1876: Donegal Jim Hanged at Ballarat for the Assault of Elizabeth Reece at Burrumbeet
James Ashe, known as “Donegal Jim,” was hanged at Ballarat Gaol on 21 August 1876 for the violent assault of Elizabeth Reece at Burrumbeet on 4 April that year.
After months of searching, Detective Mahony spotted Ashe sitting on a doorstep in Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, and recognised him from a description in the Police Gazette. Ashe gave a false name and denied knowing anything about the attack.
He was identified first by Reece’s son-in-law and then taken back to Burrumbeet, where Reece immediately recognised him. On seeing him among several men, she pointed him out, saying, “There he is; that’s the ruffian.” When asked to identify him more closely, she touched Ashe and said, “This is the one.”
Ashe was convicted and sentenced to death. On the morning of 21 August, he walked calmly to the gallows at Ballarat Gaol. Asked whether he wished to say anything, he simply replied, “No sir.” He was then hanged.
