We asked if anyone could name the two visitors to the bar in this photo, plus everyone else in the room, together with where and when was it taken?
We believe the photo was taken after the successful conclusion of the trial of Paul Belvin for the murder of Jean Burrows in July 1971. This marked the first time that Scotland Yard detectives were invited to assist in a murder investigation since the South Shore, Warwick murders that took place in 1959. CLICK HERE to read an excellent article, "Brutal Murder on Pomander Road" about the murder and the subsequent arrest and conviction of Paul Belvin.
The visitors of course were two Scotland Yard detectives, Chief Superintendent Bill Wright and Sergeant Basil Haddrell. The photo was taken in the Officers Mess at Prospect, probably after the conviction of Paul Belvin for murder. Belvin was initially sentenced to be hanged, but on appeal he was given imprisonment for life.
Standing between Basil and Bill is "Nobby" Clark, and standing between Frank Hammond and Basil Haddrell is Commissioner George Duckett. Ironically, both Bill Wright and Basil Haddrell returned to Bermuda to lead the investigations into the assassination of H.E. The Governor, Sir Richard Sharples and his ADC, Commissioner George Duckett and two men brutally shot and killed in the Shopping Centre on Victoria Street.
The only person still with us from this photo as of this publication in November 2024 is now retired Commissioner Clive Donald who was a Detective Inspector in Central CID and Murder Squad when it was taken.
Gathering at Officers Mess, Prospect , circa 1971