Victorian London is one of the most fascinating times in criminal history, not just because of Jack the Ripper but also because of the other murderers that lurked on the streets.
Some were women, claiming they were looking after unwanted children. Some were poverty-stricken people trying to find a way to make a living. Others were mere children.
The subject of this case could be described as a cold-blooded psychopath, but that description does not sit comfortably with what he became in later life. What made Robert Coombs a murderer, only for him to later earn medals of bravery during wartime?
The Coombs Family
In 1895, thirteen-year-old Robert and his twelve-year-old brother Nathaniel spent the hot summer days roaming London. They were without parental guidance and much of their time was free.
Their father, Robert senior, worked for a steam company and spent long stretches away from home. Neighbours said, their mother, Emily, was a good wife, mother and housekeeper.
On 5 July 1895, Robert senior boarded a steamship bound for New York City. He left his wife with enough money to care for the boys and promised he would return with stories of America.
Three days later, the boys went to watch the cricket at Lord’s. On their way out, a neighbour asked Robert about the rent. Robert replied that he would pay it, as his mother was visiting a rich uncle in Liverpool, and he handed over the money.
Home Alone
At first, neighbours were not worried. Emily was known to travel to her family up north frequently. When they asked again, however, the story changed. They were told that Emily had suffered a fit and was resting at home.
Again, there was no immediate concern, as the boys were often seen with a friend of their father, John Fox. Later, it was established that Fox worked for the same company as Robert senior and may have had a learning difficulty.
When the money left by Robert senior ran short, it was Fox who began pawning the family jewellery. He also went to their father’s company and asked for an advance, claiming Emily was ill and that they needed more money.
The company grew suspicious and contacted Robert’s sister, also named Emily Coombs.
Emily Coombs
On 15 July, Emily arrived at the family home. Fox denied her entry. She questioned the boys as to where their mother was, and again Robert insisted she had gone to Liverpool to visit family. When Fox was pressed, he claimed his mother was out visiting a friend. The conflicting stories raised alarm.
Two days later, Emily returned with a friend. This time they gained entry. The boys and Fox were playing cards. Once again, they were told his mother was visiting a friend. However, the women believed she was inside the house and refused to leave until the police arrived.
While waiting, the women went upstairs and found a locked door. They obtained a key from the landlord and entered the bedroom. There they found the decomposing body of Emily Coombs, Robert’s mother.
When the police arrived shortly after, they discovered a knife on the bed and a truncheon on the floor. Both were identified as the murder weapons. The boys were questioned immediately.
Arrest and Trial
Nathaniel told the police that he had nothing to do with the murder, claiming it had happened while he was asleep.
Robert, on the other hand, admitted he killed his mother, saying he had no choice as she was beating Nathaniel for stealing. He confessed to stabbing her and to selling the family valuables to survive.
When questioned, Robert showed no emotion. He even admitted spraying his mother’s body with disinfectant to mask the smell. He displayed all the signs of a psychopath.
Some believed his claim of acting to protect his brother. Others argued that Robert was addicted to lurid penny dreadfuls, which may have encouraged him to kill.
Despite stipulations under The Children’s Act, which stated boys under fourteen and girls under sixteen were not criminally responsible, both brothers and Fox were tried at West Ham Court to determine their level of responsibility.
Nathaniel was soon released and acted as a witness for the prosecution.
The trial began on 16 September at the Old Bailey. Robert senior gave evidence, stating his eldest son had suffered terrible headaches and had been a difficult birth. During the trial, Robert showed little emotion. On one occasion, he was even observed laughing at the judge.
The final witness was George Edward Walker, medical officer at Holloway where Robert had been held before trial. He stated that Robert suffered from severe mental health issues and had written to a neighbour declaring he did not care if he were hanged for killing his mother, as it would save him from committing suicide.
Robert was found guilty by reason of insanity and sent to Broadmoor. Fox was acquitted.
Life After Broadmoor
Robert remained in Broadmoor until 1910, when he was released at thirty. He later followed his brother to Australia. During World War I, he enlisted as a stretcher-bearer in the Gallipoli campaign. The regimented life of the army mirrored the structure of the asylum, offering him both security and camaraderie.
He was wounded twice, but still saved fellow soldiers, earning the Military Medal in 1916.
After the war, Robert became a farmer in New South Wales and lived a quiet life. In 1930, he took on the care of Harry Mulville, an eleven-year-old boy from a neighbouring farm who his stepfather had physically abused.
When World War II began, Robert enlisted again, despite being in his mid-fifties. He was medically discharged before seeing action.
Robert Coombs, the boy who murdered his mother, who spent years in Broadmoor, and who became a decorated war hero, died on 7 May 1949. He left everything to his adopted son, Harry Mulville.