Fitted Up

by George Thatcher

'Fitted Up' is the remarkable true story of George Thatcher, who spent two weeks in a death cell awaiting the noose for murder following the Mitcham Co-op robbery in 1962. He was later reprieved, but would still serve 20 years for a crime he did not commit.

232 pages, Paperback

First published September 15, 2014

Reviews

[mjgman63 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Derek Bentley, Timothy Evans, Ruth Ellis, James Hanratty ... most people with an interest in the history of capital punishment in England know these names. In different circumstances, George Thatcher's name could have become equally well-known, as he was sentenced to death at the Old Bailey in 1963 for capital murder. However, his conviction was over-turned on appeal and replaced with one for non-capital murder (though he always denied committing the crime). This is his story, and contains fascinating insights into the criminal justice system in the early 1960s. The case also recently featured in the BBC's 'Murder, Mystery and My Family'.

[Jack Bush · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating account of a virtually forgotten capital murder trial from the early 1960s. The author wasn't hanged (his death sentence was overturned on appeal) but it paints an frightening picture of policing and the justice system in the last days of capital punishment.