On this episode of Crime Time Inc., we journey back to 1876 to explore the shocking case of the Hungerford police murders, which stunned Victorian England. The tragic events unfolded on December 11th when Inspector Joseph Druitt and PC Thomas Shorter were brutally murdered near Hungerford, Berkshire, while patrolling for poachers. The sheer violence of the crime deeply resonated with the public, evidenced by ballads from the era that recount the story. The episode details the night of the murders, the discovery of the bodies, and the subsequent investigation that led to the arrests of four main suspects: William Day, his son-in-law William Tidbury, and Tidbury’s brothers Henry and Francis. Despite limited forensic technology at the time, detectives used traditional methods to gather significant physical evidence tying the suspects to the crime. The episode also delves into the intense public response, the dramatic trial that followed, and the eventual execution of Henry and Francis Tidbury. The hosts reflect on the societal context of the time, noting how poaching was a way of life for the rural poor, leading to desperate actions. The Hungerford police murders remain a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement, the complexities of justice in the Victorian era, and the human stories behind historical events. This case will be further discussed by police historian Tom and his young protege Simon in their weekly review.
00:00 Introduction to the Hungerford Police Murders
00:30 Setting the Scene: The Night of the Murders
01:11 The Discovery of the Bodies
01:37 The Investigation Begins
02:55 Arresting the Suspects
03:29 Building the Case: Evidence and Public Reaction
04:55 The Trial and Verdict
07:02 Aftermath and Execution
08:56 Legacy and Reflection
11:33 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes
About Crime Time Inc.
Crime Time Inc. is hosted by Tom and Simon—two ex-cops with decades of frontline experience and zero tolerance for fluff. Tom, a by-the-book former Deputy Chief Constable from Edinburgh, and Simon, a rule-bending ex-undercover cop from Glasgow, bring sharp insight, dark humour, and plenty of East vs. West banter to every episode.
Whether they’re revisiting cases they worked on, grilling fellow former officers, or picking apart narrated true crime stories, Tom and Simon don’t just talk about crime—they’ve lived it. Real cases. Real cops. Real talk.
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