Desmond Cussen Biography – Explore the life of Desmond Cussen, known for his association with Ruth Ellis, the last woman executed in the UK. Learn about his early life, career, personal relationships, and his role in a historic case.
Desmond Cussen is a figure intricately linked to one of Britain’s most infamous criminal cases—the trial and execution of Ruth Ellis, the last woman to be hanged in the United Kingdom. His life, marked by wartime service and complex personal relationships, offers a unique perspective on a pivotal moment in British legal history.
Desmond Cussen Biography: Profile Summary
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Desmond E. Cussen |
| Profession | Accountant; Former RAF Pilot |
| Nationality | British |
| Date of Birth | 1923 |
| Place of Birth | Epsom, Surrey, England, UK |
| Date of Death | 1991 |
| Place of Death | Australia |
| Education | Attended an elite boarding school; participated in boxing, rugby, tennis, and was a Lance Corporal in the Officer Training Corps (OTC); noted as a first-class marksman. |
| Military Service | Commissioned as a pilot officer in the RAF’s General Duties Branch on April 10, 1945; service concluded on October 10, 1945. |
| Notable Associations | Romantically involved with Ruth Ellis, the last woman executed in the UK. |
| Legal Issues | Allegedly provided Ruth Ellis with the firearm used to kill David Blakely in 1955; reportedly drove her to the crime scene. Despite these allegations, he was never prosecuted. |
| Legacy | His involvement in the Ruth Ellis case remains a subject of public interest and debate; portrayed by Mark Stanley in the ITV series A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story. |
Important Facts
- Wartime Service: Desmond Cussen served as an RAF pilot during World War II, flying Lancaster bombers.
- Business Ventures: Post-war, he became a businessman and was associated with the nightclub scene in London.
- Personal Connection: Cussen was a close associate of Ruth Ellis, providing her with support during tumultuous times.
- Emigration: Following Ellis’s execution, Cussen emigrated to Australia, where he lived until his death in 1991.
Early Life and Education
Desmond Cussen was born in 1921 in Surrey, England. During World War II, he trained as a pilot in South Africa and served in the Royal Air Force, piloting Lancaster bombers.
Career Beginnings and Associations
After the war, Cussen transitioned into civilian life, engaging in business ventures. He became acquainted with Ruth Ellis, a nightclub hostess, and their relationship became a focal point during Ellis’s trial for the murder of her lover, David Blakely. Cussen was deeply involved in Ellis’s life, providing her with a place to stay and financial support.
Role in the Ruth Ellis Case
Cussen’s involvement in the events leading up to Blakely’s murder has been a subject of discussion. Some accounts suggest he supplied Ellis with the firearm used in the crime, though he was never charged. Following Ellis’s execution in 1955, Cussen faced public scrutiny, which influenced his decision to leave the UK.
Later Life and Death
Emigrating to Australia after Ellis’s execution, Cussen lived a relatively private life. He struggled with alcoholism and passed away in 1991.
Conclusion
Desmond Cussen’s life is intertwined with a significant moment in British legal history. His actions and choices provide insight into the complexities of personal relationships and societal judgments during the mid-20th century.
FAQs About Desmond Cussen
1. Who was Desmond Cussen?
Desmond Cussen was a British businessman and former RAF bomber pilot born in 1923. After serving in WWII, he worked as an accountant and later directed his family’s tobacco business.
2. What was his relationship with Ruth Ellis?
He met Ruth Ellis in the early 1950s and had an affair with her while she was in an abusive relationship with David Blakely. He became a confidant and support figure for her.
3. Did Desmond Cussen help Ruth Ellis kill David Blakely?
It has been alleged that Cussen supplied the gun and drove Ellis to the murder location. However, he denied these claims and was never charged with any involvement.
4. What happened to Desmond Cussen after the trial?
After Ruth Ellis’s execution in 1955, Cussen moved to Australia in 1964 and opened a florist shop. He lived a private life and died in 1991 at age 68 from pneumonia.
5. How is Desmond Cussen portrayed in media?
He is featured in dramatizations of the Ruth Ellis story, including the ITV series A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story, where he is portrayed by actor Mark Stanley.
