Thomas Nicholson

Thomas Nicholson was convicted of the murder of Mary Stewart 7 and sentenced to death.

Mary Stewart had been to see her uncle but left at 7.30pm to go home at Bill Quay near Felling-on-Tyne. however, on her way back Thomas Nicholson, who had earlier been to the pub met her and took her to a brickyard at a disused quarry where he raped and strangled her. He had also cut her.

When the police questioned Thomas Nicholson he said that he had been drinking in the Masons Arms until closing time but when they questioned other people that had been in the pub they were told that he had left at 6.30pm.

When they searched his room they found bloodstains on his shirt and coat and a bloodstained pocket knife.

The evidence was described as circumstantial but he was convicted and executed.

Thomas Nicholson had been a cartwright.