Tom Slemen

[Ged]

I expect Chris George and a few other Ripperologists on this site will welcome the new addition and look forward to hearing their responses. Regarding resurrecting urban mythology and paranormal activity. That is fine if substantiated. I do know someone who told Tom about something he said happened, then told me privately that it might not have been exactly like that as it was a long time ago and his memory was a bit fuzzy, but would it then appear then as fact, I don't know if it did?

Colin. Do you know of Tom and Keith's work and take on the Wallace murder. Wasn't he made to withdraw some claims as slander to the Johnston family?

I expect his books and the sales have been brilliant for you and him but after the Gerard Gardens serpent story and the ridicule of him that surfaced locally after it, I must take some of the stories with a pinch of salt but as long as you do, then they're great

[Colin Wilkinson]

Hi Ged,

As far as I know, Tom hasn't changed his opinion about the Johnson's. There is no slander or libel because the Johnsons are dead and you can make any allegations you want about anyone who is dead (but make sure they are dead first!). As far as I know, Tom is not planning a book on the Wallace case in the near future.

Of course, Tom can take criticism on the chin and it is up to the readers to make up their minds. If you don't believe in ghosts etc then everything is just fairy stories but Tom is following a grand tradition (Elliott O'Donnell and others) who have mined a rich seam in folk memories. Let's face it, you get a small group together and ask each one whether they have had any strange experiences and I bet the majority will come back with a story. One important point is that Tom's books are read widely, particularly in schools. It may not be an intentional aim - but his books have helped a lot of children with their reading (and this is from teachers and librarians who regularly contact me for Tom to give talks in schools).

Rant over!

[Mark R]

Hi Ged,

As far as I know, Tom hasn't changed his opinion about the Johnson's. There is no slander or libel because the Johnsons are dead and you can make any allegations you want about anyone who is dead (but make sure they are dead first!). As far as I know, Tom is not planning a book on the Wallace case in the near future.
Rant over!

Not fair on the individuals who aren't alive to defend themselves though is it? Tom told me a few years ago that he was writing a book on the Wallace Case from the Johnston's angle. Seems a bit much to base a whole concept around the supposed 'confession' of a man with senile dementia though...