Personal Protection

Self Defense News

Self Defense Article Categories

Sentenced to Death: Saved from the Gallows

sentenced_to_death_draft_cover

Legal in New Jersey, Baltimore, Phillidelphia

Colm Wallace has written a book “Sentenced to Death: Saved from the Gallows” about thirty Irish men and women who had the death penalty imposed on them between 1922 and 1985.

Here’s his guest blog post on one of the cases:

By February William O’Shea had been married to his wife Maureen for three years, although he was aged just 24 and she was 21. At this point the couple were blessed with a baby girl, the young family living together in a nice cottage in Ballyhane, outside Cappoquin. Instead of being at the start of a happy matrimony and enjoying parenthood however, O’Shea seemed to resent his wife. She, in turn, was afraid of him.

William O’Shea may not have been a devoted husband but he did earn a living by working for Waterford County Council doing odd jobs and was also considered good at trapping rabbits. It was early 1943 that he had begun to spend a lot of time with a 17-year old local youth by the name of Thomas White, despite the significant age gap. White, who it would be later ascertained was mentally subnormal, frequented the O’Shea household and Maureen did not approve of the amount of time he and her husband spent together.

On 22 February, Thomas White came to the O’Shea household to enquire about a pair of shoes. William was absent from the house so White conversed with his wife, before leaving several minutes later. The young mother then went to bed with her young infant and was on the verge of sleep when she smelled the unmistakable odour of smoke. The thatch of the cottage had suddenly gone up in flames and the occupants made a hasty exit.

Maureen and the child were fortunate to escape with their lives. The young bride’s family did not, however, believe that the fire was a terrible accident. Maureen had already begun to think that O’Shea and White had ideas about killing her and had informed her family of her suspicions. Maureen’s stepfather even accosted William O’Shea, insisting that the fire had not been accidental. O’Shea did not respond but his wife tellingly remarked “Oh well, they want to get rid of me, and the baby, and I suppose they will get me yet.”

William O’Shea and his wife were forced to live in O’Shea’s mother’s house after the fire had made their cottage uninhabitable. On 15 March, three weeks after the blaze, O’Shea returned home from work at 6pm as was his normal routine.

IF YOUR FIND THIS ARTICLE USEFUL, PLEASE
SHARE IT SO OTHERS CAN BE INFORMED

After dinner, he uncharacteristically invited his wife on an evening stroll. She agreed and the pair left the house. As they were walking arm-in-arm in Knockyoolahan, a townland close to their home, a shot rang out without warning.

Maureen slumped to the ground. The gun, a firearms expert would later testify, was only a couple of inches behind the unfortunate woman when the shot had been fired. Instead of staying with his dying wife, William O’Shea left her lying on the road and ran to his mother’s house. He was in the house for several minutes without mentioning the horrific incident that had just occurred.

Finally when his mother inquired as to Maureen’s whereabouts he told her that his wife had been shot. When asked why by his panicked mother he hadn’t stayed by her side, O’Shea replied “I couldn’t bear it.”

 By the time she was discovered it was too late, the Maureen O’Shea having died from the shotgun wound. When the deceased woman’s family were informed about the tragedy they were far from being sympathetic, the stepfather openly voicing his suspicions. He said accusingly to O’Shea “You were after spilling blood tonight, my boy,” O’Shea reacted by jumping from his chair and saying “Do you think I shot her?” He made no denial of the charge, however. The Gardaí were quick to act on the suspicion. Later that night, they went to the house were Thomas White was staying and discovered a shotgun under the bed.

On 16th March O’Shea was summoned to the station in Cappoquin. Almost immediately he complained bitterly about his recently deceased betrothed: “My wife has been at me since about the first week of our marriage. Anybody that used to come in she used to be fighting with them”. 

Later in the statement he admitted that White burned his house. “White said that he would do it, but I was not sure he would. He told me he set fire to the back of the thatch…he was disappointed she had not been caught in it.” O’Shea also knew that White had fired the fatal shot. He said in his statement that White had said “If we could get a cartridge we could shoot her…I knew it was Tommy White that had fired the shot because we had arranged that he do it.” O’Shea went on to confess that when he felt his wife going down he whispered an act of contrition gently in her ear. In a later statement, O’Shea admitted that White had told him that the signal he was about to shoot Maureen would be a tap on the shoulder.

O’Shea and White were tried jointly, the case beginning in Green Street, Dublin, on 7 June. Thomas White’s counsel immediately asked if the jury could rule on the sanity of their client, the judge granting their request.

Dr. John Dunne of Grangegorman Mental Hospital told the court that he been examining White in Mountjoy. His conclusion was that the prisoner was suffering from a mental deficiency and that he would be unable to follow the proceedings of the court. The jury retired for ten minutes before returning with a verdict of “not sane.” White was not fit to face the court and instead would be detained at the government’s pleasure. O’Shea thus faced trial for the murder of his wife alone.

O’Shea had already confessed to conspiracy to murder. However, he sensationally withdrew his statement before the court case, complaining, “I never arranged to have my wife shot. I don’t even remember saying that. That is all I have to say”. 

A crowd gathers outside Mountjoy Prison on O'Shea's execution day.
A crowd gathers outside Mountjoy Prison on O’Shea’s execution day.

The defence Solicitor Mr Nolan-Whelan said that there was no evidence to suggest a conspiracy between O’Shea and White. O’Shea had no drinking problem and no motive. “A man does not murder his wife without a motive, unless he is insane,” continued the solicitor. He also declared that the statement made by his client was involuntary and made under duress. They also stated that there was a case for an insanity, one doctor declaring that O’Shea’s mental age was about seven years. The prosecution disagreed and contended that he was acting simply to fool the jury into declaring him unfit to stand trial.

After the evidence the jury were given their chance to decide the truth. They needed fifty-five minutes to decide that the defendant was guilty of murder. O’Shea was visibly trembling and did not reply when asked if he anything to say. The judge told the jury he agreed thoroughly with their verdict before donning the black cap and sentencing O’Shea to be hanged. Several appeals were mounted against the sentence and the government cabinet of the day met to discuss a possible reprieve. In this case however, they chose to let justice run its course. Despite not firing a shot, William O’Shea was hanged in Mountjoy Prison on 12 August, 1943. He would be the only Waterford man to climb the scaffold in the history of Ireland’s independence.

The book Sentenced to Death: Saved by the Gallows is available on Amazon.com

 For more information see the author’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/colmwallaceauthor.

New Products
Streetwise Security Streetwise Shark-Key ToothStreetwise Security Streetwise Sticky Gel Pepper SprayStreetwise Security Touchdown 89 Million Volt Stun Gun
GF Thunder Compact 1000 Lumen Light With Magnetic BaseStreetwise Security Streetwise Push Button Auto Expandable BatonSABRE Home Defense Pepper Projectile Launcher
Flower Pot Diversion SafeBYRNA LE LAUNCHER
Secret Safe Flower Pot With w/Key LockStreetwise Security Streetwise The Heat Pepper Launcher
Streetwise Hot Rod 50 Million Volt Dual Light Stun GunFlipo Micro Guard Plus Personal Alarm w/COB LED Flashlight
Self Defense Hammer SprayStreetwise Expandable Spring Baton
BEST Seller Products
Stun Master 20 Million Volt BAD ASS Metal Stun Baton/FlashlightStun Master 20 Million Volt BAD ASS Metal Stun Baton/Flashlight - As with all stun devices the Stun Master Stun Baton offers an extremely effective means of subduing an individual in a humane and non-lethal way. The effec... Stun Master 20 Million Volt BAD ASS Metal Stun Baton/Flashlight
Pepper Spray Disguised as LipstickPepper Spray Disguised as Lipstick - Girls don't ever feel afraid or not in control again. If you feel uncomfortable or afraid when a man approaches you calmly reach into your purse or pocket pull out what looks like yo... Pepper Spray Disguised as Lipstick
Stun Cane with Flashlight 1 Million VoltsStun Cane with Flashlight 1 Million Volts - Stun Cane with Flashlight 1 Million Volts! This ZAP Stun Walking Cane is a great self-defense device for the elderly or for anyone who needs support while walking. DEMO VIDEO Stun Cane with Flashlight 1 Million Volts
ZAP Blast Knuckles Extreme 950K Volt Stun GunZAP Blast Knuckles Extreme 950K Volt Stun Gun - The ZAP Blast Knuckles Extreme 950 000 Volt is a shocking high voltage stun gun that provides you with an easy way to protect yourself while on the go. DEMO VIDEO ZAP Blast Knuckles Extreme 950K Volt Stun Gun
Streetwise Sting Ring 18 Million Volts Stun GunStreetwise Sting Ring 18 Million Volts Stun Gun - Introducing our newest design in personal protection the Sting Ring. This revolutionary model separates itself from all other stun guns on the market today and is destined... Streetwise Sting Ring 18 Million Volts Stun Gun
Streetwise 18 Million Volt Stun Gun Sting Ring w/Key RingStreetwise 18 Million Volt Stun Gun Sting Ring w/Key Ring - ON SALE: 25% OFF! With this power stun gun attached to your keys you will not have to be concerned about it getting lost in the bottom of your purse or wasting va... Streetwise 18 Million Volt Stun Gun Sting Ring w/Key Ring
MultiGuard 80 Million Volt Stun Gun Alarm and Flashlight w/Built In ChargerMultiGuard 80 Million Volt Stun Gun Alarm and Flashlight w/Built In Charger - Stand your ground with the 80 Million Volt MultiGuard Stun Gun Alarm and Flashlight with Built in Charger. Easily concealable and virtually unde... MultiGuard 80 Million Volt Stun Gun Alarm and Flashlight w/Built In Charger
Streetwise USB Secure 22 Million Volt Keychain Stun GunStreetwise USB Secure 22 Million Volt Keychain Stun Gun - ON SALE: 25% OFF! Protection is now as close as your keys...First we revolutionized the stun gun industry by introducing the original Streetwise S.M.A.C.K. (Stun M... Streetwise USB Secure 22 Million Volt Keychain Stun Gun
18 Million Volt Talon Stun Gun And Flashlight18 Million Volt Talon Stun Gun And Flashlight - Stand your ground with the Talon 18 Million volt Stun Gun. Fits comfortably and seamlessly in the hand the Talon delivers super powered stun protection.The Talon's trigger i... 18 Million Volt Talon Stun Gun And Flashlight
Streetwise TRIPLE Sting Ring 28 Million Volt Stun GunStreetwise TRIPLE Sting Ring 28 Million Volt Stun Gun - ON SALE: 25% OFF! We are proud to introduce the latest in our evolving line of unique and powerful stun guns. Two years ago we introduced our patented Sting Ring Stun... Streetwise TRIPLE Sting Ring 28 Million Volt Stun Gun
Streetwise Black Jack 21 Million Volt Stun Gun BlackStreetwise Black Jack 21 Million Volt Stun Gun Black - For well over 25 years Streetwise Security Products has been the world's leading brand of innovative self-defense and security products.The innovation continues with t... Streetwise Black Jack 21 Million Volt Stun Gun Black
Streetwise Barbarian 9 Million Volt Stun Baton FlashlightStreetwise Barbarian 9 Million Volt Stun Baton Flashlight - In ancient times barbarians were known for being uncivilized brutal and fierce warriors.The Barbarian" is the perfect name for our newest stun baton. If Conan ... Streetwise Barbarian 9 Million Volt Stun Baton Flashlight
iKeyp PRO Smart Storage Safe w/Expandable Wing InstallationiKeyp PRO Smart Storage Safe w/Expandable Wing Installation - The iKeyp Pro is a smartphone-enabled personal safe that provides peace of mind by bringing security technology and easy access together. It takes only second... iKeyp PRO Smart Storage Safe w/Expandable Wing Installation
Police Force 21 Inch Expandable Steel BatonPolice Force 21 Inch Expandable Steel Baton - Around the world police officers and security guards are switching from bulky night sticks to this more compact telescopic steel baton.This Police Force 21 Inch Expandable st... Police Force 21 Inch Expandable Steel Baton
Streetwise Dark Knight Expandable Steel BatonStreetwise Dark Knight Expandable Steel Baton - With the newly designed Dark Knight Expandable Metal Baton you can go out into any dark night with confidence.Like a knight from the dark ages protecting innocent people from... Streetwise Dark Knight Expandable Steel Baton
Jolt Attacker Compact Keychain 77 Million Volt Stun GunJolt Attacker Compact Keychain 77 Million Volt Stun Gun - ON SALE: $2 OFF! A keychain stun gun comes in handy to stop the attackers. It's easy to carry; with a simple push-button release switch it can be quickly and easil... Jolt Attacker Compact Keychain 77 Million Volt Stun Gun
Pulse Blowout Bundle w/2 FREE Cartridges + Any HolsterPulse Blowout Bundle w/2 FREE Cartridges + Any Holster - ON SALE: $50 OFF!*LIMITED SUPPLY* Normally the Pulse includes 2 cartridges with any purchase but when you order the TASER Pulse Blowout Bundle you'll get an addit... Pulse Blowout Bundle w/2 FREE Cartridges + Any Holster
JPX4 4 Shot LE Defender Pepper Gun Black w/Level 2 HolsterJPX4 4 Shot LE Defender Pepper Gun Black w/Level 2 Holster - The JPX is the perfect carry weapon for these Gun Free Zones. It is not a firearm and considered a pepper spray dispenser or OC delivery system. Why would you ta... JPX4 4 Shot LE Defender Pepper Gun Black w/Level 2 Holster
WildFire 1.4% MC 1/2 oz Halo Pepper SprayWildFire 1.4% MC 1/2 oz Halo Pepper Spray - When you are shopping around for self defense products you may notice that there are a few items with the name wildfire pepper spray. This product comes from a family of peppers... WildFire 1.4% MC 1/2 oz Halo Pepper Spray
Safety Technology Barking Dog AlarmSafety Technology Barking Dog Alarm - The Barking Dog Alarm is ideal for your home office store business or any place that would benefit from having a security dog. Except you don't have to feed water walk it or take... Safety Technology Barking Dog Alarm
SABRE Aim and Fire Pepper Gel With Trigger and Grip DeploymentSABRE Aim and Fire Pepper Gel With Trigger and Grip Deployment - Stay safe with SABRE. Boasting the same police-strength protection as law enforcement SABRE RED is the most popular formulation carried by police worldwide ... SABRE Aim and Fire Pepper Gel With Trigger and Grip Deployment
iSting Personal Protection PeniSting Personal Protection Pen - Introducing the iSting Personal Protection Pen. Every year approximately 3 million people become victims of a violent assault. The iSting helps you fight back. The small self defense device... iSting Personal Protection Pen
JPX4 C2 With LaserJPX4 C2 With Laser - The JPX4 Compact 2 is a brand new product offered to the public and Law Enforcement by Piexon AG. This is the only product that can fire 4 separate shots of pepper spray at 590 FPS from the nozzle up t... JPX4 C2 With Laser

Subscribe To Our Mailing List For New Product Information & Product Sale Discounts!

We respect your email privacy

Be assured that your shopping experience is completely safe. The order site is secured using a Thawte SSL Web Server Certificate which encrypts all data to and from the site. However, if you prefer to pay with check or money order, just choose the off-line option when you check out.

Updated: August 8, 2016 — 1:30 am

Leave a Reply

SelfDefenseGearCo: Personal Protection © 2019 Frontier Theme