Ruth Ellis

Ruth Ellis achieved divadom in the annals of crime by becoming the last woman to be executed in Great Britain. The 28 year old peroxide blonde model and nightclub hostess from London had always dreamed of the big time. This proved elusive and she had to content herself with the seedy world of London's West End during the 1950s. Ruth enjoyed a tempestuous relationship with David Blakely, a spoilt rich kid who dreamed of being a racing driver. Tiring of Ruth's jealousy, Blakely turned to other women. On Easter Sunday 1955, having been stood up by him, Ruth tracked Blakely to a bar in London's fashionable Hampstead. She waited outside and when he emerged she shot him several times at point blank range. He died almost immediately. At her trial, Ruth pleaded guilty and made no attempt to defend her actions. She was hanged on 13 July 1955 finally achieving the fame (though not the fortune) she always craved.