Rushden’s giant heavyweight boxer, Richard William Leonard (“Dick”) Pantling, now a physical training instructor-sergeant in the R.A.F., appeared at a special court at Biggleswade on Saturday, charged with the manslaughter of Edward Mercer between midnight on Friday and 1.30 a.m. on Saturday.
P.C. Francis, stationed at an R.A.F. station, said that at 1.25 on the day, in consequence of information received, he went to a picket post at the station and there saw the body of Mercer lying on a bed. He made enquiries and as a result, at 2.50 a.m. the same day, he arrested Pantling and conveyed him to Biggleswade Police Station, where at 9.45 a.m. the same day he charged him. In reply, Pantling said, “No, I don’t want to say anything.”
Supt. J. B. Gilroy said he was not in a position to proceed with the charge that day and asked for a remand until July 9th. Although it was a very serious charge he did not oppose bail.
The defendant was remanded until July 9th on bail in his own recognizance of £10. He was granted a certificate for legal aid.
“Dick” Pantling has appeared in boxing tournaments in many parts of the country and once called about 17 stone. He is 20, and unmarried, and his home is at 87, Highfield-road, Rushden. He joined the R.A.F. in July, 1940.
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