In the absence of the original trial records, three primary sources remain. The first is the report of the trial printed in "The Times" during April 1902; the second is George Witton's account of the events of 1901–02, contained in his book "Scapegoats of the Empire". The third is a letter about the case, written by Witton to Major Thomas during 1929, which was kept secret at Witton's request until 1970. In it, Witton suggests that although Handcock confessed to the crimes, he did so under duress.