As the surgeon opened his kidney there was a strong smell of rum, and
death was concluded as acute alcohol poisoning. The detectives then
arrested the barman 18years old Tommy Barkel, the blacksmith Tommy
Christal and the doctor William Biggam. All three were shocked but it was
Christal who went pale and sobbed Christ, how can they say we killed him?
It was noted by the Echo that: The intimation that three arrests had been
made in connection with the rum drinking fatality caused considerable stir
in the town and, in all places where people congregated it was the
principal topic of conversation.
Monday morning the inquest opened in the Clarendon Hotel, in High Street
East. Mr Maynard the coroner heard the story of what had happened, but the
witnesses couldn't remember who had made the challenges or paid for the
drinks. Mr Maynard adjourned the inquest after complaining the no all the
truth was being told as he said Let us have full daylight on this matter.
Mr Maynard's verdict of death was recorded as acute alcoholic poisoning
from doses of rum incautiously and thoughtlessly supplied by others in the
bar of the Salem Hotel.
The three accused appeared at Durham Assizes on 24th November, charged
with causing McDonald Dumon's death. After two days the barristers began
their closing speeches, prosecutor Mr Coutts Trotter claimed: The accused
were engaged in a brutal, wanton sport with this wretched man. They wanted
to gratify their desire to test what quantity of poison he could consume,
it would be a misnomer to call this drink. Literally and in fact, in the
quantities it was taken, it was just as much a narcotic poison as opium.
The defence barrister, Mr E. Bell however told the jury: The deceased was
only a too willing party to this transaction, he was a man with a strong
craving for drink and required little or no inducement.
However foolish and indiscreet their actions were, I hope you will agree
the prisoners have suffered enough. The Lord Chief Justice Alverstone in
his summing up told the jury their verdict should be based on whether or
not the victim was in a position to exercise his own free will. The jury
returned after a short time with a verdict of Not guilty! The three
prisoners walked free with the sound of cheers from their friends and
family in the public gallery. The coroner Mr Maynard told the Echo:
Whether or not anyone is culpable for this man's death by drinking, it is
certainly time these performances were put to a stop.
