Thomas Hall was described as “The most vile criminal ever to be tried in New Zealand” – said by the judge during Tom’s trial, who went on to say that “other murderers look kind compared to you”
Born 1848 – Died 10 August 1929 (know as Paul Newstead at this time)
Thomas hall lived in Timaru working as a businessman (con artist) after giving up on his family business in sheep farming. He maried Kitty Cain with the sole intent of murdering her to get access to her wealth.
Tom was setenced to death after he was found guilty of poisoning his wife and her father in an attempt to obtain her family wealth. He soon after appealed and the conviction on the murder of his father in law, which was overturned due to a technicality. Instead he served 21 years in prison for the murder of his wife. Once out he left to Australia and lived the remainder of his life in Yeppoon.
Resources
https://teara.govt.nz/en/biographies/2h5/hall-thomas
Illustration - Black Sheep 