Widower Albert Porter was murdered in his bed in Burnley in 1963
On Monday February 18, 1963, Blackpool bus cleaner Albert Porter was found murdered in his bed at his home in Burnley .
As officers began to investigate the murder, they visited Mr Porter's son-in-law, Adrian Keith Ayres, 24, who worked with him doing part-time property repairs. He said he had last seen his father-in-law on February 12 when they had gone to estimate a job together at a house on Waterloo Road. However on February 20, Mr Porter's son-in'law went to the police and changed his story. He said he had touched a bottle of beer that was left downstairs at the house. When the detective said he did not believe his account of his movements, the process worker started to cry, and said: "I did see Albert's body. It was horrible."
Mr Ayres was charged with his murder and set to stand trial at Lancaster Assizes. However even the prosecution had 'misgivings' about the evidence. On March 22, he said he had struck Mr Porter with the axe which was on the table when Mr Porter woke as the lodger was taking money from a drawer in his bedroom. However he would not give any details of the time or nature of the killing beyond what was in the newspapers, saying he was confessing because the police had arrested an innocent man.
"All I'm willing to say is that I done him in. I don't want to see you convict an innocent man, see what I mean. I thought the process worker would be slung out the first week, that's why I didn't say this before. He couldn't have done it because I done it. He said: "The prosecution, with consummate fairness, are themselves, putting it quite frankly, filled with misgivings in this case as to whether they have unequivocally proved that it was the hand of the process worker that killed this man."
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Widower furious after church installs toilet next to wife's graveThe Birmingham pensioner said the portable toilet 'violated' his wife's memory.
Read more »
Heartless burglar stole woman's late son's baby bonnet while she was in hospitalThe serial offender also targeted a recently bereaved widower while she was away on holiday
Read more »
Blackpool's B&B Owners Face Challenges During 2024 SeasonB&B owners in Blackpool have been struggling with a series of issues including increased cancellations due to potential missed hospital appointments, exacerbated by factors such as the cost of living crisis and the impact of elections and sporting events. Despite these challenges, Blackpool ranks highest in the country for spending by overnight visitors.
Read more »
Dangers due to faded road markings highlighted in BlackpoolConservative councillor Michele Scott said she had noticed lines had faded at some key junctions
Read more »
Friends desperately tried to save much-loved mum found collapsed in the bathroomMichelle Byrne died at her friend's home in Blackpool
Read more »
Selective licensing scheme approved in BlackpoolThe scheme to drive up housing standards in private rentals will cover around 11,000 properties
Read more »