On 25th November 1887 William Taylor was brought before the magistrates. In view of the ugly scenes outside Taylor’s house the previous day, it was deemed prudent for Taylor to be brought to court half an hour early. In particular, the Statute Fair was being held that day and large crowds of people were to be in Otley. At twenty to ten he was brought into court, surrounded by PCs Blow and Wright.
In order to expedite the remand proceedings the prosecution only dealt with the murder of Superintendent Birkhill. PC Wildman gave evidence that he had seen William Taylor in the house and witnessed the fatal shooting. The remand case was completed by half past ten when it was declared that Taylor be remanded to Wakefield Gaol.
Following the remand of William Taylor, the inquest into the deaths of Annie Taylor and Superintendent Birkhill commenced at 11 o’clock.
The death of Annie Taylor was enquired into first. Hannah Taylor, Ellis Brumfitt and Dr Bennett gave evidence to the inquest.
Hannah Taylor took the stand first and explained the circumstances of the shooting. In addition to the facts of the matter, Hannah gave evidence as to the state of William Taylor in the time before shooting. Apparently William Taylor had been having fits on the Monday and Tuesday. He talked about all kinds of odd things and had wild eyes. Hannah was afraid of him, which is why she opened both house doors, although she told William it was for fun, for fear of upsetting him further. On the day of the shooting he had spent the day quietly smoking and staring into the fire. He had, however, been sober since Saturday. Hannah, when questioned, said she had had to run out of the house for safety on other occasions.
The second witness was the lodger, Ellis Brumfitt Hartley. He confirmed the facts of the incident as they had appeared to him. Hartley confirmed that Taylor had been odd earlier in the week. When asked if William and Hannah got on, he said that they occasionally had words, but managed to make up afterwards.
The final witness to the death of Annie Taylor was Dr Bennett. Dr Bennett provided details of the wound that killed the baby. The wound was about five inches by four. The lower end of the spine was completely shattered and there was shot in the wound. Dr Bennett confirmed that the wound was the cause of death.
The inquest on Superintendent Birkhill then followed. PCs Wildman and Macdonald gave evidence, as did Inspector Crow and Dr Bennett.
PC Wildman related the events leading to the death of Superintendent Birkhill. Dr Bennett described what he saw and the nature of Superintendent Birkhill’s injuries.
Inspector Crow related his part in the arrest of Taylor. He also described the replies Taylor made when charged. When told he had murdered his daughter he is reported as having said, “I dare say you might charge me with that, but it’s all my eye and Peggy Martin”, whilst when being charged with Superintendent Birkhill’s murder he replied “I think I have done it a bit too far this time with drink.”
After the witness evidence the Coroner addressed the jury as to their duty, after which they retired. The jury, after a few minutes consultation, returned a verdict of wilful murder against Taylor in both cases.
Outside the Courthouse a large crowd had gathered. Taylor was escorted out of the building by PCs Blow and Wildman and Inspector Crow just before 4 o’clock. In order to avoid crowds at Otley Station, Inspector Crow took Taylor to Pool Station to catch the 4:40 train to Leeds Holbeck Station, there to connect with the train to Wakefield. Even so a crowd developed at Holbeck Station as Taylor was transferred.