A Dark City
Delve into the dark heart of Glasgow, a city with history steeped in mystery and violence. A Dark City takes you behind the headlines to explore the city's most notorious murders - stories that shocked the nation, shattered communities and left scars that still linger. From cold blooded killers to infamous gangland slayings, we uncover the chilling details, the victims stories and the impact on Glasgow's streets.
A Dark City
The Sandyford Murder
A bloody footprint led to the gallows. A divided city fought for justice.
The brutal murder of servant Jessie McPherson in July 1862 shocked Victorian Glasgow to its core. Her body, discovered in the wealthy Fleming household at Sandiford Place, bore the marks of approximately 40 savage blows. Someone had attempted to clean both the crime scene and the victim's body, yet bloody footprints remained—silent witnesses that would become central to Scotland's first criminal case using forensic photography.
When missing silverware was traced to Jessie McLachlan, a former servant and friend of the victim, it seemed authorities had their killer. Blood-stained clothing in her possession further cemented the case against her. Yet McLachlan maintained her innocence throughout, pointing instead to 87-year-old James Fleming, who had been alone in the house and had a questionable history with female servants. Was this a desperate ploy or the truth?
The trial captivated Glasgow, with newspapers providing breathless coverage of every development. After just 15 minutes of deliberation, the jury unanimously convicted McLachlan, and Lord Deas sentenced her to hang. What followed was extraordinary—public outcry was so intense that an unprecedented Court Commission was established to reinvestigate the evidence. Though they didn't overturn her conviction, McLachlan's sentence was commuted to life imprisonment.
More than 160 years later, the Sandiford murder still haunts Glasgow's history, raising uncomfortable questions about class bias in Victorian justice and the limitations of early forensic techniques. Was an innocent woman condemned based on circumstantial evidence? Or did a clever murderer nearly escape justice? Dive into one of Scotland's most enduring criminal mysteries and decide for yourself what really happened that July night in Sandiford Place.
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Welcome to A Dark City, the podcast that delves into the shadowy underbelly of Glasgow, a city with a storied past and a reputation for resilience. Here we uncover the chilling true stories of serious crimes that have left their mark on the city's history, from notorious gangland wars to unsolved mysteries. Join us as we explore the darker side of Glasgow and the people whose lives were forever changed by its crimes. In this episode, we're going back to Victorian Glasgow. Glasgow was a dynamic and complex city at the time, a powerhouse of industry and driving force of the Scottish economy. However, this progress came at a cost, with significant social challenges related to rapid urbanisation, poverty and public health issues that the city was beginning to address. Poverty and public health issues that the city was beginning to address. Crime and social contrasts were still very much prevalent. The Sandiford murder case of 1862, also known as the Sandiford Place Mystery, was a notable and highly sensational Victorian murder that transpired in Glasgow. In July 1862, 33-year-old Jesse McPherson, a servant employed at 17 Sandiford Place in Glasgow, was brutally murdered. Upon returning from a holiday members of the affluent Fleming family, her employers discovered her body in her bedroom. She had been subjected to a vicious attack, sustaining approximately 40 blows to her head, face and body, likely inflicted with an iron cleaver discovered at the scene. The crime scene was characterised by its gruesome nature, with bloodstains evident throughout the bedroom, lobby and kitchen. Adding to the enigma, it appeared that an attempt had been made to clean the scene, as the kitchen and bedroom floors had been washed and Jessie's face, chest and neck had been cleaned. Despite these efforts, bloody footprints remained visible. Additionally, certain pieces of Jesse's clothing and belongings, as well as silverware from the household, were missing. Initially, suspicion was directed towards old James Fleming, the 87-year-old father of the homeowner, who had been residing in the house alone at the time of the murder. He maintained that he had neither heard nor seen anything suspicious. However, his past indiscretions, including the fatherhood of a child with a servant, prompted police to consider the possibility that he had murdered Jessie after she had allegedly declined his advances. The investigation took a significant turn when a pawnbroker, after reading about the case in the newspaper, reported receiving the missing silverware from a woman named Mary MacDonald. Notably, this alias was occasionally used by Jessie MacPherson's friend, jessie MacLachlan. Jessie MacLachlan, a former maidservant for the Fleming family and a close acquaintance of the victim, was subsequently arrested. Bloodstained clothing was discovered at her residence.
Speaker 1:During her trial, mclaughlin steadfastly maintained her innocence and accused James Fleming of the murder, suggesting that he acted in a fit of passion. After Jesse Macpherson rejected him, the trial at the Glasgow Circuit Court commenced and concluded after four days, attracting substantial public attention. Notably, the Sandiford case marked the first Scottish police case where forensic photography was employed as evidence. Mclaughlin was requested to place her foot in a container of cow's blood and subsequently step onto a wooden plank to compare her footprint with those found at the crime scene. Despite her pleas and accusations against Fleming, the jury deliberated for a mere 15 minutes before returning a unanimous guilty verdict. Lord Dias, the presiding judge, dismissed McLachlan's final statement, which detailed an account implicating Fleming as a collection of malicious falsehoods, and sentenced her to death by hanging. The ensuing public outcry and aftermath of the case had profound consequences. The verdict and sentence generated substantial public outrage. Many individuals believed in McLaughlin's innocence and suspected James Fleming. Consequently, an unprecedented court commission was established to reinvestigate the evidence. Although the commission did not exonerate McLaughlin, it recommended commutation of her death sentence to life imprisonment. She served 15 years in Perth General Prison before being released on a ticket of leave in 1877. Subsequently, maclachlan emigrated to the United States, remarried and passed away in Michigan in 1899.
Speaker 1:The Sandiford murder case continues to captivate and engender scholarly debate within Scottish criminal history. It stands out for the following notable aspects it marked the inaugural Scottish police case to employ forensic photography. It underscored the intricate nature and potential for miscarriage of justice prevalent in Victorian era legal proceedings. The profound public interest and ongoing debate surrounding the guilt or innocence of Jesse McLaughlin. The case has garnered the attention of numerous literary works, documentaries and dramatic reconstructions, solidifying its position as one of Glasgow's most infamous murders. Indeed, the Sandiford murder case presents a multitude of captivating layers. Let us delve deeper into some of the aspects I have mentioned and explore additional details that make this case so compelling.
Speaker 1:The victim, jessie McPherson, was widely regarded as a hard-working and well-liked young woman. Her tenure in the service of the Fleming family had spanned some time and she was esteemed as a reliable and trustworthy member of their household. This rendered the brutality of her murder all the more shocking to the community. The fact that she was a servant in a wealthy household further illuminated the social dynamics of the era. The vulnerability of those employed in domestic service was a stark reality, and this case brought that vulnerability to the forefront. The fact that she was a servant in a wealthy household further illuminated the social dynamics of the era. The vulnerability of those employed in domestic service was a stark reality and this case brought that vulnerability to the forefront.
Speaker 1:The accused, jessie McLachlan, steadfastly maintained her innocence and accused James Fleming of the murder, suggesting that he acted in a fit of passion. After Jesse McPherson rejected him, the trial at the Glasgow Circuit Court commenced and concluded after four days, attracting substantial public attention. Notably, the Sandiford case marked the first Scottish police case where forensic photography was employed as evidence. Mclachlan was requested to place her foot in a container of cow's blood and subsequently step onto a wooden plank to compare her footprint with those found at the crime scene. Despite her pleas and accusations against Fleming, the jury deliberated for a mere 15 minutes before returning a unanimous guilty verdict. Lord Diaz, the presiding judge, dismissed McLachlan's final statement, which detailed an account implicating Fleming, as a collection of malicious falsehoods, and sentenced her to death by hanging.
Speaker 1:The ensuing public outcry and aftermath of the case had profound consequences. The verdict and sentence generated substantial public outrage. Many individuals believed in McLaughlin's innocence and suspected James Fleming. Consequently, an unprecedented court commission was established to reinvestigate the evidence. Although the commission did not exonerate McLaughlin, it recommended commutation of her death sentence to life imprisonment. She served 15 years in Perth General Prison before being released on a ticket of leave in 1877. Subsequently, McLaughlin emigrated to the United States, remarried and passed away in Michigan in 1899.
Speaker 1:The suspect, old James Fleming. James Fleming's presence in the house alone at the time of the murder was a key point of contention. His advanced age and initial claims of hearing nothing were suspicious to many. His past history, including the illegitimate child, painted a picture of a man capable of indiscreet behaviour, which fuelled the speculation that his advances towards Jesse Macpherson might have been rejected, leading to a violent outburst. Despite MacLachlan's direct accusations, the societal biases of the time likely played a role in the jury's reluctance to believe a servant over a man of Fleming's social standing.
Speaker 1:The forensic evidence the use of forensic photography was groundbreaking for its time. While the techniques were rudimentary compared to today, the attempt to visually document the crime scene and compare the footprint was a significant step forward in criminal investigation in Scotland. The bloody footprints found at the scene were crucial evidence linking someone to the crime. The comparison with McLachlan's foot, though seemingly damning at the time, was later questioned in terms of its reliability. The arrest and pre-trial investigations. Following the discovery that missing silverware from the Fleming household had been pawned by a woman using the alias Mary MacDonald, identified as Jessie MacLachlan, she became the prime suspect. Upon searching MacLachlan's residence, police discovered blood-stained clothing, including a coat, belonging to the victim, jessie MacPherson. This was a significant piece of evidence linking McLaughlin to the crime. Mclaughlin initially denied being at Sandiford Place on the night of the murder, further arousing suspicion when evidence suggested otherwise.
Speaker 1:The trial and the role of the media the trial was a major public spectacle with newspapers providing extensive coverage. This media attention likely influenced public opinion and put pressure on the authorities. The speed of the jury's deliberation only 15 minutes raised eyebrows and contributed to the feeling that the verdict might have been rushed or based on preconceived notions. The judge's strong dismissal of McLaughlin's final statement further solidified the perception in some quarters that the trial was biased. Let's delve deeper into the court case surrounding the Sandiford murder of Jesse McPherson in July 1862, focusing on the evidence presented and the key moments of the trial of Jesse McLachlan. The trial at Glasgow Circuit Court, september 17-20, 1862. The trial was presided over by Lord Diaz and attracted considerable public and media attention, reflecting the sensational nature of the crime.
Speaker 1:The prosecution'sution's Case. The prosecution presented a circumstantial case against Jesse McLaughlin focusing on the following key pieces of evidence the pawned silverware. The recovery of the Fleming silverware from a pawnbroker who identified McLaughlin under the alias Mary MacDonald as the person who pawned it, under the alias Mary MacDonald as the person who pawned it. Bloodstained clothing the discovery of bloodstained clothing belonging to both McLaughlin and the victim in McLaughlin's home. The victim's coat found in McLaughlin's possession was particularly incriminating McLaughlin's lies. Her initial denial of being at Sandiford Place on the night of the murder was contradicted by other evidence suggesting she was attempting to conceal her involvement. The bloody footprint this was a novel piece of forensic evidence for the time. A bloody footprint was found at the crime scene. Mclaughlin was made to place her foot in cow's blood and then onto a board, and this impression was compared to the footprint found at Sandiford Place. It was reported that they exactly corresponded, although the reliability of this method by today's standards is questionable.
Speaker 1:Implied motive While no clear motive was definitively established, the prosecution likely suggested robbery, given the missing silverware and some of the victim's clothing. The defense's case Jessie McLaughlin maintained her innocence throughout the trial. Her defense strategy centered on denial of guilt. She steadfastly denied committing the murder accusation of James Fleming. In a dramatic turn, mclaughlin accused old James Fleming, the 87-year-old father of the homeowner, of the murder. She suggested he may have killed Jesse McPherson after his amorous advances were rejected, challenging the evidence. While not always explicitly detailed in summaries, the defence likely attempted to cast doubt on the reliability of the circumstantial evidence, including the interpretation of the bloodstains and the footprint comparison.
Speaker 1:Key witnesses James Fleming he was a crucial witness for the prosecution, likely testifying about the missing silverware and the timeline of events at the house. The prosecution presented him as a credible witness, despite McLaughlin's accusations. The pawnbroker their testimony, identifying McLaughlin as the person who pawned the silverware, was critical in linking her to the Fleming household. After the murder Police investigators, they presented the evidence found at McLaughlin's home and the crime scene, including the bloodstained items and the footprint. Found at McLaughlin's home and the crime scene, including the bloodstained items and the footprint. Dr G H B McLeod he was involved in taking the impression of McLaughlin's foot in blood for comparison with the footprint at the crime scene, providing what was considered key forensic evidence at the time.
Speaker 1:Lord Diaz's summing up the presiding judge Lord Diaz. The presiding judge, lord Diaz, delivered a lengthy summing up of the evidence, reportedly lasting over four hours. His tone and emphasis heavily favoured the prosecution's case and he strongly dismissed McLaughlin's accusations against James Fleming as a tissue of wicked falsehoods. This was seen by many as a clear indication of his belief in her guilt and potentially influenced the jury, the verdict and sentencing. After deliberating for only 19 minutes, the jury returned a unanimous verdict of guilty. Lord Dayas, accepting the verdict, sentenced Jesse McLachlan to death by hanging, scheduled for October 11th 1862. The public outcry and the court commission, the widespread disbelief in McLachlan's guilt and the suspicion surrounding James Fleming demonstrated the power of public opinion even in Victorian times. The establishment of the Court Commission was an extraordinary event, highlighting the level of doubt surrounding the initial verdict. While it didn't overturn the conviction, the commutation of the death sentence was a significant concession to public sentiment.
Speaker 1:Lasting legacy and unanswered questions the Sandiford murder case continues to fascinate because it leaves so many unanswered questions. Was Jesse McLachlan truly guilty? Did James Fleming play a role? The lack of definitive answers contributes to its enduring mystery. The case serves as a reminder of the limitations of forensic science. Contributes to its enduring mystery. The case serves as a reminder of the limitations of forensic science in the 19th century and the potential for social biases to influence legal outcomes. It remains a significant case study in Scottish legal history, often cited when discussing potential miscarriages of justice and the evolution of criminal investigation techniques. In essence, the Sandiford murder case was more than just a brutal crime. It was a complex tapestry of social dynamics, conflicting testimonies, emerging forensic science and intense public scrutiny. The ambiguities and unanswered questions surrounding the events of that July in 1862 continue to fuel debate and make it a compelling and enduring mystery in Glasgow's history.
Speaker 1:The aftermath and the court commission, the swift guilty verdict and the death sentence triggered a significant public outcry. Many people were unconvinced of McLaughlin's guilt and found her accusations against the elderly James Fleming plausible. The perceived bias of the judges, summing up, also fuelled public concern. In an unprecedented move, due to the widespread public doubt, the government appointed a Crown Commission to reinvestigate the evidence. This demonstrated the significant pressure exerted by public opinion on the legal process. The Commission did not overturn the guilty verdict. However. They recommended commuting McLaughlin's death sentence to life imprisonment. This decision acknowledged the lingering doubts and the strength of the public feeling about the case.
Speaker 1:The court case of Jesse McLaughlin was a landmark event, not only for the brutal nature of the crime but also for its impact on public perception of justice and the introduction of early forensic techniques. The speed of the verdict, the judge's strong stance and the subsequent public outcry and government intervention all contribute to the enduring intrigue surrounding the Sandiford murder case. All contribute to the enduring intrigue surrounding the Sandiford murder case. The trial highlights the complexities of circumstantial evidence and the potential for societal biases to influence legal proceedings in the Victorian era. The Sandiford murder case continues to captivate and engender scholarly debate within Scottish criminal history. It stands out for the following notable aspects it marked the inaugural Scottish police case to employ forensic photography. It underscored the intricate nature and potential for miscarriage of justice prevalent in Victorian-era legal proceedings. The profound public interest and ongoing debate surrounding the guilt or innocence of Jesse McLachlan. The case has garnered the attention of numerous literary works, documentaries and dramatic reconstructions, solidifying its position as one of Glasgow's most infamous murders. Thank you.