Harry Thompson

Background

Harry Thompson met Alice Kaye before the war. Alice Kaye told Thompson that her husband was her brother. After her husband enlisted in 1914 and was overseas, Thompson and Alice Kaye grew intimate, and Thompson started giving her money in the form of a weekly allowance. Thompson remained unaware of Alice Kaye’s marriage but eventually learned in November 1915.

The offence

Alice Kaye lived alone at Honley, Huddersfield. On the night of the 6th November, Alice Kaye failed to turn up for a meeting with her aunt. The next morning, she was found fully clothed on her bed with a cut throat. There was no sign of a struggle or a break-in.

Investigation

Two days later, Thompson stopped a policeman in the street and confessed to him that he had murdered Alice Kaye. Thompson claimed that he had hoped to marry her but had lost his mind and attacked her when she said she was already married.

Trial

Thompson was sentenced to death at Leeds Assizes for the murder of 23-year-old Alice Kaye, who was found dead near Huddersfield on the 6th November. Standing before Mr Justice Sankey on the 29th November, Thompson pleaded not guilty and retracted his confession, but was convicted.

Sentencing

Thompson was sentenced to death at Leeds Assizes.

Outcome

Harry Thompson was hanged in Wakefield on the 22nd December 1915. He was 55 years old when he was hanged by Thomas Pierrepoint and Edward Taylor.

Other details

Alice Kaye was the wife of a soldier who had enlisted in 1914.