Desmond Cussen was a key figure in the story of Ruth Ellis, the last woman to be hanged in Britain, who is depicted in the ITV drama A Cruel Story: The Ruth Ellis Story
Desmond Cussen, played by Mark Stanley in ITV's "A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story," was born in 1923 into a wealthy family and became involved in the tobacco business. He met Ruth Ellis in London, became her admirer, provided her with financial support and accommodation, and had a romantic relationship with her. Ellis's execution deeply affected him.
