Bio

Oliver Newman, also known by the nickname "Tiggy," was born in 1880 in London, England. Newman lived in a poor area of London. He was part of a community that included people who struggled with homelessness and unemployment. Many people in his neighborhood lived in temporary shacks or makeshift homes. 

Newman had a history of working as a casual laborer. His lifestyle made it difficult for him to find stable work. Like many in his community, he faced challenges related to poverty and survival. Living among other rough sleepers, he often dealt with the harsh realities of life on the streets.

He formed a relationship with another man named William Shelley, who was also part of this community. Together, they faced the difficulties that came with living in such an environment. At 61 years old, Newman was accused of participating in a violent act that led to tragedy. 

Murder Story

On June 1, 1931, a man walking near a rubbish tip at Scratchwood railway sidings in London discovered a human arm sticking out from a pile of burning rubbish. The authorities were called, and the body was uncovered. It belonged to 45-year-old Herbert William "Pigsticker" Ayres. Sir Bernard Spilsbury, a noted pathologist, examined the body and found that Ayres had been dead for two or three days. His skull had been fractured by a rectangular-shaped object.

Ayres was identified through a tattoo on his forearm. He had lived in shacks near the rubbish tip. Witnesses came forward, including John Armstrong, who reported seeing Ayres attacked by two men known as "Tiggy," who was actually 61-year-old Oliver Newman, and "Moosh," who was 57-year-old William Shelley, on May 30.

Newman and Shelley were quickly arrested. In their shacks, police found a bloodstained axe hidden under the floor. The axe's shape matched the injury found on Ayres' skull. During questioning, both men admitted that they had attacked Ayres after catching him stealing food. They claimed they wanted to teach him a lesson, but when they realized he was dead, they buried his body and set the rubbish on fire to conceal their crime.

The two men stood trial at the Old Bailey in June 1931. They were found guilty of murder. On August 5, 1931, both Oliver Newman and William Shelley were executed by hanging. Prior to their execution, Shelley made claims that there were five more bodies buried in the rubbish tip.