The manslaughter of Joseph Cawood [1882]



On 25th December 1881, Joseph Cawood, was found lying badly hurt on the flags near the door of Masons' Arms in New Bank. He was taken to the Infirmary where he regained consciousness and accused Samuel Atkinson of kicking him.

Cawood's left leg was badly broken, and he died from blood poisoning in the Infirmary on 15th January 1882.

On 20th January 1882, Samuel Atkinson was charged with the manslaughter of Joseph Cawood.

Atkinson admitted to PC Herby that he had pushed Cawood, but denied kicking him.

Atkinson was found guilty of manslaughter and sentenced to 2 months in prison.

The Bradford Observer [18th January 1882] published a detailed account of the trial



© Malcolm Bull 2023
Revised 13:33 / 10th July 2023 / 2499

Page Ref: X538

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