CAPITAL CRIMES. Staffordshire Hanging Offences

Softcover. Compiled from the original records, this book provides a fascinating insight into the grim and haphazard way in which justice was meted out in 19th century Staffordshire. Some of the culprits were undoubtedly rogues and villains, but many received the death sentence for pathetic and trivial offences which today would warrant pity rather than punishment. Some of the post mortem reports, confessions and descriptions of executions which are quoted in the text, make pretty gruesome reading, so not a book for the faint hearted. Illus. (some by Sally Richardson). 103pp. trade size softcover. From the library of true crime writer, Wilfred Gregg, with his personal b/plate. F. with no creasing to covers.