John Tawell
John Tawell (1784–1845) was a British murderer and the first person to be arrested as the result of telecommunications technology.
John Tawell | |
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Tawell at his trial, The Sunday Times, Sunday, March 30, 1845 | |
| Born | 1784 |
| Died | 28 March 1845 Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire |
| Cause of death | Executed by hanging |
| Nationality | British |
| Occupation(s) | Shopworker, pharmacist |
| Known for | Being the first murderer apprehended by means of telecommunications |
| Criminal status | Executed |
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| Penalty |
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Transported to Australia in 1814 for the crime of forgery, Tawell obtained a ticket of leave and started as a chemist in Sydney. There he flourished, and some years later left it a rich man.
Returning to England, he married a Quaker woman as his second wife. In 1845 he was convicted of the murder of his mistress, Sarah Hart, by administering prussic acid, his apparent motive being a dread of their relationship becoming known. Tawell fled the crime scene by train, but police were able to use the newly installed electric telegraph to circulate a description of the suspect ahead of his arrival at his destination, where he was identified as he left the station. He was arrested the following day and later sentenced to hang.