By 1921, the authorities had decided that there should be a minimum tariff in this case of ten years’ imprisonment. However, Ada was told that she could be released on licence after six and two-thirds years, providing she behaved herself whilst in custody.

Ada did indeed prove to be a model prisoner and by 1923, she was being prepared for release. There was however one problem, not made public at the time but certainly mentioned in the various Home Office and prison authority communications. It was believed that the father of Ada’s child was none other than her own father, a drunken brute of a man with many convictions for assault. He was now living in Henley and the authorities were determined that Ada should not return to his care.

Eventually, a place was found for Ada and on 13 May 1923, she was released on licence. She took a position as a domestic servant in one of the Thompson’s Homes at 4 Liverpool Street, King’s Cross, London. Finally she could start to rebuild her life.