Thomas Slaughter 1831
Thomas Slaughter was 18 years of age when he was sentenced to death for setting fire to a hay rick at Elmley Lovett. This crime would have seriously damaged the livelihood of his employer, and put their lives at risk. There are many examples of the death penalty being used in similar cases.
If This Happened Today
Is guilty of Arson, which can attract a life sentence (though not a death sentence any more). He could use the fact that he was provoked as mitigation, though his drunkenness is an aggravating factor.
From 1861 the death penalty was only available for murder, treason, piracy and arson in royal dockyards. It was abolished completely in 1969.
