Bio

John Gaven was born in England around 1828 or 1829. As a juvenile, he was convicted of a property offense and sent to Parkhurst Prison on the Isle of Wight.

He was later transported to Western Australia under the Parkhurst apprenticeship program. Gaven arrived aboard the Shepherd on October 26, 1843, and was assigned to work for John and Jane Pollard at their farm near the Dandalup River.

Little is known about his childhood or family. Contemporary evidence suggested that Gaven generally had a friendly relationship with the Pollards’ son George. Only about four months passed between Gaven’s arrival in Western Australia and the murder.

Murder Story

On February 21, 1844, Gaven and 17-year-old George Pollard stopped working and ate at the Pollard family home. George later went to rest on a straw bed while his mother, Jane, was in another room.

Jane heard George singing, but the sound suddenly stopped. When she investigated, she found George with severe injuries to his head and face. A bloodstained adze was lying near the bed.

Gaven acted nervously and gave changing explanations for George’s death. Jane restrained him until help arrived, and he was taken into custody that day.

Gaven pleaded not guilty and denied the murder throughout his trial. The prosecution relied on circumstantial evidence, including his presence near the room, wet clothing, nervous behaviour, and marks believed to be blood on his trousers.

A jury convicted him on April 3, 1844. During his final night in custody, Gaven reportedly confessed that he had suddenly considered killing Jane Pollard and attacked George first because he believed George could stop him.

He was publicly hanged outside the Fremantle Round House on April 6, 1844, approximately three days after his conviction.