The Tragic Tale of Ruth Ellis: A Love Story That Ended in Murder

At just 28, Ruth Ellis made history as the last woman to be hanged in the United Kingdom after she fatally shot her lover, sparking ongoing debates about justice and gender biases in the legal system. Her tumultuous relationship and the circumstances surrounding her case are once again in the spotlight, thanks to a new four-part drama series titled “A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story.”

This captivating series, which recently debuted in the U.S., is available for streaming on BritBox and features Lucy Boynton, known for her role in “Bohemian Rhapsody.” It draws inspiration from Carol Ann Lee’s true-crime book “A Fine Day for a Hanging: The Real Ruth Ellis Story.”

Lee asserts that common misconceptions about Ellis distort her legacy. She told Fox News Digital that the media has painted Ellis as a jealous and hysterical woman when, in fact, her motivations are much more complex. “The biggest misconception, by far, is that Ruth has been depicted as a hysterical woman in the public mind, and she committed this crime out of jealousy,” Lee explained. “Neither of those things are true. She was devastated at having committed this crime, but she went to her death firmly believing in an eye for an eye.”

Childhood Struggles and Quest for Glamour

Ellis’ early years were marred by hardship, including being a victim of sexual abuse by her father. Reports from the London Evening Standard indicate that her father’s profession as a cellist necessitated frequent relocations, which biographers believe were efforts to shield the family from scrutiny regarding the abuse.

As Lee describes, “She grew up in a troubled household. There’s no doubt about that. The one thing she wanted more than anything was to escape poverty. She became a teenage mum. Her partner turned out to be a married soldier from Canada, and she didn’t know this until she was pregnant by him. And he abandoned her. She was left to bring up her son by herself.”

Despite these difficulties, Ellis had a deep yearning for a glamorous life. She frequently visited the cinema, inspired by the silver screen’s iconic actresses, and adopted their stylish looks by bleaching her hair. By 17, Ellis immersed herself in London’s nightlife, even venturing into nude modeling as she sought to elevate her circumstances.

Love and Abuse: The Relationship with David Blakely

In 1950, Ellis found herself drawn to the Court Club, where her path crossed with that of race car driver David Blakely. Their whirlwind relationship led to marriage, but it soon devolved into a nightmare plagued by violence. Blakely’s cruelty mirrored that of her previous partners, leaving Ellis trapped in a cycle of abuse.

According to Lee, “Her husband was a violent alcoholic, so she had an awful relationship with him. For most people, that could have been the point where it all went horribly wrong. But Ruth was so determined that she went on to run the top nightclub in London, where all the Hollywood stars went, along with royalty and politicians. And she knew them all. She could have done anything at that time.”

In 1953, their volatile union intensified as Blakely’s physical abuse escalated. Ellis endured significant emotional and physical harm, including a traumatic miscarriage resulting from a brutal attack. After one night of heavy drinking, Blakely punched the pregnant Ellis, leading to the loss of her child, an experience that further shattered her already fragile mental state.

Desperation and Tragic Choices

Amid this chaos, Ellis sought solace in a relationship with Desmond Cussen, a former RAF pilot. Cussen provided her with a temporary refuge as her bond with Blakely disintegrated. However, the strife continued as Ellis’s financial stability dwindled. Desperate for help, she frequently bankrolled Blakely’s drinking habits, which often resulted in violent exchanges.

“He was living with her for free,” Lee highlighted, noting the situation’s dire consequences. “Her boss didn’t like this at all. He said, ‘That’s it — out you go, the pair of you.’ Ruth was terrified. As far as she was concerned, this was the worst thing that could have happened to her. She did not want to be looking at another poverty-stricken life. And that’s exactly where she was.”

The Fateful Day: A Moment of Reckoning

The tension reached its peak on Easter Sunday in 1955 when Ellis decided to confront Blakely at The Magdala pub. In an unimaginable turn of events, she brought a gun with her and shot him six times. Blakely was just two months shy of turning 26. Lee recalls, “Ruth waited for David to come out of the pub. As soon as she saw him, she shouted his name. Four shots went into David’s body. One was at point-blank range.”

After the fatal shooting, Ellis showed remarkable calmness, asking for the police and waiting for an officer to arrive. The ensuing investigation revealed that Ellis had long been a victim of domestic violence, but the atmosphere of the time greatly influenced the public perception of her case.

Unfair Trials and Public Outrage

Lee emphasized the disadvantages Ellis faced in seeking a fair trial. “As far as Ruth was concerned, she was from the wrong side of the tracks. She was perceived by the world’s press as a tart, a single mother who slept with men for money. This was a period where women were still very much kept in the home. Ruth didn’t believe in that.” Ellis’s ambitions and her fight against poverty complicated her narrative in the eyes of the legal system.

The public reacted strongly to Ellis’ conviction, with over 50,000 signatures collected on a petition advocating for her release, signifying widespread sympathy for her plight. Despite this, she was sentenced to death by hanging. Two days before her execution, new evidence supporting her claims of abuse came to light, but the justice system remained unmoved.

A Legacy of Injustice

On July 13, 1955, Ellis met her tragic end at Holloway Prison. She left behind a poignant letter addressed to Blakely’s parents, reaffirming her love even in her final moments. The death penalty was abolished in the U.K. a decade later in 1965, marking a significant shift in the approach to justice.

Today, Carol Ann Lee’s exploration of Ellis’ story highlights the broader implications of gender, mental health, and systemic failures in the judicial process. Lee describes Ellis’ trial as a miscarriage of justice, insisting that no one should endure the hardships Ellis faced without proper representation and understanding. “Everyone, no matter what, deserves a fair trial,” she asserts. “But Ruth did not have a fair trial at all. It’s appalling. It still is.”