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Inspector Edmund Reid arranged two identity parades of Grenadier Guards at the Tower. The first, on the 7th August 1888, included several prisoners confined to the Guardroom. The first identity parade was unfruitful, so a second identity parade was arranged for all other soldiers who had been absent or on leave the day before.
During the course of the identity parade PC Barrett identified two different men. The first mad man had medals - which was different to the soldier questioned in George Yard - as he had no medals. The second soldier identified by Barrett had no medals. The first soldier was dismissed due to him having medals. It's understood his name was not taken or recorded.
The second soldier was John Leary. Leary had a plausible alibi, although convoluted, and gave a full account of his evening out with Private Law.
During interview Private Law gave the same account as John Leary and both men were dismissed.
Inspector Reid's report suggested that he was sure PC Barrett had made a mistake when selecting the John Leary from the identity parade.
Recent investigations also suggest there were two John Leary's severing at the same Garrison - making further investigation difficult.