BLIND MAN INJURED - Northampton Mercury 25 September 1908

A serious motor accident, in which Frederick Hull, a blind man, of Burton Latimer, was seriously injured, occurred on Wednesday morning. It appears that about 9:30 Hull was on his way with his organ, drawn by a donkey, to Wellingborough. Up Higham Ferrers Road, Hull, who has been totally blind for the last three years, was walking behind the instrument, and the donkey was led by Hull’s companion, a man named Albert Ernest Marriot. From some cause at present unexplained, a motor suddenly swerved from its course, the forecarriage crashing into the rear of the organ, which was hurled onto the grass and completely wrecked. Hull was dashed with great violence to the ground.  The car was brought to a standstill through the steering apparatus becoming firmly wedged in the debris of the organ. There were four occupants, two of whom were thrown out through the machine tipping sideways, but they were not hurt.

It was at once seen that Hull was badly injured, and his companion ran back immediately for assistance. Second officer Dixon, of the Kettering Fire Brigade, who was in the parish, was informed of the occurrence, and with two of the ambulance men, Mr. R. E .Dixon  and Mr C. Pettitt, hurried to the scene, being almost immediately joined by Dr T. A. B. Harris. Upon examination it was found that Hull had sustained a compound fracture of the right leg, in addition to being terribly bruised on the body, and he was afterwards removed to the Kettering General Hospital. The remains of the organ were collected and removed to a stable at the Dukes Arm's Inn.

The motor car, which was a new Piccolo of about 10 hp, was being driven by its owner, Mr Harold Charles Fuller, of Wivenhoe, Wyndale Road, Woodford, Essex. He was accompanied by three friends, Mr R. E. Parr, West Green, London; Mr J. W. Morley, South Tottenham; and Mr H. A. Davies, of Brentwood.

The greatest sympathy is expressed for Hull, who is about 42 years of age, and who is universally respected in the parish and district.

Reports in other newspapers stated that the barrel organ had been bought for Fred Hull by public subscription in Burton Latimer

DIVISIONAL PETTY SESSIONS - Northampton Mercury 16 October 1908

WEDNESDAY – Held at the Corn Exchange, before Mr J. A. Gotch (Chairman), Mr J. T. Stockburn, Mr J .G .Willows, Mr F. Mobbs, Capt. Heycock, Mr F. W. Preston, Mr G. W. Sumner.

Harold Charles Fuller, motor-car agent, Woodford, Essex, was summoned for negligently driving a motor car at Burton Latimer on September 23.

This case was a sequel to the recent motor accident at Burton, when a blind organist, named Frederick Hull, was knocked down and sustained a fractured leg. Mr E. Barlow prosecuted, and Mr Bishop, London, defended. It was alleged that the accident was unavoidable owing to the steering gear failing just as the car reached the organ. The defendant had promised to replace the organ. The bench after retirement did not consider the evidence sufficient to justify them in convicting, and therefore dismissed the case.