UK finally pardons Ruth Ellis, 70 years after execution

The United Kingdom authorities have approved a posthumous amnesty for Ruth Ellis, more than 70 years after she was hanged for homicide.

The deceased had been convicted of murder after a trial and executed on 13 July 1955 for shooting and killing David Blakely on 10 April 1955.

The conditional pardon was granted by King Charles III, following a recommendation by Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary David Lammy.

The government said the decision reflects the extraordinary circumstances of the case, including evidence of domestic abuse and coercive and controlling behavior.

The pardon recognizes that the outcome could be different under modern law and understanding. No reprieve was granted, and no appeal was lodged at the time of the verdict.

Ruth, a nightclub hostess and mother of two young children, shot Blakely outside The Magdala pub in Hampstead, London. The two were involved in an affair.

Ruth reportedly had an abortion, which was illegal in the UK then, and was physically abused by Blakely, causing a miscarriage. Her grandchildren filed for the amnesty.

“The shadow of Ruth’s execution has fallen across two generations,” said Laura Enston, a granddaughter. “We have carried shame that was never ours to bear.”

Deputy Prime Minister Lammy noted that though what happened seventy years ago cannot be changed, the government acknowledges that it was “an exceptional case.”