Thomas Million

Thomas Million died during a fight at Cockfield near Barnard Castle on 21 April 1902.

A 70-year-old coal loader was tried for his manslaughter but acquitted.

The trial at the Durham Assizes on 17 July 1902 heard that the coal loader was seen to drive up to Lane End where Thomas Million had been standing and to have then got out of his trap after which a fight took place between them.

They both fell on the ground after which Thomas Million was the last to get up.

Thomas Million was then taken to his son’s house where a doctor was called to attend to him.

However, the jury heard that his injury could have been caused by him falling on a stone and that he had also been removed from his son's house against the doctor's wishes.

When the coal loader gave evidence he admitted to fighting with Thomas Million, but said that Thomas Million had bene the aggressor and that Thomas Million's injury had been caused by him falling down in the course of the quarrel.

After the judge summed up he said that under the circumstances that the wisest course would be for the jury to say that the coal loader was not guilty, which they did and he was discharged.