Ruth Ellis

by Victoria Blake

In July 1955 Ruth Ellis was hanged after shooting her lover David Blakely outside a Hampstead pub. The judge ruled that provocation was not an admissible defense although Blakeley had earlier punched Ellis in the stomach and probably caused her miscarriage. The evidence against Ellis was overwhelming, but as a glamorous mother of young children she inspired considerable sympathy, and the press and public campaigned for her reprieve. This bloody history explores the tragic consequences of Ellis s abusive relationship with newspaper cuttings, psychiatrists reports and Ellis s letters. It also examines the controversial verdict that inspired fervent debate about the death penalty, and recent events like her family s attempt to challenge her murder conviction in 2003.

Genres: True Crime

108 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

I was born and brought up in Oxford and went to college in the same city, studying history. Subsequently I worked in law, book selling and publishing before becoming a writer.

Reviews

[Kathy Cree · Rating 4 out of 5]

relationships, love, abuse and the whole set of circumstances combine and culminated in tragedy.
A worthwhile read.

[Jorezza Antonio · Rating 4 out of 5]

I felt bad about Ruth in this story. I dont think she deserves such punishment.