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Laura Enston, granddaughter of Ruth Ellis, expressed relief after a recent pardon for her grandmother, who was executed 70 years ago. Enston stated that while the impact on her family cannot be undone, she believes justice has been served.
Enston described Ellis as a victim of severe abuse, stating that her mother and uncle never recovered from the trauma. Her uncle died by suicide, and her mother struggled to parent due to her own experiences. Enston emphasized that the family’s shame stemmed from circumstances beyond their control.
In interviews, Enston noted that domestic abuse was not well understood at the time of Ellis’ trial. She believes that if the trial occurred today, the outcome would have been different. Enston highlighted that Ellis’ demeanor during the trial contributed to a negative perception of her.
Catherine Atkinson, Minister for Victims and Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls, thanked Enston and her family for their efforts to bring attention to Ellis’ case. Katy Colton, a lawyer for the family, called the pardon a significant milestone for justice.
The death penalty for murder was abolished in 1965, with the last executions occurring in 1964.
