The Bethnal Green Murder 1920

Murder cases were regular features in newspapers throughout the 19th century and on into the 21st century.

Indeed, if the truth be known, fascination with homicides has continued right into the 21st century.

When it came to murder, the East End of London – irrespective of the Jack the Ripper crimes – provided a ready source of such crimes for the newspapers to cover.

The following story appeared in The Illustrated Police News on Thursday the 26th February 1920:-

THE BETHNAL GREEN CRIME

DOCTOR CHARGED WITH MURDER

Following the discovery of the body of young woman under an archway in Bethnal Green, Dr. Devi D. Sasun, thirty-eight, described as a British subject, of Brady-street, Bethnal Green, was charged at Old Street Police Court with the wilful murder of Elsie Wright, aged twenty-seven, on February 14 last.

A portrait of Dr. Sasun.
From The Illustrated Police News. Copyright, The British Library Board.

INQUIRIES REGARDING A MURDER

Detective-inspector Pride stated that when Detective-sergeant Cobley came into Bethnal Green Police Station with Dr. Sasun, the witness said to the doctor, “We are making inquiries respecting a woman who was found dead at 4.15 a.m. on February 14.”

A sketch showing the finding of the body of the victim under a railway arch.
From The Illustrated Police News. Copyright, The British Library Board.

CHARGED WITH HER MURDER

Dr. Sasun then made statement which was taken down in writing, but which witness did not propose to put into court at present.

Later, witness again saw Dr. Sasun, and said to him, “I have seen the dead body of Elsie Maud Wright in Bethnal Green Mortuary, and, as the result of inquiries I have made, and from what I was told by Dr. Spilsbury, who has made a post-mortem on the body, I shall charge you with the wilful murder of the said Elsie Maud Wright.”

A sketch of the exterior of DR. Sasun's surgery.
From The Illustrated Police News. Copyright, The British Library Board.

“I KNOW NOTHING”

Dr. Sasun, said the witness, replied, “I know nothing aboutt it- I should like to know the result of the post-mortem examination.”

The Witness replied, “An illegal operation has been performed on her.”

Dr. Sasun then said, “I was summoned by the Coroner to attend the post-mortem, and I should have been there.”

A remand was granted.

SHE LIVED WITH EDWARD ROBERTSON

Remarkable evidence was given at the inquest on. woman.

Mr. J. J. Wright, of Norfolk Street, Strand, said that the dead woman was his sister. He last saw her a month ago in Argyll Street, Oxford Street.

She had been living with Mr. Edward Robertson, of Woodham Ferris.

VISITS TO DOCTOR

Mrs. Sarah King, of Court Street, Whitechapel, said that she had known Miss Wright as “Mrs. Robertson” for four years.

A fortnight ago she called on the witness, and asked her take her to the doctor.

After the witness had begged her in vain not to do so, they went Sasun’s surgery, and both saw him.

“Mrs. Robertson” said that she could not afford to pay £10 which the doctor asked for as a fee, but, on later occasion, she agreed to pay.

“Mrs. Robertson,” she said, saw Dr. Sasun several times.

On the day before the woman was found dead, the witness left her at the surgery, but when she called for her later Dr. Sasun said:- “She has left some little time now. I did not see her, because she has got heart disease.”

EARLY MORNING INCIDENT

Constable Carter said that, on Saturday morning, he was in Brady Street with Constable Atkinson, when he heard an unusual noise, as of a person at a door.

Thinking something was the matter, they crossed the road, and saw Dr. Sasun leaving his doorway.

They continued their walk, but after going another thirty yards they again heard the noise behind them.

Looking back, they saw Dr, Sasun cross the road.

He overtook them, and said there was a woman lying under the arch drunk.

Arriving at the arch, they found the woman dead.

The inquiry was adjourned.