John Gaven

Murderer

1known / alleged victims

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Case Facts

Gender: male
Country: Australia
Location: Western Australia, Australia
Date of birth: 1829
Age at first offence: 15
Characteristics: juvenile (15)
Victim profile: George Pollard, 15 (his employer's son)
Method of murder: Beating with an axe
Date(s) of murder: March 11, 1844
Years active: 1844
Date of arrest: —
Status: Executed
Executed by hanging in Fremantle on April 6, 1844

Case Summary

Case record: John Gaven

John Gaven (1829-6 April 1844) was the first European settler to be legally executed in Western Australia. He was executed for murder at the age of fifteen.

Background

John Gavin was convicted of an offence while still a juvenile. He was transported to Western Australia as a Parkhurst apprentice, arriving on board the Shepherd in October 1843.

The offence

On 3 April 1844, John Gaven was tried for the murder of his employer's son, 15-year-old George Pollard.

Trial

At trial, John Gaven confessed to killing the sleeping victim with an axe in a fit of rage.

Sentencing

Three days after his trial, John Gaven was publicly hanged.

Outcome

John Gaven was publicly hanged outside the Round House in Fremantle and was buried in the sand hills to the south without ceremony.

Aftermath

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