Jean-Pierre Vaquier was only 45 years old when he was sentenced to death. His trial took place at Guildford Assizes on the 5 July where he was convicted of the murder of Alfred Jones.

It had all begun while Vaquier was in France and had met up with the wife of Alfred Jones. They had enjoyed an affair but instead of it being just a holiday romance a few weeks after Mrs Jones had returned from holiday to the Blue Anchor Hotel which she ran with her husband Vaquier once again turned up only this time as a guest.

Obviously Alfred Jones was unaware of the fact that his wife and Vaquier were already lovers. Vaquier informed Mr Jones that he was in the country on business and intended to use the hotel as a base. He stayed for six weeks without paying, everytime Mr Jones asked for money he would tell him he was waiting on a cheque from a business deal.

Every morning Mr Jones would start the day by drinking a glass of health salts. He did this as usual on the 29 March but it did not taste right and he complained about the bitter taste, he was to die in agony a few hours later. Due to the suddeness of the death the police had the body analysed and it was found to contain strychnine.

Vaquier and Mrs Jones were both questioned and a photograph of the Frenchman appeared in the evening newspaper. This photograph was recognised by a chemist from a nearby town who contacted the police to tell them that he remembered the man in the photo as a customer who had purchased poison. Vaquier protested his innocence throughout the trial but was convicted on overwhelming evidence. He was sentenced to death and hanged.