James Reynolds

James Reynolds was killed during a fight at a public house in Bacup on 18 October 1921.

Two people were tried but acquitted.

James Reynolds had lived in Stacksteads.

He had been drinking at the Royal Oak public house on 18 October 1921 when it was said he spilt the beer of some men and that there were words outside and that one of the men tried had struck him a blow that had caused him to fall and hit his head on the pavement.

It was initially claimed that the other man tried had kicked James Reynolds after the other man had knocked him down, but it was accepted that the evidence didn't support the contention that he had been kicked and the first man was acquitted.

The evidence was heard that whilst some witnesses could not identify the man as the man that had struck James Reynolds, there were others that were more definite and conclusive on that point.

However, the defence said that there were grave elements of doubt in the case, and suggested that James Reynolds might had stumbled and caused his fatal injury.

The jury were absent for about three hours, but were unable to agree and the man was discharged, but put back for retrial.

However, at the retrial the jury found the man not guilty and he was discharged.