Standing on the gallows in Boggo Road Prison, Brisbane, on Monday, September 22nd, 1913, Ernest Austin declared: “I say straight out that I highly deserve this punishment. I ask you all to forgive me. God save the King.”

Austin had followed 11-year-old Ivy Mitchell along a dirt road after she left her parents’ farm to visit a neighbour, caught hold of her, and raped and murdered her. His footprints near the girl’s body, which matched the broken heel of his shoe, identified him.

He remained indifferent throughout his trial and showed no signs of remorse. He was the last man to be hanged in Queensland