Let Him Have It Page #6

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When the Home Secretary

receives these petitions,

he'll have to take notice

of what the public thinks.

- How many signatures do you have?

- Over 100,000. This isn't all.

We've got medical papers which show

he should never have been in court.

One doctor says that Derek

has a mental age of 11.

- How has this not come out before?

- It's all been so quick.

The trial was a month

after what happened

and it's only lasted

a couple of days.

That's never right,

not when a life's at stake.

"We want what is right

and not what is merely the law."

"It is a tribute

to the people of Britain

that unrest is growing

up and down the country

about the fate of this boy, Bentley."

"The feeling is that the British

judicial system is now on trial."

"And it will be guilty indeed

in there is no reprieve

before the execution date

five days from now."

You see?

A lot of people behind you.

Your folks are doing a good job.

- Mr Bentley?

- Yeah?

Good morning, sir.

Soames, Daily Telegraph.

Well, what are your plans now, sir?

How d'you mean?

- You haven't heard the news?

- What news?

Erm...

the Home Secretary's decision, sir.

He hasn't been in touch with us yet.

We're the ones who'd hear first.

- What is it, Will?

- The Daily Telegraph.

They can't know yet,

we haven't heard.

They're have been a messenger.

They posted it on the Saturday.

Posted it.

No.

No!

Oh, they can't!

They can't!

He's had to go to the Houses

of Parliament to talk to MPs.

He's sorry he can't be here,

but he knows you'll understand.

Someone told me Vincent

got five years

for a robbery him and Chris did.

Is that true?

Oh, yes. It was all over the papers.

I'm not afraid to die.

Derek, don't talk that way.

I'm not afraid to die

because I didn't kill anyone.

Everyone knows that.

That's why the MPs

are seeing Dad right now.

Does it hurt?

Dad'll tell me, won't he,

if it hurts?

Well, Will?

They're holding the debate tomorrow.

But that's the day before!

The Home Secretary's

leaving it to the last minute.

I'm writing to the Queen.

There's nothing more we can do.

We must not let

an innocent boy hang!

Down with the death penalty!

Please sign this petition.

Save an innocent child

from the hangman's noose!

We must not allow

this Derek Bentley boy to be hanged!

Get back!

Is that a new eye shadow, Iris?

You'll have to wash

that stuff off when I get home.

There's old Pop

grinding his teeth again.

Thanks for this, Mum.

Will you stroke the dogs for me?

Course I will.

Well, son, we have to get going,

so we can be there

at the House of Commons

when the members of parliament

come out of their session.

Bye, son.

- Don't worry, Derek.

- I'm not worried, sis.

Like Dad said,

they're just trying to scare me.

Cheerio.

Cheerio, Dad.

Cheerio, Mum.

I'll see you tomorrow.

God bless!

Mr Bentley!

I'll be back as soon as I hear.

There's still hope.

I don't know what to say.

They won't discuss the case until

the sentence has been carried out.

Which is set for 9am tomorrow.

I told you, Mum, this letter

would be difficult to write.

I can't think of anything to say...

.. except that

you have all been wonderful,

the way you have worked for me.

Don't forget what I told you

yesterday. Always keep your chin up.

And tell Pop not to grind his teeth.

And, Dad, keep a strict eye on Denis.

- If he does anything wrong...

- Hey. Slow down.

If he does, wallop him

so he can't sit down for three weeks.

I'm trying to give you good advice

because of my experience.

I tell you what, Mum,

the truth of this story

has got to come out one day.

And on that one day a lot of people

are gonna get into trouble!

I think you know who I mean.

What do you think, Mum?

This letter

may sound a bit solemn,

but I am trying to keep my chin up

as I want all the family to do.

Don't let anything happen

to the cats and the dogs

and look after them

as you always have.

That will be all for now.

I will sign this letter myself.

Lots of love.

What d'you think?

That's a very nice letter, Derek.

Mr Bentley,

this is all today, I'm afraid.

Our Father which art in heaven,

hallowed be Thy name,

Thy kingdom come...

And forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive them

that trespass against us.

.. the power and the glory,

forever and ever.

Amen.

The darkness deepens

Lord, with me abide

When other helpers fail

and comforts flee

- For Thou art with me...

- Stand up!

- Drink that quick!

- The prisoner, sir.

Hands behind your back.

You follow me, lad. It'll be alright.

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