|
Kill Total: |
1 |
Kill place: |
At sea |
|
Kill date: |
1878 |
Victim(s): |
William J Wallace |
|
Date of Birth: |
|
Marital Status: |
Single |
|
AKA: |
|
Occupation: |
Ship steward |
Robert Vest was a ship's
steward who was convicted of the murder of William John
Wallace, a pilot on the barge 'William Leckie', at
Sunderland.
The captain of the boat
had cautioned Vest for being drunk on duty and Wallace had
sided with the captain. Shortly afterwards, Wallace went
to a closet where he was surprised by Vest who stabbed him
in the throat and abdomen. Vest was detained on ship until
the police could take him into custody. Sentenced to death
by Mr Justice Bagalley on 14 July 1878 , after a plea of
insanity had failed, although the jury did recommend him
for mercy. He was hanged by William Marwood on the 30th
July 1878 in Durham prison.
