War system that the accused who was not a peer or barrister was permitted to give evidence on their own behalf. The conviction was quashed, and Woolmington was acquitted. He was released three days before his scheduled execution, still 21 years old. Aftermath When it was announced that his conviction was quashed, contemporary newspaper reports indicate that Woolmington simply stood there stupefied, unable to understand what was happening. It was only when it was repeated to him for the third time that his conviction had been quashed that he appeared to understand that he had been reprieved. After he recovered from his ordeal Woolmington moved to Jersey where he had worked picking potatoes. One source records that he then lived in "quiet obscurity". There do not appear to be any further newspaper reports relating to him after 1935. It is possible that he may have died during World War II five years later. Due to many people of his name from Dorset his later years are unconfirmed. His and Violet's son was briefly adopted outside of the family; but after his past was discovered, sent to a Doctor Barnardo's home. He was then re-adopted. He found his blood parentage when in his 60s. Reception Leading criminal lawyer, Professor Sir John Smith QC, commented: "Never, in my opinion, has the House of Lords done a more noble deed in the field of criminal law than on that day." Lord Goddard CJ was among critics. References External links Full Law Report from Justis from BAILII English criminal case law House of Lords cases 1935 in case law 1935 in British law