Morticom unusual and strange crime through history

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WEIRD HISTORY

CRIMINALS

(5 Entries)

1)
On Lundy Island, off the coast of England, during the 16th century, cut-throats from as far afield as Spain, France and North Africa would land and use the island as a base from where they could prey on any unfortunate passing ships.
Once a shipload of friendly Dutchmen put ashore here with their sick captain, asking for food and medicine which the islanders freely gave but the captain soon died and a proper funeral was arranged.
The coffin was carried to the church where the Dutchmen insisted on a private ceremony but once they were by themselves the coffin was opened but instead of containing the body of their captain it contained a mass of weapons.
The raiders then viciously cut down any of the islanders who opposed them and stole everything that could be found, even the clothes that the islanders were wearing.
Many cattle were taken aboard their ship and goats and sheep were hurled over the cliffs onto the rocks below.

2)
Englishman, Stephen Heynes, a pirate who was noted for his merciless treatment of captured crews introduced the technique of jamming matches under his victims fingernails and then lighting them.
Once he raided a ship from Denzig and after shooting the captain in the leg and stabbing him in the shoulder he had a rope put around the man's neck and twisted it tightly until blood spurted everywhere. Heynes then ordered this to be repeated again and again.
Fortunately the captain lived and was put ashore at Swanage, England, while his entire cargo was sold on the deck in the bay.
Heynes himself was not so fortunate. On his very next voyage he was swept overboard and drowned.

3)
In Japan, during the late 19th century, the penal code of the time recognised neither rape or violence within a marriage.
This statute still remains in Japanese law today. Elderly Japanese women still call sex "Otsutome" meaning "Duty"

4)
Sir John Popham, the 16th century Chief Justice of England started out his life as a burglar.

5)
During the 18th century Anne Bonney and Mary Read became professional pirates wearing men's clothing and fighting alongside the other pirates.
When they were caught they escaped the death sentence because unlike male pirates they both claimed that they were pregnant.