Thomas Garry

Thomas Garry was a labourer convicted of the murder of John Newton who was seventy four, a farmer, residing at Great Hale Fen, Sleaford. Newton had lived alone on his farm since the death of his wife in the summer of 1882. Garry worked for him as a casual labourer and slept at the house. At the beginning of 1883, he took to drink with the result that his work became sloppy and he was warned by the old man that if he didn't shape up he would have to move on. On 2nd February, Newton was found dead on the kitchen floor at the farmhouse. He had been blasted in the chest with his own shotgun which lay nearby. Police found a bloodstained footprint which matched markings on Garry's boots; further examination revealed bloodstains on his clothing. He was convicted at Lincolnshire Assizes and hanged by William Marwood on the 7th May 1883.

Thomas Garry was noted in the newspapers to have been a repulsive looking man.

see Dundee Courier - Tuesday 08 May 1883