John Tawell

John Tawell

Born in 1784, John Tawell is known as being the first British murderer arrested as the result of telecommunication technology. On January 1^st, 1845, Tawell bordered a train and travelled to London. There he paid a visit to his mistress Sarah Hart. Between six and seven in the afternoon a neighbor heard the sound of a loud scream and moaning. When she went outside she saw John Tawell leaving the cottage and Sarah Hart was lying on the floor. Two glasses were found on the table, and with the presence of the Reverend Champnes, a local vicar, they were able to figure out that Sarah was poisoned. Tawell rushed to the railway station and boarded the train at 7:45. Since he was dressed like a Quacker it was easy to identify him. The superintendent at Slough railway station sent a message describing Tawell’s attire via electro-magnetic telegraph and informed the sergeant of Paddington station, which is where Tawell was arrested. Sarah Hart was poisoned with Prussic acid and John Tawell was hanged in public on March 28, 1845 in Aylesbury. The electro-magnetic telegraph was used for the first time to trap a murderer and in doing so John Tawell earned a place in history.

“John Tawell.” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 7 Dec. 2011. Web. 2 Apr. 2012.

 

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