Bio

Frederick Nodder, who would later be known for his crimes, was born in 1892. By 1934, he was living at 9 Neill Road in Sheffield, England. At that time, he was a car mechanic, although he struggled to keep a job due to his drinking habits. Because of a warrant for his arrest, he began using the alias Frederick Hudson.

In the summer of 1935, Nodder moved to Newark, Nottinghamshire. He rented a room at 11 Thoresby Avenue, where the Tinsley family lived. The family consisted of Wilfred Tinsley, his wife Lilian, and their seven children. The children affectionately called Nodder "Uncle Fred." Despite his rough appearance and behavior, he seemed to be liked by the Tinsley children. However, Nodder did not stay long and left after three weeks without paying rent.

Following his time with the Tinsleys, he lived in East Retford before moving in June 1936 to a house he called "Peacehaven," which was located in Hayton near Retford. His lifestyle remained problematic, and he was often rejected by both landlords and residents due to his drinking and lack of cleanliness.

Frederick Nodder's life before his criminal actions is marked by instability and difficulties in maintaining a job and personal relationships. He had been separated from his wife and had a reputation for dishonesty. It is evident that these aspects contributed to a troubled life leading up to the infamous events of January 1937.

Murder Story

On January 5, 1937, ten-year-old Mona Tinsley left her school in Newark, Nottinghamshire. She was seen with Frederick Nodder, a man who had previously lodged with her family, at a bus station. Mona disappeared later that day. Nodder later claimed that Mona had asked him to take her to Sheffield to visit her aunt.

After Mona's parents reported her missing, the police began a search. They interviewed various witnesses, including a schoolboy who saw her with Nodder. The police identified Nodder as a suspect, but he initially denied knowing her whereabouts. Evidence gathered included a witness identifying him as having been with her at the bus stop and items in his home connected to her.

Nodder was arrested three days later on a charge of abduction after multiple witnesses confirmed seeing him with Mona. During questioning, he changed his story, claiming to have sent Mona on a bus to Sheffield. Police found inconsistencies in his account.

On March 10, 1937, Nodder was found guilty of abduction and sentenced to seven years in prison. Despite a massive search for Mona, she remained missing until her body was found in the River Idle on June 6, 1937, five months after her disappearance. The autopsy revealed that Mona had been strangled.

Following the discovery of Mona's body, Nodder was charged with her murder. His trial began in November 1937. During this trial, Nodder again provided a version of events that the jury did not believe. After a brief deliberation, he was found guilty and sentenced to death. Nodder was executed by hanging on December 30, 1937, at Lincoln Prison.