John Avery
John Avery was just one of a number of people who wasted valuable police time by confessing that he was Jack the Ripper, while under the influence of alcohol. On the 12 November 1888 John Carvell, a private in the 11th Hussars, was standing on the corner of York Road, Islington, when an intoxicated Avery came up to him and announced, 'I'm Jack the Ripper, I'll show you how I do all the lot'. Carvell told him to go away and not talk such nonsense. Avery however refused and followed him, a scuffle ensured, during which Avery's nose become scratched. Avery then said, 'come and have a glass of beer and I will tell you a secret and you can make some money'. They proceeded to the Duke of York public house, Caledonian Street, where at the bar Avery repeated his claim once more that he was the Whitechapel murderer, and claimed he would have committed even more had he not lost the black bag in which he kept his knives. Carvell, clearly frustrated with the man, then dragged Avery outside into the charge of a policeman who was on duty nearby. After questioning, he was cleared of any involvement in the Whitechapel murders and was sentenced to 14 days hard labour for being drunk and disorderly. Passing sentence, Mr Bros said to the accused, 'you have done an exceedingly foolish and wicked thing, I shall send all persons whom are brought before me for acting as you have done to prison, without the option of a fine'. Avery, a ticket writer, lived at Southwick House, Vicarage Road, Willesden, and was described as respectable, 43 years of age 5ft 9"tall with dark hair and whiskers.
