Robert Vest

Robert Vest was a ship's steward who was convicted of the murder of William John Wallace, a pilot on the barge 'William Leckie', at Sunderland. The captain of the boat had cautioned Vest for being drunk on duty and Wallace had sided with the captain. Shortly afterwards, Wallace went to a closet where he was surprised by Vest who stabbed him in the throat and abdomen. Vest was detained on ship until the police could take him into custody. Sentenced to death by Mr Justice Bagalley on 14 July, after a plea of insanity had failed, although the jury did recommend him to mercy. He was hanged by William Marwood on the 30th July 1878 in Durham.