The Green Bicycle Murder

One of the most fascinating murder cases in legal history took place in the South Leicestershire countryside. During the summer of 1919, a young Stoughton woman, Bella Wright, aged twenty-one, was shot dead. Her body was discovered by a farmer walking along the quiet Burton Overy Road towards Stretton. Months later, a green bicycle was found in the canal, and traced to its owner, Ronald Light, who soon found himself on trial for his life.

The case took several twists and turns. The trial turned on the detailed history of the green bicycle which the suspect was seen riding near the crime scene. The accused was defended at Leicester Court by Sir Edward Marshall Hall. The famous advocate put forward a plucky and highly effective defence leading to his client's acquittal on all charges.

On 27 April 2003 we held a special event centred on the famous murder case. 54 cyclists, aged 7 to 70 heard Professor David Hughes explain the case. Spokes member Mark Ingle has posted some pictures of the event onto his web site. You can see them through this link

You can also visit the following links:-

Parmaq
An account by H.L.Adam (from the "aftermath" website)
De Montfort University re-enactment of the murder