BARONET AND EXECUTIONER.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2164, 22 May 1886, Page 1 (Supplement)

BARONET AND EXECUTIONER.

Sir Claude (J. Do Cretpighy, of Heybridge, near Maldon, admits that he was the well-known baronet who acted as Berry's assistant nt the triple execution of the Netherby Hall bn re Jars recently. Sir Claude says he could not order a man to do what he was afraid of doing himself, and as he might be sheriff of Essex some day he should like to be able to undertake an execution it Berry should be engaged elsewhere. He said, in the conrse of the interview, that he pinioned Baker on the morning of the execution, while Berry performed the same operation ufon Martin and Rudqe. One of his principal reasons for going to the prison on the Saturday before the execution was to make any suggestion which might in any way prevent 'bungling.' Berry did not examine Baker after he (Sir Claude) had pinioned him. He considers Berry a most plucky man, and although he has oeen frequently threatened he pays little heed to the warnings he receives. Daring his life in India, Sir Claude saw many executions, but he considers that they are not conducted with half the euro which is shown io England. This is the second executiou Sir Claude has attended, his former experience being at the hanging of James Lee at Cholmsford for the Romford murder. Upon being asked whether he felt at all upset at the executions, Sir Claude replied, ' Very little indeed. 1

Many » Qnc threaten* irhile he qaftkes fe«r.