A number of people have asked if they can help support my channel - I don't have any adverts on my channel (and don't intend to) but if anyone wishes to help defray the expenses of making these videos in some small way, they can buy me a cup of coffee! www.buymeacoffee.com/MarkJohnMaguire
Wonderful suprise to be able to enjoy this unexpected treat this evening . Hope you are well Mark ... im almost through my Chemo cure and a few months of Immuno therapy left too & im feeling a bit better , btw i befriended your Twitter Account . Wishing a wonderful autumnal season . Thanks and best wishes ! XStephen
Mark, I would also love to support your book-writing - I prefer audio books, so I am wondering if you would ever set up any kind of deal with Amazon or Audible or something like that for purchasing an audio recording of your work? This would be a dream, especially with how used to your voice I am (and how I'm far more mobile listening compared to reading!).
Amongst a lot of guff on TH-cam, your content is a breath of fresh air, in terms of intellectualism. May your health stand fast, and may your content continue.
@stephanie Hawley you may also like a series in the same vein (& also with no melodrama) called “Well I Never” It amazes me how many true crime retellings by the studios etc; feel they have to dress up an already dramatic story with hype, music and superfluous psychologists giving their point of view.
It's a rare talent that not only can write these accounts but also deliver them with such aplomb in a manner that is so quietly confidential. It's a real privilege to be able to listen to them. Thank you, and stay well.
I'm astounded that he was found innocent. And I'm gonna listen again, because I'm so stoked you posted again! I love the way you tell a story, and I deeply appreciate your sense of justice.
I listened to this last night in bed, and fell asleep. I often play your previous videos and listen, your voice is so rich and melodic, I fall asleep. ☘🇮🇪🧚♂️
I think the old saying "the law is an ass" and has little to do with justice, applies here. Because a judge made an error in his summing up language, a guilty man goes free. So happy to see a new video. I hope you feel better soon.
Every three days in the UK a woman is murdered by her partner. It's a matter indeed for celebration that you managed to escape. So many don't. Congratulations on your bravery and resilience.
Your content is grossly under-appreciated. The quality and overall style of your storytelling is excellent! I truly hope you get more traction and your fan base grows to the level it deserves. Keep up the great work!
Always pleased and grateful to see a new episode on what without question the most intelligently and elegantly written and presented true crime channel in existence. Moreover, your sense of justice and compassion for those who suffer by the criminal acts of others that you describe is readily apparent.
Sorry to hear of your illness and hope you're taking good care of yourself, chest infections are tricky things. Congrats on putting together your new book in spite of it! Violet showed immense courage in standing firm on her decision despite Reg's intimidation and entreaties from sundry respected community members. And she was only 17! Her son must have felt it a great loss that he was denied the chance to know her. Makes it all the more infuriating she was denied justice because of a few ill-chosen words by a judge. I looked up Justice Swift's Wiki page and discovered two remarkable things: 1) the Woolmington case isn't even mentioned, despite the extraordinary fallout of Swift's pronouncement; 2) Swift's last big trial was that of the infamous Frederick Nodder (1937) for abducting 10-year-old Mona Tinsley. It seems Swift hadn't learnt his lesson as his conduct during the Nodder trial was apparently quite injudicious, as was his summing up. Still, Nodder was convicted of abduction and later of murder (in Justice MacNaghten's court) after Mona's body was found.
Always a pleasure to drift off to sleep listening to your voice, and then listening again the next day, thank you. Wishing you a full and speedy recovery. 😊
Same here! You found the perfect way to describe my own sentiment. I could not find a proper way to tell him that I now can't fall asleep without hearing his voice without it sounding uncomplementary but you did a great job of it!
Thank you, Mark, for another fascinating case. A remarkable case that hinged on the instructions given by the judge in the second trial, I am surprised that a judge would go so far in his instructions as to try and reverse a sacred tenant of British justice. An excellent narration of the story.
Another fascinating story! As an attorney, I was amazed that the judge had misintructed the jury in such a well-established element of the law. It is unfortunate that a guilty man was set free because of it. Thank you Mark for another interesting story, I look forward to the next one! Hope you are feeling better too!
What a disgusting miscarriage of justice. Poor Violet and her family, particularly her son. The law is an ass if it can not bring justice and is above justice.
This is a particularly infuriating case! Those fools let a murderer walk free on nothing more than petty word play. The prosecution's evidence was overwhelming. At least retry him, don't just let him go.
You just made my day, what a wonderful surprise! Your stories are great but your voice is AWESOME! I have never been smitten by the sound of someone simply speaking; until now!
Reginald definitely got away with calous and coldblooded murder on that day over 80 years ago . There can be no doubt about that . He got away by a rule of law , nothing more . He was definitely a heartless and cruel man .
Judge Swift certainly opened a Pandoras box by misdirecting the jury. I have come across similar cases where all types of excuses were offered to avoid the conviction of murder but the accused was found guilty because the jury did not believe he acted without malice. The difference in the latter cases was the judge had not explicitly directed that the defendant must prove innocence.
Detective Kenneth Mains (Unsolved No More) always says 'It's not what you know, but what you can prove". That's probably why there are so many unsolved cases out in the world.
A very very common domestic violence situation that had been happening for hundreds of years until this story occured, and still occurs today. The number of crimes against women like this is still extremely high world-wide.
Oh please! Historically, men were legally allowed to beat their wives. That was what rule of thumb was. Sexist to say this sort of oppression doesn't happen. Yes sometimes it goes the other way but we are trying to make the point I discrimination against women and you are blaming the victim by trying to insinuate that the numbers if abused men are similar enough to the numbers of abused women as to be comparable.
@@ianhills8980do you really believe the numbers of women abusing their male partners, are equal to men abusing their female partners? Male violence is an exceptionally heavy burden to society.
@quickchris10 as much as I disagree with Ian's assertion, that is not where the 'rule of thumb' comes from. It refers to the practice of using the thumb as a rough measurement of (usually) about an inch.
Yaaaaaaayyyy!!!! Thankyou thankyou thankyou!!! I've been rewatching your videos the last few days. Refreshing my memory and one of the best channels on TH-cam. I look forward to hearing and watching this one as much as all the others. ❤️❤️❤️💜💜.
Excellent video, as always! I have no doubt, based on this video, that Woolmington was a murderer and that no accident was involved. Jealous, possessive people are very frightening, and I pity anyone in the clutches of such a person. I'm sorry you've been ill, and glad you're feeling better!
🙌🙌 I am super sick and in desperate need of a good night’s sleep. Was literally just thinking how badly I wished there was a new episode from your channel when this popped into my alerts! Thank you!!
Puuh yay, a new video! And a book! Thanks to your daughter for making you write it- we sure hope it was not all suffering all around but that you've had a bit of a good time with it :) Thank you for your outstanding work, sir.
He surely did 'Get Away With Murder'. I find it difficult to understand the procedure that allowed him to become a free man, but feel this case proves that not a lot has changed over the years when it comes to my opinion of the the Law. I hope you are well, and thank you for your thought provoking video. Love your work.
I am sorry to hear that you’re not feeling well, my prayers are with you. I hope that you put your book on Amazon because that’s the easiest way for everyone to buy it.
I get so excited when I see a new episode by you. I know you do so much research but it takes me so long to wait for a new one and I look every day. You have the best channel on this TH-cam and I love you
Woolmington's counsel earned his fee! Not only most likely suggesting the "accidental" defense but knowing the misdirection of the judge was worth going to the House of Lords and convincing them to look into it.
Some possible chauvinism/misogyny going on here in the legal world. How dare a woman in the 1930’s leave her husband, despite his mistreatment. Also, this particular woman had an escape route.
I love your channel, just ordered your book. Horrible stories but weirdly relaxing, does that even make sense? Agree with other comments, so much crass on youtube but your channel rises above all! Keep up the good work.
And I was just about to go asleep! Yay! I love that these always come out at random times. You do such a great job. In a sea of crap on TH-cam your videos and voice are so enjoyable. Truly great content 👏
I really feel for Violet's mother, the grief must have been unbearable, especially knowing justice was not had for Violet and her grandson was no longer in her life. I admire Violet for standing her ground despite the horrific outcome.
(For those wondering - "Murder in Miami" is the book that Mark is talking about - his second vintage crime book) Back to this vid and Woolmington - Brilliant! No prosecution case could be more complete and certain. And yet... marvellous defence lawyer... a fundamental principle of British Law was upheld at the highest levels, at the expense of justice in one individual case. Fascinating! Thanks once again for your sterling work on this case and looking forward to the book launch!!! :)
It seems more probable that he had gone to kill her if she refused to return to him, he had form threatening her in the past. Very strange decision on the part of the law.
Yes! A Mark Maguire video. I cannot tell you how chuffed I am when I see that notification; the one I am most thrilled about from any of my subscribed channel. I'm liking it now even before watching I'm that confident I'll love it.
I have found two of your books on Amazon this morning and have purchased them both as a Christmas gift for a friend of mine who loves these sorts of stories.
That poor baby, what a welcome into this world. I wonder how his life went, if he had a happy childhood or if his life was blighted. He would be about 89 or so now, could be still alive and living with the consequences of this horror. What a travesty of justice....
@@finolaomurchu8217 Nope, not my thing. ( apart from buttered Bretzels). I like autumnal temperatures, colours in nature and food ( chestnut dishes , pumpkin soup...)
Thank you Mark for another fascinating They Got Away With Murder, it is always great to find a notification from you. I’m of the opinion that he did intend to murder his wife & possibly her mother too if she had been at home. I wonder if he thought it would seem better if he said, in the note written afterwards, that he intended to commit suicide. I find it difficult to believe that someone with experience with guns, as Reg had, could make a mistake with a gun.
yep! i save it until nighttime, when i put on my pjs after a long bubble bath, brew some tea, and take an hour for myself. it’s something i look forward to, though it’s difficult to wait all day to watch the video. you have no idea how much joy your videos bring me; they soothe me, regardless of what’s going on around me. i guess it’s wrong to feel that way about true crimes, but your narration is simply pleasurable to hear
John, we miss you, love your show. Please do more. Hope all is well with you. John you are so talented, your artwork is beautiful! I find you are very gifted and I love your stories. Very fascinating. Keep well, hope there will be more from you soon. Sincerely, Eileen Las Vegas, Nevada USA
The improper instruction of the judge to put the burden of proof upon the accused aside, this seemed like an absolutely open-and-shut case of premeditated murder. I'm surprised the first jury, which I understand did not receive that improper instruction, were unable to convict.
I think another commenter's remarks apply to this as well as the House of Lords decision. It was a heavy burden to execute a hard working family man when there was the slightest chance the crime was the result of temporary mental anguish due to losing something dear. I can see a jury feeling more empathy for the man's loss than for the woman who caused it.
It is very difficult to see how anyone could disagree with your summation of this case, and I for one wouldn’t even try, but I would like to say, as someone who has gone through an intense period of jealousy, there is no rational in the behaviour that you exhibit or act upon, I was lucky that my own circumstances resolved over some time, or in other words “I grew up”, and never did anything that I would later regret, however I think in Reginald Woolmingtons case he hadn’t matured enough to be a father or husband, I surmise that as a boy growing up in a rural location and leaving school at 14 he wasn’t as educated as well as he could have been and that his circumstances didn’t allow for his life education to be anything more than about his working life, he hadn’t had any relationships prior to meeting and marrying his wife and was therefore predisposed to behave in a way others saw as overbearing and disrespectful towards his wife, and that led to the tragic way he took his wife’s life, to murder her was, in all probability driven by an irrational jealousy that led to him thinking that “if I can’t have her, nobody will” and so it happened. In my opinion he was a very very fortunate man to have counsel who went the extra mile and got him off the hook, he DID get away with murder. As for the Law Lords they upheld the rule of law and were duty bound to overturn his conviction, but I am sure that despite some of them congratulating him on his acquittal there were many who knew that his life was spared on a point of law, nothing more and nothing less. Thanks for another fantastic and riveting episode, your presentation of the facts and summation of the whole situation is second to none. 😀👍🇬🇧🏴🇺🇦 Just a quick question Mr Maguire if I might be so bold, obviously Reginald survived the Second World War and I would be curious to know if he had served in the military?, there was nothing to prevent him serving as he was not convicted and shouldn’t have had any record, or was he in a reserved occupation as a farm worker?, I mention this as it would have been ironic or poetic justice if he had died in combat, service to our country, a country where you are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, a legal system that he, literally, owed his life to.
Many thanks, Allan! I could find no record of his service in the armed forces - although that doesn't mean he didn't serve. He may have used a different name, for instance... Unless he was in a reserved occupation, he would have been of a prime call-up age.
@@TheyGotAwayWithMurder , I totally agree, I think that there were many people who volunteered to serve and used a false name or date of birth, and I don’t suppose the military would ask to many questions, or at least not very specific or probing, they were very very needed at the time. 😀👍🇬🇧🏴🇺🇦
The House of Lords per se had no standing. The most senior judges in UK are 'law lords' and members of that chamber, but they rule on appeals as lawyers, not peers, and on points of law, not as a jury.
So, Reginald backed out of the plan, but the gun was determined to see it through. I wonder, did he even make any effort to reason with the contraption?
It's ironic that the jealous ideas Reginald had for his wife were to him as good as proof of her guilt, while all the evidence of the crime scene could not constitute proof of murder in the eyes of the justice system. I can't help wondering just what WOULD have been accepted as proof in this case? What piece of evidence would have been needed (apart from a reliable witness)?
An extremely interesting case. I doubt Reginald had any real intention of taking his own life. He killed Violet and got away with it. Thank you, it's such a pleasure to hear your voice.
Abusive men often threaten to kill themselves if the woman leaves, but rarely kill themselves. The few who kill themselves also kill their spouses. Often they chicken out on suicide after killing the wife. She was foolish to go out on a date where he would find out. She could have gone into service and said she would come back if he changed and put it off. Men who kill often do so when a wife leaves definitively or cheats. It's better for her to vanish without warning, unfortunately. If a man is pathologically jealous, tell him to find a woman he trusts and break it off while dating.
What a wicked brute Woolmington was. In modern jurisprudence, I think it unlikely that he would be sentenced to death for killing his wife. He might, in fact, have been convicted of a lesser crime than first-degree murder. I can scarcely believe that any woman would marry a man who had shot his previous wife.
Talk about getting off on a technicality! OK, it was an extremely important technicality, but still, I think it's clear what he did was murder. I always wonder about women who marry men who murdered their previous wife. In some cases, they don't know, but this was such a big case, and he ended up back in his home territory, so wife 2 must have known about the murder.
Thank you for making and sharing another curious case with us Mark! Your judgement and recreation of events is once again spot on in my humble opinion. Wishing you a full and speedy recovery from the chest infection and all best wishes for good health. I’m looking forward to the book, will it be a compilation of some of the cases from the channel by any chance? Wonderful work and I look forward to the next video! 👍
Thank you very much, Omar - I am much recovered now, yes. I will be collecting together these stories and will publish them, with suitable revisions and updates etc in the future - as soon as I get a moment!
@@TheyGotAwayWithMurder Excellent to hear you are now recovered. Please look after yourself and wishing you all the best of health. Great news on the stories collected together in a book! I’m sure it would be wonderful as your work always is 👍
Yes he really did get away with murder....thanks to the highest in the land! A disgusting outcome, no justice for the victims 😢 Let's hope RW demon's did their job! It's great to have you back Mark, you are without doubt the classiest crime reporter on the tube.Thank you and blessings ....
The evidence of an intention to kill - and that it was carried out by the defendant in pursuance of that intent - is so overwhelming that it is difficult to comprehend the inability of the original trial jury to reach a consensus to convict. All the circumstantial evidence, taken in aggregation, was compelling beyond any shred of residual doubt and of which the undisputed fact that the shotgun had been deliberately loaded with live cartridges was surely conclusive upon the charge that Woolmington intended to slay his wife. Moreover, the enquiry which he made upon entering the scene of the killing as to the whereabouts of his victim`s mother (she whom he described as being undeserving of "being on this earth") is highly suggestive that he had formed the intention to murder her also if opportune. As a retired prosecution lawyer I immediately recognised the point of the misdirection as to the burden of proof in a criminal case by the second trial judge...an error which allowed a murderer to escape the noose. The narrative of domestic coercive control and accompanying violence within the marriage remains a scourge which has not diminished in the years which have elapsed since this case and, indeed, remains as a much publicised feature of modern marital discord. Thank you once again Mark for your vigilance in research and assured presentation. I look forward earnestly to your next project and send you my best wishes for a swift return to good health.
He says he loved Violet with all his heart.....AND SO THEN HE KILLED HER.... Reminds me very much of politicians here in America.....They love our country , they say. as they PREPAIR the way for a one world government.....
It was in no way" clear he was devoted to his wife" as the judge said. Its clear he regarded her as his possession and gave her no freedom. Listening to the 2 legal arguments it really does seem to me that the onus was correctly stated in the first place for this kind of case.. as being on the accuseds team to prove it an accident because it was so blatantly deliberate murder. He really did get away with murder on a technicality of legal minutiae!!
Interesting that there was no mention of the safety lock on the gun. Supposedly the gun was going to be present only to threaten.. yet it was loaded with two cartridges, the excuse being that had it not been loaded it would not represent a threat, yet the person being threatened would have no idea whether or not the gun was loaded. For the killing to occur, the gun would have to be loaded, the safety mechanism disengaged and the trigger activated. Three definite actions that would result in the gun being fired. Hardly constituting an 'accident'.
A number of people have asked if they can help support my channel - I don't have any adverts on my channel (and don't intend to) but if anyone wishes to help defray the expenses of making these videos in some small way, they can buy me a cup of coffee! www.buymeacoffee.com/MarkJohnMaguire
Wonderful suprise to be able to enjoy this unexpected treat this evening . Hope you are well Mark ... im almost through my Chemo cure and a few months of Immuno therapy left too & im feeling a bit better , btw i befriended your Twitter Account . Wishing a wonderful autumnal season . Thanks and best wishes ! XStephen
Mark, I would also love to support your book-writing - I prefer audio books, so I am wondering if you would ever set up any kind of deal with Amazon or Audible or something like that for purchasing an audio recording of your work? This would be a dream, especially with how used to your voice I am (and how I'm far more mobile listening compared to reading!).
@@Pdstor I agree on his voice! It is a pleasure to listen to! I hope he decides to do an audiobook!
I'm glad you have no ads, I am very familiar with all your stories as your voice can lull me to sleep, like no other.☘
Imo there's a lotta lotta people who'd love to buy the sketches you do as illustrations for your essays. Limited Edition copies maybe?
Amongst a lot of guff on TH-cam, your content is a breath of fresh air, in terms of intellectualism. May your health stand fast, and may your content continue.
I agree with you 100 %. My favorite channel. I often play the same video over and over in bed. It helps me relax and fall asleep lol
@stephanie Hawley you may also like a series in the same vein (& also with no melodrama) called “Well I Never”
It amazes me how many true crime retellings by the studios etc; feel they have to dress up an already dramatic story with hype, music and superfluous psychologists giving their point of view.
@@stephaniehawley9407 same here!!!!
It's a rare talent that not only can write these accounts but also deliver them with such aplomb in a manner that is so quietly confidential. It's a real privilege to be able to listen to them. Thank you, and stay well.
@@stephaniehawley9407 EXACTLY!! Lol, I do the same thing. Mark has just one of those voices that relaxes you.
I'm astounded that he was found innocent. And I'm gonna listen again, because I'm so stoked you posted again! I love the way you tell a story, and I deeply appreciate your sense of justice.
It's a small mercy that baby Peter was adopted out of this family and not raised by this heinous criminal.
A controlling selfish man that left his baby without a mother. He didn’t love her, he hated her.
Kudos to your daughter for encouraging you to write your book! We are so thankful!
I think it's the one I just ordered from Amazon. Looking forward to getting it!
i’ve put it on my christmas list :) now my husband will know what to get me
Thank you - I will tell her!
I listened to this last night in bed, and fell asleep. I often play your previous videos and listen, your voice is so rich and melodic, I fall asleep. ☘🇮🇪🧚♂️
Wonderful!
The excitement when one of your videos comes up! Thank you Mark. X
I think the old saying "the law is an ass" and has little to do with justice, applies here. Because a judge made an error in his summing up language, a guilty man goes free.
So happy to see a new video. I hope you feel better soon.
The man in this video describes my first husband to a T. Except I was 15 and he was 21. Thank God I got away from him.
Every three days in the UK a woman is murdered by her partner. It's a matter indeed for celebration that you managed to escape. So many don't. Congratulations on your bravery and resilience.
Your content is grossly under-appreciated. The quality and overall style of your storytelling is excellent! I truly hope you get more traction and your fan base grows to the level it deserves. Keep up the great work!
That is nice of you to say so - thank you!
@@TheyGotAwayWithMurder its the truth. Scout's Honour 😉
Always pleased and grateful to see a new episode on what without question the most intelligently and elegantly written and presented true crime channel in existence. Moreover, your sense of justice and compassion for those who suffer by the criminal acts of others that you describe is readily apparent.
Thank you very much indeed, Marc - as always, I am so grateful for your appreciation and support!
Sorry to hear of your illness and hope you're taking good care of yourself, chest infections are tricky things. Congrats on putting together your new book in spite of it!
Violet showed immense courage in standing firm on her decision despite Reg's intimidation and entreaties from sundry respected community members. And she was only 17! Her son must have felt it a great loss that he was denied the chance to know her. Makes it all the more infuriating she was denied justice because of a few ill-chosen words by a judge.
I looked up Justice Swift's Wiki page and discovered two remarkable things: 1) the Woolmington case isn't even mentioned, despite the extraordinary fallout of Swift's pronouncement; 2) Swift's last big trial was that of the infamous Frederick Nodder (1937) for abducting 10-year-old Mona Tinsley. It seems Swift hadn't learnt his lesson as his conduct during the Nodder trial was apparently quite injudicious, as was his summing up. Still, Nodder was convicted of abduction and later of murder (in Justice MacNaghten's court) after Mona's body was found.
Many thanks - I am recovering well. Thanks also for the additional information.
Always a pleasure to drift off to sleep listening to your voice, and then listening again the next day, thank you. Wishing you a full and speedy recovery. 😊
Same here! You found the perfect way to describe my own sentiment. I could not find a proper way to tell him that I now can't fall asleep without hearing his voice without it sounding uncomplementary but you did a great job of it!
Thank you, Mark, for another fascinating case. A remarkable case that hinged on the instructions given by the judge in the second trial, I am surprised that a judge would go so far in his instructions as to try and reverse a sacred tenant of British justice. An excellent narration of the story.
I’m so sad for Violet. Pathological jealousy has ruined so many lives - even in the ones where it doesn’t result in murder. Poor woman.
Another fascinating story! As an attorney, I was amazed that the judge had misintructed the jury in such a well-established element of the law. It is unfortunate that a guilty man was set free because of it. Thank you Mark for another interesting story, I look forward to the next one! Hope you are feeling better too!
Thank you, Rachel - yes, you are right...
What a disgusting miscarriage of justice. Poor Violet and her family, particularly her son. The law is an ass if it can not bring justice and is above justice.
This is a particularly infuriating case! Those fools let a murderer walk free on nothing more than petty word play. The prosecution's evidence was overwhelming. At least retry him, don't just let him go.
You just made my day, what a wonderful surprise! Your stories are great but your voice is AWESOME! I have never been smitten by the sound of someone simply speaking; until now!
Thank you very much, Sandra!
So glad you are back posting! I look all the time for your GREAT and WONDERFUL videos! They make my day!
Yay. Just in time for bed time. Thank you for the upload again, Mark 💙
He said he'd shoot himself after having shot her but didn't, proving what a controlling person he was, so deserves the worst and more!
You have been missed! So happy for another captivating story from one of the best!
Such a treat to get a new video! No one on You Tube does the older cases the justice that you do. I'd love to buy the book.
Seems the defendant got away with murder thanks to a legal loophole and a clever lawyer. Another wonderful production.
Reginald definitely got away with calous and coldblooded murder on that day over 80 years ago . There can be no doubt about that . He got away by a rule of law , nothing more . He was definitely a heartless and cruel man .
Judge Swift certainly opened a Pandoras box by misdirecting the jury. I have come across similar cases where all types of excuses were offered to avoid the conviction of murder but the accused was found guilty because the jury did not believe he acted without malice. The difference in the latter cases was the judge had not explicitly directed that the defendant must prove innocence.
Detective Kenneth Mains (Unsolved No More) always says 'It's not what you know, but what you can prove". That's probably why there are so many unsolved cases out in the world.
He displayed controlling behaviour, which would be grounds for divorce today and a criminal offence in its own right. It's not simple jealousy.
I had the same thoughts.
A very very common domestic violence situation that had been happening for hundreds of years until this story occured, and still occurs today. The number of crimes against women like this is still extremely high world-wide.
There's just as much domestic violence towards men, as Erin Pizzey revealed. And as you know, women often get away with murder.
Oh please! Historically, men were legally allowed to beat their wives. That was what rule of thumb was. Sexist to say this sort of oppression doesn't happen. Yes sometimes it goes the other way but we are trying to make the point I discrimination against women and you are blaming the victim by trying to insinuate that the numbers if abused men are similar enough to the numbers of abused women as to be comparable.
@@ianhills8980do you really believe the numbers of women abusing their male partners, are equal to men abusing their female partners?
Male violence is an exceptionally heavy burden to society.
@quickchris10 as much as I disagree with Ian's assertion, that is not where the 'rule of thumb' comes from. It refers to the practice of using the thumb as a rough measurement of (usually) about an inch.
@@ruthd7274 y e s and we had a law that said a man could only beat his wife with a stick that was narrower than that (an inch or so, as you say.)
Completely brilliant, as usual. Mark, you have a rare gift. Thank you for sharing it with us ❤
Thank you Mark for yet another excellent story & narration.
You are very welcome, Micky.
Yaaaaaaayyyy!!!! Thankyou thankyou thankyou!!! I've been rewatching your videos the last few days. Refreshing my memory and one of the best channels on TH-cam. I look forward to hearing and watching this one as much as all the others. ❤️❤️❤️💜💜.
One of the best channels around. You have a wonderful style of narration.
Glad you enjoy it!
Excellent video, as always! I have no doubt, based on this video, that Woolmington was a murderer and that no accident was involved. Jealous, possessive people are very frightening, and I pity anyone in the clutches of such a person.
I'm sorry you've been ill, and glad you're feeling better!
🙌🙌 I am super sick and in desperate need of a good night’s sleep. Was literally just thinking how badly I wished there was a new episode from your channel when this popped into my alerts! Thank you!!
Sorry to hear that - hope you get well soon, Alyssa.
I say he was guilty of premediated murder & he sure did get away with murder
I always know its going to be a great day when you upload a video! I look so forward to them and I'm never disappointed! Thank you so much!!
You are so welcome! Thanks, Sandi.
i thank your daughter for persuading you to write the book!
Puuh yay, a new video!
And a book!
Thanks to your daughter for making you write it- we sure hope it was not all suffering all around but that you've had a bit of a good time with it :)
Thank you for your outstanding work, sir.
Thank you very much - I seem to have survived! :)
Your content and illustrations are excellent. Thank you for the quality you put into your videos.
Thank you very much!
He surely did 'Get Away With Murder'. I find it difficult to understand the procedure that allowed him to become a free man, but feel this case proves that not a lot has changed over the years when it comes to my opinion of the the Law. I hope you are well, and thank you for your thought provoking video. Love your work.
Thrilled as usual to see a new episode 🎉
My favorite channel! Always such a treat to see another post.
I am sorry to hear that you’re not feeling well, my prayers are with you. I hope that you put your book on Amazon because that’s the easiest way for everyone to buy it.
I get so excited when I see a new episode by you. I know you do so much research but it takes me so long to wait for a new one and I look every day. You have the best channel on this TH-cam and I love you
Ah - thank you very much indeed, Barbara!
I am fascinated, how time and again courts forget there basic duty is to give justice and not to get stuck on technicalities
Woolmington's counsel earned his fee! Not only most likely suggesting the "accidental" defense but knowing the misdirection of the judge was worth going to the House of Lords and convincing them to look into it.
Some possible chauvinism/misogyny going on here in the legal world. How dare a woman in the 1930’s leave her husband, despite his mistreatment. Also, this particular woman had an escape route.
Wow thanks for this story. He never should have killed her.
I love your channel, just ordered your book. Horrible stories but weirdly relaxing, does that even make sense? Agree with other comments, so much crass on youtube but your channel rises above all! Keep up the good work.
Thank you very much Denise - I do hope you will like the book!
And I was just about to go asleep! Yay! I love that these always come out at random times. You do such a great job. In a sea of crap on TH-cam your videos and voice are so enjoyable. Truly great content 👏
Totally agree with your synopsis of this case. Desperate man who resorted to desperate measures. Thank you for the upload another great treat ❤️🇨🇮❤️
I really feel for Violet's mother, the grief must have been unbearable, especially knowing justice was not had for Violet and her grandson was no longer in her life. I admire Violet for standing her ground despite the horrific outcome.
(For those wondering - "Murder in Miami" is the book that Mark is talking about - his second vintage crime book) Back to this vid and Woolmington - Brilliant! No prosecution case could be more complete and certain. And yet... marvellous defence lawyer... a fundamental principle of British Law was upheld at the highest levels, at the expense of justice in one individual case. Fascinating! Thanks once again for your sterling work on this case and looking forward to the book launch!!! :)
Thank you for all your help, Mel!
It seems more probable that he had gone to kill her if she refused to return to him, he had form threatening her in the past. Very strange decision on the part of the law.
Yes! A Mark Maguire video. I cannot tell you how chuffed I am when I see that notification; the one I am most thrilled about from any of my subscribed channel. I'm liking it now even before watching I'm that confident I'll love it.
Thank you, Amanda!
I find your stories so well written. I love these types of books and and never get tired of them.
I have found two of your books on Amazon this morning and have purchased them both as a Christmas gift for a friend of mine who loves these sorts of stories.
Wonderful! I do hope your friend likes them - and thank you!
I just immediately went to Amazon and purchased your book!! I already have the first one.. you have no idea how happy this has made me!!!
Wonderful - thank you! I do hope you like it as much as the first!
That poor baby, what a welcome into this world. I wonder how his life went, if he had a happy childhood or if his life was blighted. He would be about 89 or so now, could be still alive and living with the consequences of this horror. What a travesty of justice....
Thank you, Sarah - he died in 2004 at the age of 70. I do not know how his life went, but believe he was adopted into a good family.
October is a pleasant month and this narrative upload makes it even better. Regards from Germany
Oktoberfest ?
@@finolaomurchu8217 Nope, not my thing. ( apart from buttered Bretzels). I like autumnal temperatures, colours in nature and food ( chestnut dishes , pumpkin soup...)
Thank you, for another excellent story,
Thank you, Tina.
Today my birthday. On opening youtube this morning a superb present presented itself. Thank you so much.
Happy days to you today and always.
Happy Birthday to you!
Thank you Mark for another fascinating They Got Away With Murder, it is always great to find a notification from you. I’m of the opinion that he did intend to murder his wife & possibly her mother too if she had been at home. I wonder if he thought it would seem better if he said, in the note written afterwards, that he intended to commit suicide. I find it difficult to believe that someone with experience with guns, as Reg had, could make a mistake with a gun.
Thank you Mark, I am always glad to see another case from you. I stop what I am doing to enjoy it better.
The same
yep! i save it until nighttime, when i put on my pjs after a long bubble bath, brew some tea, and take an hour for myself. it’s something i look forward to, though it’s difficult to wait all day to watch the video.
you have no idea how much joy your videos bring me; they soothe me, regardless of what’s going on around me. i guess it’s wrong to feel that way about true crimes, but your narration is simply pleasurable to hear
Thank you, Boo - that's nice to hear!
Many thanks, Carol - that is nice to hear!
John, we miss you, love your show. Please do more. Hope all is well with you. John you are so talented, your artwork is beautiful! I find you are very gifted and I love your stories. Very fascinating. Keep well, hope there will be more from you soon. Sincerely, Eileen
Las Vegas, Nevada
USA
Thank you, Eileen - I will continue to work, and am very well thank you. I hope you are also!
The improper instruction of the judge to put the burden of proof upon the accused aside, this seemed like an absolutely open-and-shut case of premeditated murder. I'm surprised the first jury, which I understand did not receive that improper instruction, were unable to convict.
I think another commenter's remarks apply to this as well as the House of Lords decision. It was a heavy burden to execute a hard working family man when there was the slightest chance the crime was the result of temporary mental anguish due to losing something dear. I can see a jury feeling more empathy for the man's loss than for the woman who caused it.
Hurra! A new story. Too busy just now to listen. Queued up for bedtime listening.
happy you’re back!
It is very difficult to see how anyone could disagree with your summation of this case, and I for one wouldn’t even try, but I would like to say, as someone who has gone through an intense period of jealousy, there is no rational in the behaviour that you exhibit or act upon, I was lucky that my own circumstances resolved over some time, or in other words “I grew up”, and never did anything that I would later regret, however I think in Reginald Woolmingtons case he hadn’t matured enough to be a father or husband, I surmise that as a boy growing up in a rural location and leaving school at 14 he wasn’t as educated as well as he could have been and that his circumstances didn’t allow for his life education to be anything more than about his working life, he hadn’t had any relationships prior to meeting and marrying his wife and was therefore predisposed to behave in a way others saw as overbearing and disrespectful towards his wife, and that led to the tragic way he took his wife’s life, to murder her was, in all probability driven by an irrational jealousy that led to him thinking that “if I can’t have her, nobody will” and so it happened. In my opinion he was a very very fortunate man to have counsel who went the extra mile and got him off the hook, he DID get away with murder. As for the Law Lords they upheld the rule of law and were duty bound to overturn his conviction, but I am sure that despite some of them congratulating him on his acquittal there were many who knew that his life was spared on a point of law, nothing more and nothing less.
Thanks for another fantastic and riveting episode, your presentation of the facts and summation of the whole situation is second to none. 😀👍🇬🇧🏴🇺🇦
Just a quick question Mr Maguire if I might be so bold, obviously Reginald survived the Second World War and I would be curious to know if he had served in the military?, there was nothing to prevent him serving as he was not convicted and shouldn’t have had any record, or was he in a reserved occupation as a farm worker?, I mention this as it would have been ironic or poetic justice if he had died in combat, service to our country, a country where you are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, a legal system that he, literally, owed his life to.
Many thanks, Allan! I could find no record of his service in the armed forces - although that doesn't mean he didn't serve. He may have used a different name, for instance... Unless he was in a reserved occupation, he would have been of a prime call-up age.
@@TheyGotAwayWithMurder , I totally agree, I think that there were many people who volunteered to serve and used a false name or date of birth, and I don’t suppose the military would ask to many questions, or at least not very specific or probing, they were very very needed at the time. 😀👍🇬🇧🏴🇺🇦
It seems clear that the House of Lords did a huge injustice to Violet & her family. They should have kept out of it!
The House of Lords per se had no standing. The most senior judges in UK are 'law lords' and members of that chamber, but they rule on appeals as lawyers, not peers, and on points of law, not as a jury.
@@esmeephillips5888 Thanks for the education. Always new things to learn 😊
nice to see you back.Great work.
Great story! She was so young. He got off Scot free...not even a manslaughter charge. Smh
Another gem from the Master Story Teller😊
So, Reginald backed out of the plan, but the gun was determined to see it through. I wonder, did he even make any effort to reason with the contraption?
That was sad. Poor Violet didn't get justice but at least she will never know it 😢
Could they not have simply overturned the trial and retried him with a new judge without aquitting him?
It's ironic that the jealous ideas Reginald had for his wife were to him as good as proof of her guilt, while all the evidence of the crime scene could not constitute proof of murder in the eyes of the justice system. I can't help wondering just what WOULD have been accepted as proof in this case? What piece of evidence would have been needed (apart from a reliable witness)?
Fantastic! A new one! Thank you so much, Mark. You are a gifted storyteller.
Yippie Mastro! Now I'm going to listen. This was horribly tragic! Another great job.
An extremely interesting case. I doubt Reginald had any real intention of taking his own life. He killed Violet and got away with it. Thank you, it's such a pleasure to hear your voice.
Many thanks, Susannah!
You neeeeeed to narrate audio books! Please and thank you! You are absolutely lovely.
Thank you, Michele - I wish I had the luxury of such time! :)
I second that! Your presentations are quite amazingly written and narrated. Thank you!
Your voice is soothing. I love listening to you. You could read me the classifieds and I'd be thrilled. Thank you.
Thank you very much, Valerie!
Abusive men often threaten to kill themselves if the woman leaves, but rarely kill themselves. The few who kill themselves also kill their spouses. Often they chicken out on suicide after killing the wife. She was foolish to go out on a date where he would find out. She could have gone into service and said she would come back if he changed and put it off. Men who kill often do so when a wife leaves definitively or cheats. It's better for her to vanish without warning, unfortunately. If a man is pathologically jealous, tell him to find a woman he trusts and break it off while dating.
What a wicked brute Woolmington was.
In modern jurisprudence, I think it unlikely that he would be sentenced to death for killing his wife. He might, in fact, have been convicted of a lesser crime than first-degree murder.
I can scarcely believe that any woman would marry a man who had shot his previous wife.
But they do all the time! Whether by guns or other means, women are killed on a regular basis. I do wonder what the ‘next wives’ are thinking.
Talk about getting off on a technicality! OK, it was an extremely important technicality, but still, I think it's clear what he did was murder. I always wonder about women who marry men who murdered their previous wife. In some cases, they don't know, but this was such a big case, and he ended up back in his home territory, so wife 2 must have known about the murder.
Yes, I agree. I think the Law Lords thought the principle was more important than a single case of justice. I know little of Reg's later life.
I do love your theme music. Is it your composition and are you the performer?
Yes - I am. My performance of it is not the best, but it was something quick I did for the channel 3 years ago!
Thank you for another interesting story. He was definitely guilty of his wife's murder. I hope you are recovering well.
Just to say...Ive been watching a lot of your stories and work and absolutely love the amount of research and detail
I appreciate that! Thank you.
Thank you for making and sharing another curious case with us Mark! Your judgement and recreation of events is once again spot on in my humble opinion.
Wishing you a full and speedy recovery from the chest infection and all best wishes for good health.
I’m looking forward to the book, will it be a compilation of some of the cases from the channel by any chance?
Wonderful work and I look forward to the next video! 👍
Thank you very much, Omar - I am much recovered now, yes. I will be collecting together these stories and will publish them, with suitable revisions and updates etc in the future - as soon as I get a moment!
@@TheyGotAwayWithMurder Excellent to hear you are now recovered. Please look after yourself and wishing you all the best of health.
Great news on the stories collected together in a book! I’m sure it would be wonderful as your work always is 👍
Yes he really did get away with murder....thanks to the highest in the land! A disgusting outcome, no justice for the victims 😢 Let's hope RW demon's did their job!
It's great to have you back Mark, you are without doubt the classiest crime reporter on the tube.Thank you and blessings ....
Thank you very much, Caroline!
The evidence of an intention to kill - and that it was carried out by the defendant in pursuance of that intent - is so overwhelming that it is difficult to comprehend the inability of the original trial jury to reach a consensus to convict. All the circumstantial evidence, taken in aggregation, was compelling beyond any shred of residual doubt and of which the undisputed fact that the shotgun had been deliberately loaded with live cartridges was surely conclusive upon the charge that Woolmington intended to slay his wife. Moreover, the enquiry which he made upon entering the scene of the killing as to the whereabouts of his victim`s mother (she whom he described as being undeserving of "being on this earth") is highly suggestive that he had formed the intention to murder her also if opportune. As a retired prosecution lawyer I immediately recognised the point of the misdirection as to the burden of proof in a criminal case by the second trial judge...an error which allowed a murderer to escape the noose. The narrative of domestic coercive control and accompanying violence within the marriage remains a scourge which has not diminished in the years which have elapsed since this case and, indeed, remains as a much publicised feature of modern marital discord. Thank you once again Mark for your vigilance in research and assured presentation. I look forward earnestly to your next project and send you my best wishes for a swift return to good health.
Beautifully expressed, Keith - thank you very much!
Thank You for your great pieces of history revisited. Here's to your health.
Thank you - I am much better now, Don!
He says he loved Violet with all his heart.....AND SO THEN HE KILLED HER....
Reminds me very much of politicians here in America.....They love our country , they say. as they PREPAIR the way for a one world government.....
Well said Robert. They love money more that comes with destroying people.
Sorry to hear you had(ve) a chest infection! I hope you get better soon and I love your channel to no end! Thank you for such great content!
It was in no way" clear he was devoted to his wife" as the judge said. Its clear he regarded her as his possession and gave her no freedom. Listening to the 2 legal arguments it really does seem to me that the onus was correctly stated in the first place for this kind of case.. as being on the accuseds team to prove it an accident because it was so blatantly deliberate murder. He really did get away with murder on a technicality of legal minutiae!!
WOW! Another great video!❤️
Interesting that there was no mention of the safety lock on the gun. Supposedly the gun was going to be present only to threaten.. yet it was loaded with two cartridges, the excuse being that had it not been loaded it would not represent a threat, yet the person being threatened would have no idea whether or not the gun was loaded. For the killing to occur, the gun would have to be loaded, the safety mechanism disengaged and the trigger activated. Three definite actions that would result in the gun being fired. Hardly constituting an 'accident'.
Congratulations and well deserved praise for the most balanced statement of all the facts that were available in this most captivating case x
Thank you, Liz!