In the early hours of February 3rd, 1940, George Edward Roberts, a 28-year-old labourer, staggered into a Cardiff police station supporting a semi-conscious man who was bleeding profusely from head wounds. The man was Arthur Allen, 38, a ships steward, and Roberts said he had stumbled over him lying in the street.
The police were suspicious, and on going to Robertss home they found blood spattered in one of the rooms. Roberts then admitted inflicting Allens wounds, claiming he had acted in self-defence after the victim attacked him, accusing him of stealing his money.
It transpired that the two men had met at a party not far from Robertss home. The party ended at 2.30 a.m., with Allen wondering how he was to get to his home nearly three miles away. Roberts said he would take him to a phone box where he could call a taxi. When they arrived at the kiosk, however, they found they had no small change, so Roberts took Allen home with him.
Roberts told detectives that he stole money from Allen while they were on their way to the call box, but the police believed he had robbed the steward after they arrived at Robertss home, first knocking him out with an iron bar.
Roberts was initially charged with robbery with violence and causing grievous bodily harm. Then on APRIL 9th Allen died from his injuries, and Roberts was charged with murder.
His admission of manslaughter was rejected at his trial, and he went to the gallows.