THE GRUESOME details of the hanging of the notorious Bournemouth murderer Neville Heath will go under the hammer next month as part of a sale of memorabilia of Britain's chief executioner, Albert Pierrepoint.
Heath was a violent sexual predator who killed two women including Doreen Marshall, in 1946. She was staying at the Norfolk Hotel at the time; Heath was staying at the Tollard Royal Hotel.
After being found guilty, Heath was sent to Pentonville Prison where he was hanged by Pierrepoint. He was said to have asked Pierrepoint for a whisky, and then added: "I think I'll make it a double".
The details of Heath's execution, including his weight, the drop and the size of his neck are recorded in the leather notebook kept by Pierrepoint, who lived near Manchester.
The book, Pierrepoint's death mask and other family items are due to be auctioned by Boldon Auction Galleries in East Boldon, Tyne and Wear, with an estimate of £25,000 - £30,000.
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