Who was pardoned killer Ruth Ellis from Denbighshire?

At the time of Ellis’ execution, the British public was already questioning whether capital punishment had a place in the 20th Century and, two years after her hanging, legal changes saw diminished responsibility introduced as a defence.

Lammy said: “For 70 years, the family of Ruth Ellis have fought for her story to be heard.

“We cannot change what happened 70 years ago, but we can recognise that this was an exceptional case.

“Today’s conditional pardon is an act of mercy. We hope it brings some measure of peace to Ruth’s family.”

Laura Enston, Ellis’ granddaughter, said: “Today, justice has finally been done… this pardon does not undo what happened 71 years ago, it does not restore the lives that were broken – the children left behind, the years lost.

“But it says, formally and finally, that Ruth should not have been executed. That the justice system failed her. That acknowledgement matters profoundly to our family.

“We hope Ruth’s story serves as a lasting reminder that the justice system must reckon with the abuse that drives women to the edge.”