New Scotland Yard: Weight of Evidence (ITV 14 Jul 1973, Bob Hoskins)

In Weight of Evidence a group of crooks pull of a bank robbery but one of the men, Eddie Wharton is seen by elderly Mrs Penton. One of the crooks uses an amonia spray on the old lady putting her in hospital.

With a clear identifit picture it’s only a matter of time before the police pick Eddie up but his wife persuades him to give himself up. Despite that Kingdom is convinced Eddie was the one who used violence against Mrs Fenton, a situation made worse when she identifies Eddie. Wharton is adamant that he had nothing to do with harming Mrs Fenton. Kingdom is willing to give him the benefit of the doubt especially his previous form indicates no violence and Wharton is willing to name names.

At the trial Eddie found guilty of robbery and GBH and despite a plea for leniency is sentence to 14 years.

What’s particularly interesting here is that Kingdom is genuinely sorry that Eddie has been given such a harsh sentence, telling his wife there are grounds for appeal. We also know that is was Barry Robins who actually attacked the old lady.

A brilliant line up for this one with Bob Hoskins, Michael Elphick and George Innes make up the gang.

Nice clip from Police 5 too with Shaw Taylor talking about the crime and highlighting the fact that Bob Hoskins is the chief suspect.

production details
UK / ITV – London Weekend Television / 1×50 minute episode / Broadcast Saturday 14 July 1973

Writer: Andrew Brown / Production Design: Bryan Bagge / Director: Jim Goddard

Series: New Scotland Yard Season 3 Episode 4

cast
John Woodvine as Kingdom
John Carlisle as Ward
Bob Hoskins as Eddie Wharton
Michael Elphick as Al Farmer
George Innes as Barry Robins
Theresa Watson as Miss Wilson
Olive Milbourne as Mrs Penton
Graham James as Mr Castle
Mark Moss as Bill Foster
Jonathan Adams as Detective Sergeant Keynes
David McKail as Detective Constable Blake
Dennis Blanch as Detective Constable Thomas
Clifton Jones as Dr Gordon
Dorothy White as Margot Wharton
Hugh Morton as Judge
Martin Wyldeck as Mr Hallam
John Barcroft as Mr Palmer
David Sinclair as Charles Ambrose
Mischa de la Motte as Jury Foreman
Shaw Taylor as himself