Constable James FRASER (39)

19 Jul 1878
Elginshire Constabulary

PC Fraser died after being stabbed by a deranged man who was smashing up a hotel room.

On 17^th July 1878 a ‘well known railway contractor and tenant farmer` from Fettes, Ross-shire caught a train with the intention of visiting his wife in Ballinluig where she was looking after her sick mother.

He had been drinking heavily for some days and was in poor shape. By the time he got to Inverness he seemed restless and was acting strangely, asking an acquaintance to buy his ticket for him as he was afraid of being robbed.

Once at Forres he apparently got hold of some alcohol and his behaviour became even more bizarre, he was even seen to take a knife from his pocket and conceal it up his sleeve. As the train drew up at Dunphail, he sprang out and ran to the engine where, being known to the driver he was allowed to stay.

As the train continued on it’s way he climbed onto the tender and began to scream and shout. Trying to jump off, he was restrained by the crew. This caused such a commotion that the train was brought to a stop and two passengers were enlisted to restrain the man until they reached Grantown. On arrival, the stationmaster called for the doctor and had the man conveyed to the hotel where he was left alone in a room to rest. The doctor issued instructions that he be watched for any signs of a relapse.

About two to three hours later, there was a commotion in the room with sounds of the windows breaking and cries of ‘Murder’! The staff were so alarmed they called for the assistance of the police.

Constable James Fraser duly attended. He knew the man and tried to reason with him from outside the room, but he would not open the door. A duplicate key was produced and PC Fraser opened the door. As he entered the room he saw the man holding a knife but had no time to react and was stabbed without warning.

Although mortally wounded, PC Fraser was able to prevent the man exiting the room and locked the door behind him to prevent his escape. He was assisted downstairs and the doctor called. His assailant was later overpowered and taken to the police station, seemingly oblivious to what he had done.

PC Fraser had suffered an horrific injury and died at home on the 19^th July, he was 39 years of age and was married with 4 children.

The culprit was subsequently tried in front of Lord Deas and found guilty of Culpable Homicide. Due to his previous good character and having been suffering from ‘delirium tremens’ at the time of the crime, he was sentenced to 5 years penal servitude.

Police Constable James Fraser’s name is engraved on the Scottish Police Memorial and he will never be forgotten.

 

 

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