Book Review: Rex v Edith Thompson
The execution of Ethel Thompson and Freddy Bywaters on 9th January 1923 signalled the end of arguably one of Britain’s most shameful episodes in its criminal annals. In her account, author Laura Thompson does not sit on the fence either: what happened to Mrs Thompson was a travesty and she does not hesitate to point the finger at those she holds responsible, most notably presiding judge at her Old Bailey trial: Justice Shearman. In fact, the author’s finger is pointed at the