Photography was banned in UK courts in 1925, so this image, taken on the 28th February 1907, is very rare indeed…
It shows Mr Justice Ridley- seen wearing the grim black cap- passing the death sentence on John Edward Wyatt, who’d been found guilty of murdering his girlfriend, Florence Walker, in Brixton in January 1907.
The moment captured here is especially of note as it depicts the last time the death sentence was passed in the original Old Bailey (which was once located beside Newgate Gaol)- at around this time, in early 1907, trials were moved to the newly built Central Criminal Court…
A real moment of history, both for photography, and the court process.
Best wishes, Pete.
Are there not also photos of Crippen in the dock at the Old Bailey? I seem to recall a story – possibly an urban myth – about a reporter with a camera concealed in his hat?
Yes, there are indeed photos- I think they were taken legitimately? Would be great if the camera was concealed though!