EXECUTION OF O'DONNELL.

Kumara Times, Issue 2307, 19 January 1884, Page 3

EXECUTION OF O'DONNELL.

Patrick O’Donnell, the murderer of the informer Carey, paid the penalty within the walls of Newgate on the morning of December 17. The drop fell precisely at 8 o’clock. The previous night O’Donnell went to bed about 10, and remained apparently asleep till 5.30. At 6 the priest came, and the prisoner remained in prayer for some time. At the conclusion of prayers the sacrament was administered. O’Donnell partook of a light breakfast, and appeared to eat with relish. At 7.45 the prison-bell began tolling, and a similar warning was sent from the belfry of St. Sepulchre Church, on Holborn Viaduct. Directly after the governor of the gaol with the head warder entered, and O’Donnell was at once led to the piniouing-room, halfway between the condemned cell and the prison yard. Here they found the executioner, Binus, waiting, together with the Sheriff of London, throe warders, and the prison doctor, and the execution was shortly afterwards performed. Outside the gaol a considerable crowd had assembled. They dispersed directly the black flag was hoisted. Twenty police were detained inside tho gaol, and constables were posted around the walls outside. The body of O’Donnell, after hanging an hour, was cut down, and later on the inquest was held, with the urmd voulict. Tim remains were interred in quiokUm-j one of the Hags in the corridor known as Birdcage Walk. While being pinioned O’Donnell smiled and sec-mod indifferent to his approaching face. Ho expressed to the Governor regret for the scene he had made in tho dock after being sentenced. Ke walked iirmlv ro the scaffold. His death was instantaneous. IBs brother was not ad mitt"'] to the execution, bus remained out.-Lb praying' excitedly. Tin; morning wj,.-; wet and gloomy. The crowd a ••..tin l the gaol was quiet.