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 Jack the Ripper: A Suspect Guide 
This text is from the E-book Jack the Ripper: A Suspect Guide by Christopher J. Morley (2005). Click here to return to the table of contents. The text is unedited, and any errors or omissions rest with the author. Our thanks go out to Christopher J. Morley for his permission to publish his E-book.

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.

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Related pages:
  John Avery
       Press Reports: Daily News - 14 November 1888 
       Press Reports: Daily Telegraph - 14 November 1888 
       Press Reports: Evening News - 14 November 1888 
       Press Reports: Times [London] - 14 November 1888 
       Ripper Media: Jack the Ripper: A Suspect Guide - John Avery 

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