When Kelly was pardoned in 2003 the police said they wouldnt be re-opening the case, I suppose even 50+ years later they wouldnt want to admit a fit up was done.Quote:
Originally Posted by CanadianLad
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When Kelly was pardoned in 2003 the police said they wouldnt be re-opening the case, I suppose even 50+ years later they wouldnt want to admit a fit up was done.Quote:
Originally Posted by CanadianLad
I'e read as much as I can about the "Cameo Murders". It wasn't them IMO. They were "fitted up" by the Police with false testimony and evidence. George Kelly was hung and Charles Connolly suffered for the rest of his life. Their convictions were quashed as unsafe.
Read the "Herbert Balmer" thread on this site, he was the senior police officer in the case.
Hi , I have just read the interesting comments you have all written about the `Cameo Murders`.
I was involved, in a way, from day one.
I was in my house when the the door burst open and Balmer and his men stormed in and searched upstairs and down while Balmer held me by the throat slapping my face. They thought my brother was a suspect, he was on his way to Japan on a ship at the time. They kept my parents in the Police Station all night being questioned about the where abouts of my brother, they did not believe he was on his way out East. This was proved two weeks later when a letter arrived home, confirming where he was. The Police admitted that was correct, no apology was given after Mother and Dad had two weeks without sleep. They were told a man had confessed to the killings. This was one of the Johnson Brothers. He was aquited after being defended by Rose Heilbron KC.
I sailed with Charles Connolly`s father on the `GEORGIC`on a five month trip to Australia and the far East in 1955. We got to be friends and he told me that Charles was completely innocent. He said that Balmer forced him into a "Confession" with the threat of a death sentence if he didnt. This was just after George Kelly was convicted and sentenced to death, after being defended by Rose Heilbron, KC.
At this time Charles was serving his ten year sentence in Wakefield Top Security Prison.
A few years later, Charles told me he shared a cell with the killer of PC Miles, Christopher Craig, whose partner in the crime was Bentley, who was hanged for the murder that Craig committed.
In November 1956, I was in Melbourne, Australia, on a ship, the Dunedin Star.
A Liverpool bum, known as a `beachy`, came on board and was bumming food and supping our beer that we had brought back on board, the pubs shut at six pm in those days so we got carry outs and drank in the messroom.
This bum was sleeping in the messroom, eating and drinking for free. He was getting very objectionable, no one liked him. He had stowed away on a ship to Australia and spent his time on a ship and then when it sailed he went aboard another.
One night he got hold of one of my beer bottles and began to drink it. I gripped his wrist and I said I would break it if he didnt let go.
He threatened to kill me and said he had "done it before and got away with it".
I said who was that, and he replied he "had killed two men at the Cameo".
Now this was more than seven and a half years after and 12000 miles away.
and of all the people he had to say it to was me.
I dived over the table smashed him to the deck and battered him. All hands were dragging me off him. Whats the matter some one said. He killed two men at the Cameo I told them, but no one knew anything about the murders, most of the crew were from London and Glasgow. It was a sheer coincidence that it was me that he told. and even I do not come from Liverpool and have never lived in Liverpool.
I dragged him out on deck and threw him down the gangway. In hind sight I should have held on to him and found out who he really was but in the heat of the moment and being young I didnt think about it.
A few years later I was introduced to Charles Connolly and we eventually became very good friends, after I had passed various tests. Charles had been used by a lot of people in the past and so was always very wary of people, until they proved they were genuine. I spent a long time searching around the streets and pubs in Preston for the fellow called Graham who had lived there. Charles wanted him to confess he had told lies for Balmer. There was no sign of him so we thought he must have died or moved on. A friend in Age Concern also tried to search for him but he wasnt on their books.
I also spent a lot of time searching around the Trafford area of Manchester looking for Jackie Dickson, I could not find her, I believe she was a consumptive and could have died at an early age.
Charles also introduced me to his very good friend Lou Santangeli, who was a man who was impressed by Charles`s` sincerity, and decided to help Charles in his quest to clear his name.
A couple of writers wanted to write the story of the Cameo Murders. Charles wasnt too impressed at first.. He thought they were trying to make names for themselves at his expence.
I met George Skelly and we got on very well with each other and then Charles co-operated. George Skelly was the only man that Charles trusted to write the story. He wrote the book, "Cameo Conspiracy" after a lot of very detailed investigation. No one else has written the story the way that Charles would have wanted, the True story.
A few people tried, I had to warn one writer, that Charles was still alive, he thought he was dead, he was writing from old newspaper cuttings and knew nothing about it at all, he was implying that Charles and George Kelly were gangsters. I soon put a stop to him. So not all the books written about the case are authentic. Stick with the "Cameo Conspiracy"
Unfortunately Charles died in Norris Green ASDA whilst out shopping, he had been experiencing a lot of stress with various investigations in his quest to clear his name. Charles was a Gentleman. I am still in contact with his widow, a lovely lady who didnt deserve the heart ache.
When the appeal went to London I wrote a statement about the Liverpool Bum who I had battered in Melbourne, who had confessed to me that he had done it, and gave it to the Solicitors as evidence that he could possibly be the original murderer.
Afterwards a lady wrote to say she had thoughts that a long deceased relative may have been the killer, his description was very similar to the `bum` I met in Australiia.
After all these 60 years, there are very few people alive now who had any connection to the Murders.
At last the appeal went through and Charles and George Kelly were finally cleared of the murders. Unforunately too late for them both.
George Kelly was exhumed from under the car park at Walton Gaol and had a funeral service at the Roman Catholic Cathedral. George Skelly and I went there and the family refused us entry, they had security men on the door. Very sad, we were part of the enquiry to clear his name.
We took photos of the funeral as they came out after the service and left in their cars.
Now George Skelly has a lot of work on in other investigations and I am sure you will find out the results when he feels he can release a statement.
I hope I have covered some ground into this very sad and tragic story.
Brian Aspinall.
Thanks for posting Brian. I've read George Skelly's book. It was brilliant. I remember reading the chapter concerning your family's involvement - it must have been awful for your parents.
Without doubt both George and Charlie were victims of a dreadful miscarriage of justice.
I grew up with this story too and read the book with interest. I think that for alot of people the very fact George was framed has left mistrust even after all these years.
Thats right,
There is such a lot more to the story, it seems to go on for ever. I have had it with me for all these nearly 60 years.
One or two odd items of coincidences.
Balmer was a patient in bed in the Hospital, Tina, Charles`s daughter was the Sister on the same ward looking after him, Charles went to visit Tina at work and in the first bed was Balmer, he turned white when he saw Charles entering the ward.
My son was a Doctor in the operation theatre in Liverpool Royal and Tina was the Theatre Nurse.
Unfortunately Tina died a couple of years ago.
Charles never ever knew George Kelly, he swore to me of that fact.
He told me that Balmer is the only man to commit the `Perfect Murder`.
He got the law to kill them for him.
Great recollections Brian, thanks for sharing.
No offence taken CanadianLad, just couldn't see where you were coming from as the motive seemed to be plain robbery.
As far as I can be sure, I dont think any money was stolen on that night,the fifty pounds in takings was still in the office, Charles was charged with Robbery and Conspiracy to Rob even though no money was robbed and was sentenced to ten years.
I have just found a cutting from the distant past. It is from a book that some idiot has written and hasnt got a clue about the facts.
Quote............
George Kelly, 28 years old, thug, and titular head of the Kelly Gang, a bunch of mainly Irish ruffians dredged from the slums of Liverpool`s dockland and Charles Connolly, 26 year old member of Kelly`s gang. Connolly had been delegated to act as lookout while Kelly committed the Robbery, but on hearing shots he fled from the scene in panic,........Un Quote.
These distortions and lies have caused all the controversy over the years and have hampered the quest for the truth.
Also I still have the newspaper cuttings from the Liverpool papers of the trials in 1950
The Liverpool Echo had him demonized to such an extent the second trial was a formality he was for the rope in the publics eye. My dad always went on about him after a pint. I knew there was something in it.
Charles Connolly, had a good service record in the Royal Navy during the war on the Malta Convoys.
He was also the Royal Navy boxing champion, if my memory serves me right, he had 27 unbeaten fights, he fought Randolph Turpin and beat him , Turpin went on to become World Champion.
He was a big man, and well disciplined, as Boxers are and after serving in a wartime service.
According to prosecution allegations, he was George Kelly`s `lacky`.
Can you imagine a man like that being told what to do by George Kelly?? who was a much smaller man. He was reported to have been delegated to act as a look out, and fled in panic on hearing shots. Can you again imagine a man like Charles doing that??.
He was obviously set up by Balmer.
Brian, thank, I rememeber that chapter in the book and your life quite clearly. disgusting they never apologized to your family. I'd love to see some of those idiotic newspaper clippings. "Kelly Gang" how stupid is that. I thought guns weren't even that popular or even used in those days.. it's funny you mentioned the guy who claimed to do the murder was far off to sea/another country and one of the witnesses of the day claimed there was a trio at the docks looking for a way out of liverpool during the Cameo investigation....
The book never mentioned it was actually Balmer grabbing by the throat, was it actually him? And I'm dying to ask, was he really having a thing with Doris, George Kelly's girl?
Hi Canadian Lad.
Yes it was Balmer who came to my house and got me by the throat in is left hand and slapped me around the face with his right, he wore brown leather gloves.
I cannot say if he was having a `thing` with Doris, George Skelly did a lot of research with a lot of the characters that were around and I would say that what George wrote was the true story, the only true story written.
Here is a photo of George Kelly`s Funeral, at the Roman Catholic Cathedral.
George Skelly and I attended but they would not let us in. they had security guards on the doors and the Daughter refused us entry. Ironic seeing that we did the campaining for him to be cleared and for him to be exhumed for a Christian Burial. We stood outside in freezing cold wind and rain for an hour or so. I then took the photos when they came out.
I remember the day of GK's funeral and how cold and wet it was. I didn't go to the cathedral, but knew George Skelly was attending in the hope of being allowed entrance. I also know that he and others outside were barred from entering. It's a real shame that the people responsible for finally clearing GK's name were not allowed to attend.
I can only assume it was for mercenary reasons, if you know what I mean!
Yes , I do know what you mean. Sad.
ahh, you mean reporters and stuff who had no business being there... I think. And again,, I read the book, this case really caught me... thanks again for posting... seemed to me like this Balmer guy was more desperate that evil.. either way what was done in the end was evil..
Hi,
George and I didnt see any reporters or any one else just the two of us stood outside in the wind and rain.
Can confirm there were no reporters there. Believe we were talking about "others" who could alledgy benefit from the unsafe verdict.
Hey guys, who is the fella that supposedly found the missing statement (that someone else did the murders) that Balmer kept hidden. Is it true the decided to pursue it over a dare/ dart game? Sorry, just hearing so many great stories. Heard he met Connolly when Connolly was a bouncer or something...
also... I've heard so much about Balmer. So really what was his deal?.. was he just a total ******* or one of those pig headed morons who didn't care who he nailed as long as he nailed some one? or was a he a guy who just did what ever the bosses told him?
My name is Alice Hutton. I am a freelance journalist writing on the cameo murders and I am looking to get in touch with Emma Gill- I see it has been two years since she posted here but I would be grateful if anyone could put me in touch with her. I am also looking for as much information as possible- I have read Shortall's and Skelly's books but does anyone here have an email for them?
Alice
www.alicetalks.wordpress.com
Alice.Hutton.1@city.ac.uk
Quote:
Originally Posted by CanadianLad
Lou Santagelleni (surname incorrectly spelt sorry) met Charles Connolly, who told Lou the story. Lou S is a solicitor who got to know CC very well and believed that he was not involved in the crime. It was Lou who had access to some police files and came across the missing statement.
This is according to George Skelly's fantastic book, the Cameo Conspiracy - which I believe. Lou and George were both at the Cathedral when George Kelly was laid to rest. However, neither were invited to the service, which was invitation only. A real shame that the two who were most involved in gaining the "unsafe conviction" were not invited to the funeral.
Quote:
Originally Posted by CanadianLad
He was a policeman of his day. From what I've read he used any means to get a conviction. He allegedy was on the take. He was a nasty piece of work by all accounts. This is all heresy and based on what I've read........and to be fair the man's not here to defend himself or his apparently dubious methods.
Just seen this on the BBC Website:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/m...de/7966136.stm
Commendable and does need to be looked at, but its a pity that money seems to be the drive behind it.
http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liver...0252-23246679/
And it wasnt the family that cleared George Kellys name, it was George Skelly and Lou Santangeli.
Lou is not a solicitor at all, he was a very successful businessman. Charles Connolly was a doorman greeter at the Derby lodge in Roby and met Lou who was a customer there. It so happened that they got talking about a case in the courts whereby somebody had been accused of a crime they didnt commit and Charles told Lou that he once was accused of a crime he didnt do. Then the story came out and Lou knew who he was etc.Quote:
Originally Posted by burkhilly
Lou is a fascinating man and when he recites this story, its absolutely fascinating. If anyone is not convinced of Kelly and Connollys innocence, speak to Lou Santangeli !
Quote:
Originally Posted by Famous Scouser
Totally agree with you! The daughter is a stepdaughter. I believe the women who George Kelly was living with at the time he was hanged is her mother. I could be totally wrong - but this is my recollection. I knew this was about compensation. Why should they get money out of this tragedy.
The two people who should be recognised are George Skelly and Lou Santageli, but I doubt either would be looking for some financial reward.
I assure you they are not.Quote:
Originally Posted by burkhilly
That goes without saying - George Skelly is a great bloke and from what I've heard and read so is Lou S. I was in email contact with GS for a while, and then lost my email address book after an IT melt down.Quote:
Originally Posted by Famous Scouser
Do you know for sure about the "daughter"?
.
the daughter of Doris O'Malley?
No, somebody else.
This is all confusing to me. the 2 books on the Cameo case seem to tell different stories. For example, Shortall's book seems to say Connolly was guilty. How can this be when he was cleared along with kelly in the appeal court
And why have the Kelly family dragged all of this up again? I thought the daughter had been compensated. Also, if the 2 men have been cleared 6 years ago, why are they now asking for a public Inquiry,What's there to inquire about?
Seems they want to enquire about money Harry. As for Shortall, your reading the wrong book. The definitive is "The Cameo conspiracy" by George Skelly.
Barry Shortalls book is incorrect, came after George Skellys and of course does not have the pedigree that the 1st book and its author has. The true story of the Cameo case is as outlined in "The Cameo Conspiracy" and nowhere else.
There is a myth that Charles Conolly turned Kings evidence and therefore Kelly must have committed the crime. Imagine, you are Charlie and I am Kelly. We get split into 2 and our cases are heard seperately. I get tried for murder, found guilty and sentenced to death. Next week its your turn to go on trial but your legal team approach you and suggest a deal that if you plead guilty to Robbery, then you will get 10 years. If you dont, you will be tried for murder and take your chances. What are you gonna do Harry................course you are, the same as what Charlie Connolly did!
Thanks for that Scouse. I've read the two books and i agree Skelly's is the best. So because of the won appeals i reckon Shortall must have been talking though his hat. and if the daughter has had the compo how can it be about money, unless the other relations are looking for the same.
Thats how I remember it. The police paid connolly a visit in Gaol and the police told him that was the deal. I have read the book by Skelly and I am also versed in the oral account of the Kelly conspiracy and the role of the Liverpool echo. Kelly was labeled little ceaser of the underworld and portrayed as a big time gangster. The public where misled and the result was that Kelly in many peoples eyes was hung rightly thats why a pardon took so long. Regards an enquiry will the Kelly family seek help from Skelly? I think perhaps they should.
I wonder how many of the George Kelly's immediate family are still alive.
Does anyone know if Kathleen Hughes is George Kelly's biological child. My understanding is that he was never married, nor have I read of any children he fathered.
Think you've got your facts mixed up there Paddy.
The police had nothing to do with pressure on Connolly to plead guilty to robbery (even if no money was actually stolen). Skelly says in his book It was a deal made between the barristers and the judge, after Kelly had been sentenced to death. And this has been borne out by the Appeal Court if you read it.
Paddy, I don't think Skelly will be too keen to help the Kelly family now, especially, since mentioned elsewhere on this site by Famous Scouser, that they did not even say Thank You to him or Lou Santangeli for clearing Kelly's name, nor invite them to the funeral. And I wouldn't blame him. By the way, what do you mean by the "oral history" and the Echo?
Seems there are quite a few of them around but not necessarilly in the pool. He was married once though and it was short lived. No comment re his "daughter".Quote:
Originally Posted by burkhilly
People really should avoid Shortalls book. It is nothing less than a badly written work of fiction that has perpetuated many false beliefs that surround the Cameo case . If you intend to read it, then you will be wasting your time. If you want the truth, read George Skellys book......if you can find a copy!