Story perspectives

Court Quashes Benjamin Field's Murder Conviction in Teacher's Death

4/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Court of Appeal quashed Benjamin Field's murder conviction for killing Peter Farquhar, a 69-year-old former Manchester Grammar School teacher.
Field was sentenced to life in prison in 2019.
The court found jurors were not properly directed regarding Farquhar's voluntary whisky and medication.
Judges allowed the Crown Prosecution Service to appeal to the Supreme Court before a retrial.
Farquhar is remembered as an inspirational educator who profoundly impacted his students.

1 of 1

Story summary

The Court of Appeal quashed Benjamin Field's murder conviction for killing Peter Farquhar, a 69-year-old former Manchester Grammar School teacher.
Field was sentenced to life in prison in 2019.
The court found jurors were not properly directed regarding Farquhar's voluntary whisky and medication.
Judges allowed the Crown Prosecution Service to appeal to the Supreme Court before a retrial.
Farquhar is remembered as an inspirational educator who profoundly impacted his students.