A Liverpool publican shot an acquaintance in 1875 following a drinking spree.
William Baker, manager of the Railway Vaults in Williamson Square, spent 10th July 1875 drinikng with friends in some of the many pubs of Scotland Road. In the early hours of the next morning he was refused entry into an illicit drinking house in Back Bridport Street. At the same time, Charles Langan, who knew Baker, was leaving and followed him to London Road, where words were exchanged and Baker pulled out a revolver and fired a shot. Langan was then pronounced dead at the Royal Informary.
At the trial, which lasted a full day and attracted a great deal of public interest, Baker was found guilty of murder, but a recommendation of mercy was made. This was not upheld however and he was hanged at Kirkdale. |