The Trial

The trial of Pierce Power was heard by the Supreme Court from January 22 to 24, 1937. The courtroom was packed. It was a sensational case. All the papers covered it. It was the talk of St. John's.

The police claimed they were called to the Southside by Power's next door neighbour, Mrs. Dillon. They were told Pierce had fought with people at the house. He had broken up the furniture. Three officers drove to the Power home at 429 Southside Road. It was about 7:45 on Christmas Night. Constable Bert Williams parked across the street. Constable Alec Spracklin and Constable Michael Walsh went into the house. Pierce wasn't home. They went next door to Mrs. Dillon's house. He wasn't there either.

The two constables walked up the road. They didn't see the young man anywhere, so they walked back. The officers were about to get into the police car when Power came towards them. Constable Spracklin said that Pierce had been drinking. He said that Walsh told Power to go home. Power stepped back a few feet and pulled the razor out of his pocket. He told the officers to get out of his way. Spracklin said that Power told Walsh, "I know you. If you come near me I will disfigure you. Any man, woman, or child who gets in my way I will rip them from neck to arse."²⁸ According to Spracklin, Power then told Walsh that he had the upper hand this time. Walsh tried to grab Power. He slipped on the ice and Power slashed at him with the razor. Spracklin-six feet tall and 220 pounds-jumped on Power. Walsh put the handcuffs on him.

Constable Walsh said he remembered getting the razor away from Power. Walsh said he heard Power's sister say, "Don't hurt Pierce," when he put the handcuffs on.²⁹ Walsh didn't know how badly he'd been cut until he tried to move his tongue. He showed the jury his wounds. The officer would be scarred for life.

The defense had a very different story to tell. Pierce's father, Patrick, and several other witnesses, said that Pierce had had a few drinks at home on Christmas night. Then he went out visiting friends. When he got to Mrs. Dillon's house Pierce was drunk. Mrs. Dillon told Pierce to go home. It was Christmas. She'd seen enough drunk men for one night. But Pierce did not hurt anyone or break anything in the house. Power then went to Mrs. McGrath's house on the same street. Mrs. McGrath had known Pierce since the day he was born. She said that he was very drunk and had no shirt on. He was panting and out of breath. It was a cold night. Pierce was sweating and his head was steaming. Mrs. McGrath said she bathed his head in cold water and got him a shirt. Her husband went to his house to get Pierce's coat.