and subjected you to personal castigation, but, as it, is I deal with your case with great regret. I should have been delighted if the jury could have seen their way to a doubt. I believe that you must have been under the influence of drink, for there was no adequate motive for your act, for the medals are only of trifling value. Your punishment must be very severe. It must be penal servitude for three years. With regard to you, Charlotte Johnson, you took a very subordinate part in the affair..” Bambrick, holding up the girl's hand, said, "Look at this small hand, my lord; it is absurd to suppose she could have done much against a strong man. She was merely in the room." The Judge replied, "l say she only took a subordinate part. I shall not punish her so severely as the male prisoner. She must be imprisoned, with hard labour, for 12 months". Bambrick then shouted, "There won't be a bigger robber in England than I shall be when I come out". In reality, Russell's account of what had happened in Aldershot seems unlikely; his pride had probably been hurt at being soundly beaten by Bambrick and as a married man he would not have been keen to explain either to his wife or his commanding officer that he had lost his medals while beating a prostitute in his room. However, Bambrick did not endear himself to the Court because of his confrontational manner, and despite Russell being the only witness for the prosecution Bambrick and Johnson were found guilty. Suicide The Aldershot Military Gazette of 26 September 1863 recorded that: "On Thursday a most determined attempt of suicide was made by a soldier named Valentine Bambrick, of the 87th Royal Irish Fusiliers, who, for some acts of gallantry was decorated with a Victoria Cross. It appears that in the course of the previous night (Wednesday), Bambrick was observed with a female in his room; was immediately apprehended, and conveyed to the guard-room. At about twelve o'clock the prisoner was being removed for the purpose of being brought before the commanding-officer, when seeing razor lying conveniently picked it up, and without the slightest hesitation drew it across his throat, inflicting a fearful gash. He then as rapidly drew the instrument down both sides of his chest, inflicting dangerous wounds. At this time the razor was