Above: Michael James Moore at Dr Crippen's waxwork

Published: 13 April, 2012
by PETER GRUNER

A DISTANT relative of the police officer who arrested Holloway man Dr Crippen wants to give evidence at the planned retrial.

Film-maker Michael James Moore, a distant cousin of the Met Police Detective Inspector Walter Dew who made the arrest, will attend the new trial of Crippen at Islington Museum later this year.

Dew sailed to Canada and, disguised as a ship’s pilot, went aboard a liner to arrest Crippen for the murder. In his memoirs, written in 1938, Dew described how he removed his pilot’s cap, and said: “Good morning, Dr Crippen. Do you know me? I’m Chief Inspector Dew from Scotland Yard.” After a pause, Crippen is said to have replied: “Thank God it’s over. The suspense has been too great. I couldn’t stand it any longer.”

He then held out his wrists for the handcuffs.

Mr Moore, who has made a short documentary about his ancestor, said he is openminded about Crippen’s guilt.

He added that having such an illustrious police ancestor meant that the family often discussed the case. “I do know that Walter Dew was anxious to retire from the force but didn’t have the required years,” he added.

Barrister John Cooper QC has agreed to defend Crippen.

Mr Cooper, who has advised the remaining Crippen family, who have lived under the shadow of their ancestor, asked for a Judicial Review of the case.

That was refused by the Criminal Cases Review Commission on the grounds that they were not taking historical cases because it was not the best use of their resources.

Mr Cooper is currently trying to get them to change their mind.