Thomas Craig

Overview

Thomas Craig was executed by hanging in Durham on July 12, 1910. He had been convicted of the murder of Thomas Henderson, who was twenty five and the husband of Craig’s former sweetheart.

Background

Thomas Craig was a twenty six year old former miner and ex-convict. In the spring of 1908, Craig had been courting a girl although she was scared of his jealous temper. That summer, Craig received a seven year prison sentence for some misdemeanour, and he asked his girlfriend to wait for him. They corresponded and she made a number of visits to the gaol.

The offence

In September of 1909, the girl met Thomas Henderson, and from then on she severed all contact with Craig. In January of the following year, Craig wrote to her saying he was looking forward to continuing their relationship when he was released on parole, which he hoped would be in a few months time. She ignored the letter, and in February she married Thomas Henderson. On 24 March, Craig was released on parole, and two days later he called at his former girlfriend’s home in Gateshead. The girl’s mother, unaware of who the visitor was, took him across the street and pointed out her daughter’s new home. Craig called at the house and asked his former love why she had given him up. She told him that she had fallen in love with Henderson. Henderson came into the room and offered to shake hands with Craig, who responded by pulling out a revolver and shooting the couple. Mrs Henderson received serious injuries but her husband was killed.

Investigation and arrest

Craig fled the area but was easily recognisable due to a badly scarred face, and he was soon detained.

Trial

Craig was convicted at Durham Assizes on 26th June.

Sentencing and execution

Craig was hanged by Henry Pierrepoint and William Willis. He was hanged on the 12th July 1910 in Durham.

Aftermath

A month after his son’s execution, Craig’s father called at the police headquarters and tried to claim the murder weapon, saying his son had left the gun—his only possession—to him. He was told that the will had been made while under sentence of death and was invalid, and that the gun would remain the property of the crown.