet to admit it". The kid arrived at court give evidence to the court it was him not the boy in the dock. The villain was discharged and the fall guy arrested. Templeton then represented him and then told his client to no comment. There being no other evidence and they couldn’t use what he had said in court, no action was taken. Templeton got both off, the bastard, bent as a pin.

  “Ah” replied Striker, “you are right, history will show he did more harm to the community getting these kids off, than any of them individually.”

  “They get off, it’s a kick to them so they keep offending, they keep going back to him, and he keeps getting more fees”.
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  “It is a bloody scandal really. Still we are only the cops”.

  “Such is life”, he added, closed the custody book, picked up his cup of tea, just brought in for him, and then walked into the main office.

  Pearson followed then ran upstairs to his office, what now he thought.

  Gibson and he spent the remainder of the next day bagging up the items seized from Charles Crampton; labels were placed, the accompanying paper work done.

  The process completed Pearson picked up the telephone and called Ray, the handyman driver to come up and take the items to Forensic Laboratory at Birmingham.

  The job finally done for the day, he sat in his chair and stuck his feet up on the desk. After several moment he said, “Gibson”.

  “Yes Skipper” replied Gibson, what is it?”

  “I really don’t have a bloody clue who committed these murders”.

  Gibson smiled but said nothing.

  After a moment’s silence Pearson stood walked over to the door put on his coat and said, “I sent Richards the list of old staff I had seen they didn’t help. I wonder if his magical skills found something I did not?”

  In a moment he was gone.

  Jack Richards finishing his review now of all papers to hand had several notes recorded, if the arrest of Crampton came to nothing as he suspected these tit bits might just help.

  Tuesday the 7th of May 2013

  Charles Crampton failed to appear at breakfast time, Cousin Liza was not anxious, the poor man had such a traumatic day yesterday and the night before in police custody, so traumatic he had attempted suicide. “Heavens” she thought, what a to do. Still, Mr Templeton had said he was taking proceedings against the police, for compensation.

  At the police headquarters Superintendent Lampton and Detective Inspector Bates of The Professional Standards Office were setting off on a mission enquiry of a different line.

  Both young aged below thirty, they had been direct entrants from university.

  They were academically very bright and were able to absorb and retain information. This, from children, they had always had excellent grades in examinations at school and they carried this ability onwards.