Released from Hull Prison on January 11th, 1901, John Aaron Walker, 21, returned home to live with his father and stepmother. Days later he was in custody again, this time charged with murder.
On the night of JANUARY 19th Walkers father came home drunk, accusing his son of having sex with his stepmother. The accusation was untrue, a row ensued, and shortly after midnight there was a fight in which Walker stabbed his father in the chest with a kitchen-knife.
John Walker senior died 30 minutes later, and at York Assizes on March 5th, 1901, his son pleaded provocation at his trial for murder. In convicting him, the jury recommended mercy. Walker was subsequently reprieved, serving 14 years before he was released to join the armed forces, by then at war.