Ruth Ellis, at age 28, was the last woman to be hanged for murder in the U.K. after she fatally shot her playboy lover. Her story is being revisited in a new drama series, “A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story,” based on the book “A Fine Day for a Hanging: The Real Ruth Ellis Story.” Ellis had a troubled upbringing marked by sexual abuse from her father, leading her to become a teenage mother abandoned by her partner. Despite these challenges, Ellis pursued a life filled with glamour and became a successful nightclub manager in London.
Ellis’s life took a dark turn when she met race car driver David Blakely, with whom she had a tumultuous and abusive relationship. Blakely, an alcoholic, would regularly assault Ellis, even causing her to miscarry during a violent altercation. Despite the abuse, Ellis maintained a secret affair with another man, Desmond Cussen, as her relationship with Blakely continued to deteriorate. The final straw came in 1955 when Ellis shot Blakely outside a pub, resulting in his death. Ellis was swift to turn herself in, but her trial was marred by bias, with the public perceiving her as a single mother who engaged in sex work.
Despite evidence of Blakely’s abusive behavior towards Ellis and a miscarriage that occurred shortly before the shooting, Ellis was quickly found guilty and sentenced to death by hanging. Efforts were made to appeal the decision, including evidence of witness testimony and the abuse Ellis endured, but it was not enough to save her. Ellis’ execution in 1955 sparked public outcry and a petition demanding her freedom garnered 50,000 signatures. In her last moments, Ellis expressed her love for Blakely to his parents in a letter. The death penalty was eventually abolished in 1965, but Ellis’ case remains a subject of controversy and debate.
Carol Ann Lee, the author of the book on which the drama series is based, believes that Ellis did not receive a fair trial due to societal prejudices against her as a single mother with a troubled past. Lee argues that despite her actions, Ellis deserved a fair trial to determine her guilt accurately. The circumstances surrounding Ellis’ life, including her abusive relationships and miscarriage as well as mental health struggles, shed light on the complexities and injustices that led to her ultimate fate. Even after her death, the question of whether Ellis was a victim or a criminal continues to be debated.
The portrayal of Ellis as a hysterical woman driven by jealousy is a misconception, according to Lee, who notes that Ellis was devastated by her actions but believed in an “eye for an eye” approach. Ellis saw no way out of her tumultuous relationship with Blakely, which was characterized by a cycle of abuse and violence. Her decision to end his life was born out of desperation rather than jealousy, as she sought to escape a situation that seemed to have no resolution. The injustices faced by Ellis, both in her personal life and in the legal system, raise questions about the treatment of women, especially those from marginalized backgrounds, in cases of violence and abuse.
The case of Ruth Ellis serves as a reminder of the importance of fair trials and justice, regardless of an individual’s background or circumstances. Ellis, despite her flaws and mistakes, deserved a proper defense and a thorough examination of the factors that led to her actions. Her story highlights the impact of abuse, trauma, and societal prejudices on the lives of women, making it a poignant and tragic example of the complexities of human behavior and the consequences of injustice. The legacy of Ruth Ellis continues to prompt discussions and reflections on the nature of crime, punishment, and the pursuit of justice in society.
