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Post by chalkygo on Oct 11, 2015 1:07:57 GMT
I wish to report inaccuracies of the report on this site of the, what is officially recorded as manslaughter/murder of Geraldine Beston. My name is Bernard 'Chalky' White. On the date of the murder I was a Chatham, Kent Police officer, Police Constable 3882 White. I was the very first Police witness on the scene of the crime at 64 Fort Pitt Street, Chatham. Two ambulance men arrived on the scene first and took the primary murderer, Robert Ballard to hospital following his attempted suicide by slitting his wrists and femoral arteries; he died from those wounds. Just today, I found a government report on the BBC website, discussing increases in witchcraft/black magic killings in Great Britsin; it reminded me of the Beston murder all those years ago. To put the record straight, according to the report on this website, Geraldine Beston was married; not true, she was only 12 years old. Also, from my memory she had been photographed for days as she passed by the flat/apartment and then on the the day of the murder, October 15th 1968 she was lured by Joyce Ballard into the eventual murder scene after being asked by Joyce if she would mail a letter because her husband, Robert Ballard, was ill. He lay in wait behind the front door and as she entered the property Robert Ballard stuffed a handkerchief into Geraldine's mouth to prevent her from being heard to scream. I know the exact details of what took place following that; it is far too gruesome to tell here but it was about as horrific as it gets in relation to murders. Joyce Ballard, given 3 years for manslaughter; what a travesty. The judge, the same one that sentenced the notorious Krays to life should have given her life too and thrown the key away. She was as guilty of murder as her husband was. She should never have been released from prison. I still remember her to this day; when I arrived at the scene at around nine in the morning, sitting in the front room as cool as you like, definitely no tears, she was drinking a glass of scotch whisky. I arrested her on suspicion of murder. As a policeman that served 9 years in the Kent Constabulary, the last 6 of it in London's Metropolitan Police, I have never witnessed or heard of another Policeman witnessing anything worse than the murder of 12 year old Geraldine Beston. My only hope is that she still rests in peace.
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Post by Admin on Oct 11, 2015 13:17:07 GMT
Thanks for the input. I have corrected the mismatch of names which can happen when copy/pasting names etc. The case is here: www.blackkalendar.nl/content.php?key=8735&time=1444568156Im happy to have your comments here on the message board which isnt really permanent but cant update the other information as its not an 'official' source ie something I can reference. The only real source I have is the National Archives and they are closed until forever so this item probably wont see much more detail other than what can be found in the Times online archive which is just one item. |
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Post by njblas on Nov 29, 2015 10:22:32 GMT
Mr White, thank you for sharing your memories of your first-hand experience of this horrific case. They must be memories which have haunted you over the years. I have a very vivid recollection of reading a press report about the murder and trial in 1968. It left a lasting impression on me, firstly because I was the same age as the victim, Geraldine Beston, and secondly, because of the horrendous nature of the murder, and the way the victim was lured to her death at the hands of neighbours she presumably knew and trusted. I remember there was a photo of Geraldine printed with the article, and my memory tells me she had long hair, but that's about all I recall, and I may be wrong about that. Her name was firmly implanted on my memory, and years later, I sought to refresh my memory and read more about it. However, I found almost nothing on the internet about it. Presumably, this is because the DPP ordered the files to be closed at the National Archives (due to the distressing nature of the case). I've often wondered what became of Joyce Ballard after she served her manifestly inadequate sentence. It would seem her claims of being 'dominated' by her husband were accepted by the judge (was there a jury?) I suppose she changed her name and disappeared from public view after her release. Was she troubled by her role in this horrendous murder? It seems unlikely we'll ever know. I also wonder how Geraldine's grieving family managed to pick up the pieces and get on with their lives. Their pain must have been almost unimaginable. Mr White, thank you again for sharing your recollections. If there are any further details you remember about this case, I would be very interested to read them. Admin, do you have a link to the Times online archive item you mention above, or can it be reproduced here? Many thanks...
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Post by supersonic on Mar 18, 2016 17:10:31 GMT
I wish to report inaccuracies of the report on this site of the, what is officially recorded as manslaughter/murder of Geraldine Beston. My name is Bernard 'Chalky' White. On the date of the murder I was a Chatham, Kent Police officer, Police Constable 3882 White. I was the very first Police witness on the scene of the crime at 64 Fort Pitt Street, Chatham. Two ambulance men arrived on the scene first and took the primary murderer, Robert Ballard to hospital following his attempted suicide by slitting his wrists and femoral arteries; he died from those wounds. Just today, I found a government report on the BBC website, discussing increases in witchcraft/black magic killings in Great Britsin; it reminded me of the Beston murder all those years ago. To put the record straight, according to the report on this website, Geraldine Beston was married; not true, she was only 12 years old. Also, from my memory she had been photographed for days as she passed by the flat/apartment and then on the the day of the murder, October 15th 1968 she was lured by Joyce Ballard into the eventual murder scene after being asked by Joyce if she would mail a letter because her husband, Robert Ballard, was ill. He lay in wait behind the front door and as she entered the property Robert Ballard stuffed a handkerchief into Geraldine's mouth to prevent her from being heard to scream. I know the exact details of what took place following that; it is far too gruesome to tell here but it was about as horrific as it gets in relation to murders. Joyce Ballard, given 3 years for manslaughter; what a travesty. The judge, the same one that sentenced the notorious Krays to life should have given her life too and thrown the key away. She was as guilty of murder as her husband was. She should never have been released from prison. I still remember her to this day; when I arrived at the scene at around nine in the morning, sitting in the front room as cool as you like, definitely no tears, she was drinking a glass of scotch whisky. I arrested her on suspicion of murder. As a policeman that served 9 years in the Kent Constabulary, the last 6 of it in London's Metropolitan Police, I have never witnessed or heard of another Policeman witnessing anything worse than the murder of 12 year old Geraldine Beston. My only hope is that she still rests in peace. |
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Post by supersonic on Mar 18, 2016 17:12:38 GMT
you are correct, I went to school with Geraldine and know all about this case, and it was so gruesome, don't think her mother ever recovered. not sure if you are chalky white who went to highfields, if you are you will know me as Jane Moyler who lived on ordnance st.
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Post by njblas on Mar 20, 2016 9:24:32 GMT
It's so interesting to hear from another forum member with a personal connection to this horrific, haunting murder. Jane, the circumstances of Geraldine's death must have been very distressing to yourself and everyone else who knew her.
I have been trying for some time to learn more about this case, about which there is very little information in the public domain. Just this week, after a drawing a blank for so long, I finally located a contemporary press account which was written at the conclusion of Joyce Ballard's trial. I think it is the very same report I read all those years ago, and never forgot about. It contains a photo of Geraldine, as well as separate photos of both Robert and Joyce Ballard. If I knew how to attach it to this post, I would! The article contains a little more information to add to what is currently available on the net. For instance it states that Ballard was the caretaker of the block of flats in which they lived, and had a club foot. Also, it says that he and Joyce had two young children (no names given). I wonder what became of them, were they reunited with Joyce after her release from gaol? Joyce could well still be alive today, she would only be in her late 70s if so. But no doubt she changed her name and has hidden her tracks well:(
Jane, do you (or Mr White) know if Geraldine's family lived at the same block of flats (No 64) as the Ballards, or further along the street? Does the block of flats still exist today?
EDITED BY ADMIN TO REMOVE CERTAIN STATEMENTS SAID TO HAVE COME FROM A GENEOLOGICAL RESEARCH SITE.
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phil
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Post by phil on Apr 10, 2016 16:29:44 GMT
Geraldine lived at no 40 Fort Pitt Street. The Ballards were at no 64. The block has long been demolished and I think it's a road there now.
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Post by njblas on Apr 11, 2016 9:08:32 GMT
Geraldine lived at no 40 Fort Pitt Street. The Ballards were at no 64. The block has long been demolished and I think it's a road there now. Thanks Phil...I have recently got hold of some detailed newspaper reports of the murder from the archives of the Chatham,Rochester & Gillingham News. The initial report on 18 October 1968 states that Geraldine's family lived on the same level of the block of flats (at No 64) as the Ballards. The Bestons had reportedly lived there since 1963, but the Ballards had only arrived 6 months before the murder. That's according to their report anyway! However, newspaper reports aren't always 100% accurate of course, for instance it states that Geraldine had a younger brother, yet it appears from later information that she didn't (REMOVED STATEMENT OF FACT WITHOUT REFERENCE REGARDING COUSIN). So I am very interested to hear your recollections! From what I can ascertain from Google Maps, there is a court named Priestdale Court on the location of the old flats (which were double-storied and appear to have been demolished sometime in the 80s)... |
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phil
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Post by phil on Apr 11, 2016 13:38:42 GMT
Came on here especially to say I heard today that she had a younger brother of around 7 years old. After the murder her mum would always be by his side on the way to school and back home. She wouldn't let him out of her sight.
STATEMENT REGARDING NESAGENTS REMOVED FOR ALLEDGEDLY BEING INCORRECT.
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Post by njblas on Apr 11, 2016 22:57:26 GMT
Came on here especially to say I heard today that she had a younger brother of around 7 years old. After the murder her mum would always be by his side on the way to school and back home. She wouldn't let him out of her sight. STATEMENT REGARDING NESAGENTS REMOVED FOR ALLEDGEDLY BEING INCORRECT Thanks again Phil. Well, that initial newspaper report may have been right then about a brother. STATEMENT REGARDING NESAGENTS REMOVED FOR ALLEDGEDLY BEING INCORRECT. |
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Post by ellenx on Sept 25, 2017 12:17:32 GMT
I knew her family she had a brother and none of them got over the loss of Geraldine and once they pulled the flats down they were moved across the road to Fort pitt street which must have been hard for them ,I remember my mother ,my baby daughter and I visiting her mother and the whole family where a shadow of whom they once where ,I went to the same school that Geraldine attended but didnt know her personally ,it was a horrendous crime and the women should have got a longer sentence I believe the women had children and that is why details have been kept quiet ,Chalky are you related to Steve'Chalky' my brothers and sister went to highfield back then .
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Post by njblas on Sept 28, 2017 5:22:41 GMT
I knew her family she had a brother and none of them got over the loss of Geraldine and once they pulled the flats down they were moved across the road to Fort pitt street which must have been hard for them ,I remember my mother ,my baby daughter and I visiting her mother and the whole family where a shadow of whom they once where ,I went to the same school that Geraldine attended but didnt know her personally ,it was a horrendous crime and the women should have got a longer sentence I believe the women had children and that is why details have been kept quiet ,Chalky are you related to Steve'Chalky' my brothers and sister went to highfield back then . Thank you for that information, Ellen. It is very interesting that you knew the family. Their suffering must have been unbearable. I believe Geraldine's parents may have now both passed away. Joyce Ballard, who was convicted of manslaughter only, indeed had a son and daughter. The sentence handed down to her of 3 years was ridiculously inadequate. She was responsible for luring Geraldine into her flat where the poor girl met an horrific fate. It seems the judge believed Joyce was brainwashed by her controlling husband and was not really responsible for her actions! Many people were outraged by the lenient sentence, and Geraldine's father yelled out in court, "I can wait 3 years!" It is unknown whether Joyce was reunited with her children after completing her sentence, if so, presumably they moved away and changed names. Joyce may well still be alive, she would only be aged approximately late 70s now. |
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Post by spirit83 on Oct 1, 2017 11:55:19 GMT
I wish to report inaccuracies of the report on this site of the, what is officially recorded as manslaughter/murder of Geraldine Beston. My name is Bernard 'Chalky' White. On the date of the murder I was a Chatham, Kent Police officer, Police Constable 3882 White. I was the very first Police witness on the scene of the crime at 64 Fort Pitt Street, Chatham. Two ambulance men arrived on the scene first and took the primary murderer, Robert Ballard to hospital following his attempted suicide by slitting his wrists and femoral arteries; he died from those wounds. Just today, I found a government report on the BBC website, discussing increases in witchcraft/black magic killings in Great Britsin; it reminded me of the Beston murder all those years ago. To put the record straight, according to the report on this website, Geraldine Beston was married; not true, she was only 12 years old. Also, from my memory she had been photographed for days as she passed by the flat/apartment and then on the the day of the murder, October 15th 1968 she was lured by Joyce Ballard into the eventual murder scene after being asked by Joyce if she would mail a letter because her husband, Robert Ballard, was ill. He lay in wait behind the front door and as she entered the property Robert Ballard stuffed a handkerchief into Geraldine's mouth to prevent her from being heard to scream. I know the exact details of what took place following that; it is far too gruesome to tell here but it was about as horrific as it gets in relation to murders. Joyce Ballard, given 3 years for manslaughter; what a travesty. The judge, the same one that sentenced the notorious Krays to life should have given her life too and thrown the key away. She was as guilty of murder as her husband was. She should never have been released from prison. I still remember her to this day; when I arrived at the scene at around nine in the morning, sitting in the front room as cool as you like, definitely no tears, she was drinking a glass of scotch whisky. I arrested her on suspicion of murder. As a policeman that served 9 years in the Kent Constabulary, the last 6 of it in London's Metropolitan Police, I have never witnessed or heard of another Policeman witnessing anything worse than the murder of 12 year old Geraldine Beston. My only hope is that she still rests in peace. |
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Post by spirit83 on Oct 1, 2017 11:57:21 GMT
Mr White, thank you for sharing your memories of your first-hand experience of this horrific case. They must be memories which have haunted you over the years. I have a very vivid recollection of reading a press report about the murder and trial in 1968. It left a lasting impression on me, firstly because I was the same age as the victim, Geraldine Beston, and secondly, because of the horrendous nature of the murder, and the way the victim was lured to her death at the hands of neighbours she presumably knew and trusted. I remember there was a photo of Geraldine printed with the article, and my memory tells me she had long hair, but that's about all I recall, and I may be wrong about that. Her name was firmly implanted on my memory, and years later, I sought to refresh my memory and read more about it. However, I found almost nothing on the internet about it. Presumably, this is because the DPP ordered the files to be closed at the National Archives (due to the distressing nature of the case). I've often wondered what became of Joyce Ballard after she served her manifestly inadequate sentence. It would seem her claims of being 'dominated' by her husband were accepted by the judge (was there a jury?) I suppose she changed her name and disappeared from public view after her release. Was she troubled by her role in this horrendous murder? It seems unlikely we'll ever know. I also wonder how Geraldine's grieving family managed to pick up the pieces and get on with their lives. Their pain must have been almost unimaginable. Mr White, thank you again for sharing your recollections. If there are any further details you remember about this case, I would be very interested to read them. Admin, do you have a link to the Times online archive item you mention above, or can it be reproduced here? Many thanks... |
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Post by Admin on Oct 1, 2017 12:57:40 GMT
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