So, my 4-g-uncle William Bowskill was found unfit to stand trial in 1848 as he was "deaf and dumb" and couldn't communicate with the court. The judge ruled that he was insane and should be held at Her Majesty's Pleasure. He was held in Nottingham County Gaol where his behaviour was very good, and the doctor would not certify him as insane as he showed no signs of insanity. There was a petition from his home village, signed by the magistrates, rector, curate, church wardens etc saying that he had been "urged" to commit his offence by the behaviour of his victim and others, and asking for him to be freed as he was not dangerous, and the visiting justices sent it on to the Secretary of State asking for his release, but they got a reply saying he was unable to interfere in the case, and that if the prisoner was no longer insane, he should face trial for the original offence.
He was then transferred to Bethlem Hospital, then Fisherton House Asylum in Wiltshire, and finally to Broadmoor where he remained until his death in 1889 - more than 40 years after the offence (stabbing and wounding with intent). I wonder how long he would have served if the judge had not ruled him insane?
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