Edward Ware, 23, a recently qualified mining inspector, was a lodger at the Abersychan, near Pontypool, cottage of Mrs. Beatrice Rees and her husband. Well spoken and clearly of good managerial potential, he seemed the ideal sort of chap to have around the house.
But on March 9th, 1931, Ware went out for an evenings drinking. When he came back he found Mrs. Rees alone in the house. I want to have you, he said. There was a terrible struggle in the cottage as Ware stripped her naked before raping her and beating her to death.
When he sobered up he went immediately to the police and confessed. At Monmouth Assizes on JUNE 12th he was found guilty but insane.