James Henry Corbitt

Case details

James Henry Corbitt, also known as "Tish", was an English murderer who was executed by hanging at Strangeways prison on November 28, 1950.

Background

James Henry "Tish" Corbitt (c. 1913 – 28 November 1950) knew his hangman, Albert Pierrepoint, even before he committed the crime. At the time of the murder, Corbitt was a frequent customer in Pierrepoint’s pub, "Help The Poor Struggler" (on Manchester Road, Hollinwood, in the town of Oldham). Corbitt sang with Pierrepoint round the piano and called him "Tosh", while Pierrepoint called him "Tish". Corbitt knew about the official sideline of his publican.

At the time of the murder, Corbitt was separated from his wife and his 11-year-old son, and he had a mistress, Eliza Woods.

The offence

In a fit of jealousy, Corbitt throttled Eliza Woods in a hotel room in Ashton-under-Lyne.

Trial

Sentencing

Appeals

Outcome

He was executed by hanging at Strangeways prison on November 28, 1950.

Aftermath

Albert Pierrepoint wrote about his feelings when returning to the pub after Corbitt’s execution:

"I thought if any man had a deterrent to murder poised before him, it was this troubadour whom I called Tish. He was not only aware of the rope, he had the man who handled it beside him singing a duet. The deterrent did not work."

Pierrepoint also related Corbitt's final moments:

"At twenty seconds to nine the next morning I went into the death cell. He seemed under a great strain, but I did not see stark fear in his eyes, only a more childlike worry. He was anxious to be remembered, and to be accepted. Hallo, Tosh, he said, not very confidently. Hallo Tish, I said. How are you? I was not effusive, just gave the casual warmth of my nightly greeting from behind the bar."

Pierrepoint described Corbitt smiling and relaxing after greeting from behind the bar.

After strapping Corbitt's arms, Pierrepoint said:

"Come on Tish, old chap"

Corbitt then went to the gallows:

"...lightly...I would say that he ran."

The hanging was described as decisive for Pierrepoint’s resignation as Britain’s Chief Executioner and for his later opposition to the death penalty.