Too Drunk to Hang? The Brutal 1909 Murder That Changed British Law
News of the Times | Episode 572 |1909  
In this gripping true crime episode, we head to the shadowy backstreets of Edwardian Leeds to uncover the harrowing case of Thomas Mead, a gasworker whose drunken, brutal attack on his partner Clara Howell shocked the nation — and forever altered British legal history.

When Mead claimed he was “too drunk to form intent,” the courts were faced with a pressing question: can murder be excused by drink?
The result? A landmark ruling in R v Mead (1909) that helped close a long-abused legal loophole — the so-called drink defence.

Was it rage? Was it the bottle? Or was it the end of the line for “I didn’t mean to” as a courtroom strategy?

🕰️ Join us as we explore:
A chilling crime scene concealed with old rugs
A killer who couldn't stop confessing — with increasing bravado
And a court case that became a legal turning point for crimes committed under the influence

🔍 Plus — in today's Further Particulars:
A moonlit walk, a suspiciously firm handshake, and the most humiliating proposal in County Durham.
Yes, it’s the Victorian romance that wasn’t — featuring Gentle Johnny, one “fine-looking girl,” and a final twist that left the whole village howling. Bring your own shawlet.

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🕯️ News of the Times
Presented by Robin Coles —
Assistant Keeper of the Gavel Wax,
Deputy Sub-Inspector of Improper Bonnets,
and Honorary Secretary to the Society for the Prevention of Overly Dramatic Elopements.

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