Wikipedia Volunteer Research: Crime in Inverclyde. The last man to be hanged in Greenock.

Iris Potter. Volunteer Research on Frederick Storey, the last person to be hanged in Greenock.

Murder Case of F.T Storey

Sheffield Evening Telegraph - Tuesday 17 November 1891

·         Frederick Thomas Storey (Native of Oxbridge)

·         Business Manager to Mr John. H. Cooke, owner of the Cooke’s Circus.

·         Dismissed the week before the murder.

·         He purchased the knife on the day of the killing

·         Murdered: Elizabeth Stewart (sometimes reported as Armstrong) from Nottingham.

·         Stage name – Lizzie Pastor. Circus artist.

·         Accosted in the street and stabbed in the heart. She managed to stumble to a nearby shop but collapsed onto the counter.

·         The week before, Mr. Storey was dismissed from his job and he lay the blame on Lizzie Storey.

·         Previous to this, he was pressing his attentions onto Lizzie who showed in no uncertain terms that she was not interested and to make matters worse she got engaged to a fellow performer.

·         Date of execution: Greenock prison 11/01/1892

·         The last person to be executed at Nelson Street prison.

·         Shortly before 8am the crowds gathered in large numbers (he had a hearty breakfast)

·         He had no last statement to make but he thanked the Governor and wardens for all the kindness shown towards him. He shook hands with all present.

·         He walked firmly and steadily to the box. The drop fell at 8.10am. Rev Frew accompanied Mr. Storey in his cell all night leading up to his execution.

Notes from NLS records

·         23 witnesses called to give evidence.

·         Detective McKenna informed: after being taken to the body, he (Storey) was arrested and charged; he exclaimed “she is dead, and a good job. I have killed her and I don’t care who knows it, I’ll hang for this. No one will be unfaithful to me.

·         Mrs. Crawford: confectionary shop owner, Greenock, outside in the street she heard a female scream and utter “He is killing me!” She stumbled into my shop, put her brolly on the counter and said get me a Dr. She then fell awkwardly on to the counter, unconscious.

·         James McCullack, Painter & Decorator, met the accused in the street. He was heavily intoxicated. Mr. Storey produced the knife from his jacket pocket. He then accompanied him to the pub and had they had drinks together.

To be continued.

We are working to digitise and share files from NLS - including Indictment Against Frederick Thomas Storey.

See: www.wikipedia.org.uk/Greenock

Crown Copyright National Records of Scotland HH16/48