Assume Nothing

April 1933. Belfast Gaol. Prisoner 1192, Harold Courtney, is executed for the brutal murder of Minnie Reid. Or was he? Did the right man hang? Digging deep, journalist Gordon Adair attempts to find out*, because locally, he’s heard a strange tale. Of plots, threats, deceit and cover-up. It’s a trail that takes the investigation across the globe – and of people who, 90 years on, still believe this is a case that shouldn’t be talked about. Was there a miscarriage of justice? Was justice not done for the young Minnie Reid? And how much of this tale is true? To unravel it takes Gordon back almost a century, and from rural Northern Ireland to urban melting-pot Australia. Tracking down witnesses like the children who found Minnie’s body in a lonely Armagh lane, and uncovering secret records, maps and letters not seen since 1933, Gordon also consults police, pathology, and capital punishment experts. The results surprise him. Shining a light on a ‘lost decade’ in Northern Ireland, they uncover a shadowy taboo history that’s rarely explored. Assume Nothing, BBC Northern Ireland’s new podcast strand goes to air before this increasingly unpredictable investigation is concluded. PRONI documents in the series featured by kind permission of the Deputy Keeper of the Records, Public Record Office of Northern Ireland. (PRONI)

April 1933. Belfast Gaol. Prisoner 1192, Harold Courtney, is executed for the brutal murder of Minnie Reid. Or was he? Did the right man hang? Digging deep, journalist Gordon Adair attempts to find out*, because locally, he’s heard a strange tale. Of plots, threats, deceit and cover-up. It’s a trail that takes the investigation across the globe – and of people who, 90 years on, still believe this is a case that shouldn’t be talked about. Was there a miscarriage of justice? Was justice not done for the young Minnie Reid? And how much of this tale is true? To unravel it takes Gordon back almost a century, and from rural Northern Ireland to urban melting-pot Australia. Tracking down witnesses like the children who found Minnie’s body in a lonely Armagh lane, and uncovering secret records, maps and letters not seen since 1933, Gordon also consults police, pathology, and capital punishment experts. The results surprise him. Shining a light on a ‘lost decade’ in Northern Ireland, they uncover a shadowy taboo history that’s rarely explored. Assume Nothing, BBC Northern Ireland’s new podcast strand goes to air before this increasingly unpredictable investigation is concluded. PRONI documents in the series featured by kind permission of the Deputy Keeper of the Records, Public Record Office of Northern Ireland. (PRONI)

Dramatised memoir of a Special Branch officer operating at the outset of the Northern Ireland Troubles. James (not his real name) runs a network of informers and sources operating along the border area of South Down and South Armagh during the worst years of violence. For both handler and source, it’s a matter of life and death. Some names, dates and details have been changed to protect the living. Episode 1: The First Good Source James sees an opportunity when a young IRA volunteer is arrested on a burglary charge. Working together, they are soon disrupting IRA activity – but it’s a high stakes game, and the informer’s life is soon in grave danger. Cast: James – Jonathan Harden Interviewer – Michael Patrick Source – Marty Maguire Military Intelligence Officer – Paul Mallon Army Radio Voice – Marty Maguire A BBC Northern Ireland Production.

A dramatised memoir of a Special Branch officer operating at the outset of the Northern Ireland Troubles. James (not his real name) runs a network of informers and sources operating along the border area of South Down and South Armagh during the worst years of violence. For both Handler and Source, it’s a matter of life and death. Some names, dates and details have been changed to protect the living. Episode 2: The Interrogation A key informer continues to provide invaluable intelligence and helps James escape a murder attempt in Newry – but the informer isn’t so lucky. When an IRA headcount leads to his abduction and interrogation, the source’s life hangs in the balance. Cast: James – Jonathan Harden Interviewer – Michael Patrick Source – Marty Maguire Wife – Megan Armitage Military Intelligence Officer – Paul Mallon A BBC Northern Ireland Production.

A dramatized memoir of a Special Branch officer operating at the outset of the Northern Ireland Troubles. James (not his real name) runs a network of informers and sources operating along the border area of South Down and South Armagh during the worst years of violence. For both Handler and Source, it’s a matter of life and death. Some names, dates and details have been changed to protect the living. Episode 3: Dangerous Liaisons Frustrated by the lack of cooperation between governments north and south, James decides to take matters into his own hands and makes a dangerous trip across the border. Meanwhile, he develops a friendship with Captain Robert Nairac and is soon liasing with the SAS – but this leads to serious friction between the two jurisdictions when Gardaí grow suspicious of an intelligence operation. Cast: James – Jonathan Harden Interviewer – Michael Patrick Garda Special Branch officer – Faolan Morgan Captain Robert Nairac – Patrick Fitzsymons Source – Marty Maguire Wife – Megan Armitage A BBC Northern Ireland Production.

A dramatized memoir of a Special Branch Officer operating at the outset of the Northern Ireland Troubles. James (not his real name) runs a network of informers and sources operating along the border area of South Down and South Armagh during the worst years of violence. For both Handler and Source, it’s a matter of life and death. Some names, dates and details have been changed to protect the living. Episode 4: Internment day James recalls the chaos of the 9th August 1971, when hundreds of men were arrested by the Army after the introduction of internment. Meanwhile, an informer operating close to the border provides valuable intelligence on changes within an IRA unit, giving James an unusual opportunity – but the Provisionals soon grow suspicious, leading to unforeseen consequences. Cast: James – Jonathan Harden Interviewer – Michael Patrick Prisoner – Faolan Morgan Lieutenant – Paul Mallon Source – Marty Maguire Wife – Megan Armitage A BBC Northern Ireland Production

A dramatised memoir of a Special Branch officer operating at the outset of the Northern Ireland Troubles. James (not his real name) runs a network of informers and sources operating along the border area of South Down and South Armagh during the worst years of violence. For both Handler and Source, it’s a matter of life and death. Some names, dates and details have been changed to protect the living. Episode 5: The Quartermaster James is working late at Newry Police Station when a shot is fired. Amid the confusion, a crucial IRA suspect is arrested – but how did he get there? Captain Robert Nairac invites James to join him on a trip, but James is shocked when he discovers their destination. Cast: James – Jonathan Harden Interviewer – Michael Patrick Source – JD Ruddy Robert Nairac – Patrick Fitzsymons Newry Police officer/phone police officer – Michael Patrick A BBC Northern Ireland Production.

Dramatised memoir of a Special Branch officer operating at the outset of the Northern Ireland Troubles. James (not his real name) runs a network of informers and sources operating along the border area of South Down and South Armagh during the worst years of violence. For both handler and source, it’s a matter of life and death. Some names, dates and details have been changed to protect the living. Episode 6: The Irish Englishman When James and the Military Intelligence officer meet a source in a Dublin department store, he tells them PIRA chief of staff Seán Mac Stíofáin will address an IRA meeting that same evening. They attend and gather valuable intelligence, but the Military Intelligence officer makes a mistake, placing them both in peril. Cast: James – Jonathan Harden Interviewer – Michael Patrick Source – J D Ruddy Military Intelligence Officer – Paul Mallon A BBC Northern Ireland Production

A dramatized memoir of a Special Branch Officer operating at the outset of the Northern Ireland Troubles. James (not his real name) runs a network of informers and sources operating along the border area of South Down and South Armagh during the worst years of violence. For both Handler and Source, it’s a matter of life and death. Some names, dates and details have been changed to protect the living. Episode 7: Blurred lines James is worried that too many agencies have become involved in intelligence gathering, and shares his thoughts on allegations of collusion between the security forces and loyalist paramilitaries. Captain Robert Nairac assists James by helping a new IRA Officer Commanding have a change of heart, but Nairac’s risk-taking is placing him in ever increasing danger. Cast: James – Jonathan Harden Interviewer – Michael Patrick Robert Nairac – Patrick Fitzsymons PIRA Officer Commanding – Michael Patrick A BBC Northern Ireland Production

Dramatised memoir of a Special Branch officer operating at the outset of the Northern Ireland Troubles. James (not his real name) runs a network of informers and sources operating along the border area of South Down and South Armagh during the worst years of violence. For both handler and source, it’s a matter of life and death. Some names, dates and details have been changed to protect the living. Episode 8: The Enemy Within James is shocked to discover his home phone has been tapped by British Intelligence, and grows even more disillusioned when he is ordered to hand over one of his best sources to London in the aftermath of the Old Bailey Bombing of 1973. Cast: James – Jonathan Harden Interviewer – Michael Patrick Tommy – J D Ruddy Wife – Megan Armitage Source – Marty Maguire A BBC Northern Ireland Production.

Irish journalist Martin Barry was only 30 years old when he died at the Dignitas Clinic in Zurich, accompanied by his ex girlfriend Laura McDaid. The night before he died, he asked Laura to fulfil his last request: to track down his birth mother and pass on a message. Martin had been born in a mother and baby home in Co. Cork in Ireland. He'd never met his birth mother. Twenty years later, along with her producer Kerry Jamison, Laura embarks on a search that will take her from the top of this island to the bottom and across the Irish sea, to fulfil the promise she made to Martin.

BBC reporter Laura McDaid held Martin Barry's hand as he died at the Dignitas Clinic. 17 years later, she begins a search to fulfil his last request: to find his birth mother and pass on a message. To move forward with the search, Laura first needs to explain why it's taken her 17 years to have the strength to search for Martin's mother. She takes Kerry back to the aftermath of Martin's death, and how it was handled by the press at the time. Will the records provide her with any further information?

Laura McDaid held her ex's hand as he died at the Dignitas Clinic. Seventeen years later, she begins a search to fulfil his last request: to find his birth mother and pass on a message. As the search intensifies, Laura speaks to a Bessborough survivor who tells her that she suspects records were deliberately falsified at the institution. As Laura makes contact with a woman she think's could be Martin's mother, a chance phone call could change everything.

Laura McDaid is searching for the birth mother of a close friend who died 17 years ago at Dignitas. As concerns surface that his birth mother may have already told him she didn't want to meet, Laura explores what rejection can feel like with another Bessborough survivor. Could a DNA link to a UK celebrity be on the cards?

Laura McDaid is searching for the birth mother of a close friend who died 17 years ago at Dignitas. She revisits a story Martin worked on 20 years ago - and speaks to his source for that story. Might it hold some clues?

Laura McDaid is trying to fulfil a last request to her friend, Irish journalist Martin Barry to track down his birth mother and pass on a message. Martin died at the Dignitas Clinic in Zurich 17 years ago. Laura visits Bessborough to see for herself where Martin was born. His adoption file feels like the last chance she has to find her, will it provide the information that she needs?

Ireland, 1984. St Brides School for young ladies opens its doors in the quiet fishing village of Burtonport, county Donegal - but all is not as it seems. The mistresses and ‘girls’ appear to believe that they live not only in a different century, but in an entirely different world. They are The Silver Sisterhood, a deeply religious group of women who worship a feminine God. They wear Victorian clothing, reject modernity and live by candlelight – but mysteriously they also begin to release a series of strange computer games apparently based on their unique school and unusual beliefs. Their strange way of life soon gives rise to rumour and speculation, but is any of it true - or is their alternative lifestyle simply fuelling suspicion? Who are these women, what are they doing in Burtonport - and what is really going behind the doors of St Brides? Produced and presented by Conor McKay Executive Editor: Andy Martin A BBC Northern Ireland Production

Ireland, 1984. St Brides School for young ladies opens its doors in the quiet fishing village of Burtonport, county Donegal - but all is not as it seems. A BBC crew attends the opening ceremony for the school, hosted by an enigmatic headmistress who appears to change her name regularly – but what is the real purpose of St Brides? A newspaper journalist visits the house and recalls a strange evening full of unexpected surprises, what can she reveal? Meanwhile, Conor tracks down a former resident of the house who helps him piece together more parts of puzzle – but is she prepared to tell her own story? Produced and presented by Conor McKay Executive Editor: Andy Martin A BBC Northern Ireland Production

Ireland, 1984. St Brides School for young ladies opens its doors in the quiet fishing village of Burtonport, county Donegal - but all is not as it seems. Conor travels to Burtonport to find out what locals remember about the Silver Sisterhood. He hears strange tales of women running through the street at midnight wearing clogs, reports of a ‘padded room’ - and the retired postmaster recalls a dispute involving another group who lived in the house before the Silver Sisterhood arrived - a cult known as ‘The Screamers’. A local woman reveals why she had a unique reason to visit the house, an experience she has never forgotten – and Conor decides to make contact with the enigmatic former headmistress of St Brides, but she is known for being elusive. Will she respond? Produced and presented by Conor McKay Executive Editor: Andy Martin A BBC Northern Ireland Production

Ireland, 1984. St Brides School for young ladies opens its doors in the quiet fishing village of Burtonport, county Donegal - but all is not as it seems. Patrick in Burtonport recalls visiting the house to photograph images of the Silver Sisterhood’s new computer game, The Secret of St Brides - but he is surprised by what he finds inside. Conor finally makes contact with the mysterious headmistress of St Brides School and she agrees to talk about her time in Burtonport – what can she reveal about the Silver Sisters time in the house? Produced and presented by Conor McKay Executive Editor: Andy Martin A BBC Northern Ireland Production

Ireland, 1984. St Brides School for young ladies opens its doors in the quiet fishing village of Burtonport, county Donegal - but all is not as it seems. The headmistress discusses the philosophy behind the Silver Sisterhood’s computer games and explores their complicated relationship with physical discipline – which they feel was misunderstood by the outside world. A young student finds a strange book in her local bookshop and decides to visit the Silver Sisters in Donegal. Produced and presented by Conor McKay Executive Editor: Andy Martin A BBC Northern Ireland Production

Ireland, 1984. St Brides School for young ladies opens its doors in the quiet fishing village of Burtonport, county Donegal - but all is not as it seems. As the maid starts her new life at Brides, she finds the work physically demanding but spiritually rewarding. However, when a much-loved house keeper leaves the community, the maid soon becomes unhappy and decides to leave – but events take a dark turn. After a court case and a dispute over ownership of the house, the Silver Sisterhood leave Burtonport – where do they go, and what happens to the mysterious headmistress? Produced and presented by Conor McKay Executive Editor: Andy Martin A BBC Northern Ireland Production

Heavy winds and rain batter the seaside town of Portrush in January 2009. A fourteen-year-old boy’s night out has gone badly wrong. He lies on the railway tracks in front of an oncoming train. Less than two miles away, his father becomes aware his son is in danger and starts running to the tracks on the other side of town. It soon becomes clear, what happened that night and afterwards – is not as it first appears. Produced and presented by Vinny Hurrell. Executive Editor: Andy Martin A BBC Northern Ireland Production.

We retrace Ryan Quinn’s movements that day. Exactly where had he been and what brought him to the tracks? A breath-taking phone call strikes fear into the heart of a concerned father. Produced and presented by Vinny Hurrell. Executive Editor: Andy Martin A BBC Northern Ireland Production.

We know how Ryan died and that he allegedly ran from a nearby bar and got trapped on the tracks. But why? Serious allegations emerge about what happened before Ryan found himself in the path of an oncoming train. What will a witness from inside the bar reveal? And after a year of communication, will the PSNI finally agree to speak? Produced and presented by Vinny Hurrell. Executive Editor: Andy Martin A BBC Northern Ireland Production

At Ryan’s funeral it is announced the police have opened a murder investigation into his death. The PSNI share information on some key aspects of the case – but will the police change their tactics? We discover the driver of the train has an unsettling flashback that has a bearing on the case. Produced and presented by Vinny Hurrell. Executive Editor: Andy Martin A BBC Northern Ireland Production.

Questions are raised about the circumstances surrounding how some potential witnesses were interviewed. Who else was present and why? A family friend brings a shocking claim, and we hear from former solicitor Ernie Waterworth. The investigation takes sharp change in direction. Produced and presented by Vinny Hurrell. Executive Editor: Andy Martin A BBC Northern Ireland Production

A new twist brings a devastating blow for Ryan Quinn’s family. Was someone burning clothes on the street late at night? We hear of the ongoing impact of Ryan’s death on his family and friends, and we travel to Portrush to the scene of his death where we make a surprise discovery. Where is the investigation now? Produced and presented by Vinny Hurrell. Executive Editor: Andy Martin A BBC Northern Ireland Production.

In the summer of 1969, weeks before the Troubles would ignite, children playing in the rubble of a demolition site struck gold! While searching for treasure hundreds, maybe thousands of gold sovereigns, hidden and forgotten years before, tumbled to the ground from a chimney stack. More than 50 years later, author Glenn Patterson visits the Lower Shankill Road to find out who the coins belonged to. Why were they hidden? And where are they now? Written and presented by Glenn Patterson Sound by Bill Maul Producer Sarah McGlinchey Executive Editor Andy Martin A BBC Northern Ireland Production for Radio 4

In the summer of 1969, weeks before the Troubles would ignite, children playing in the rubble of a demolition site struck gold! While searching for treasure hundreds, maybe thousands of gold sovereigns, hidden and forgotten years before, tumbled to the ground from a chimney stack. More than 50 years later, author Glenn Patterson visits the Lower Shankill Road to find out who the coins belonged to. Why were they hidden? And where are they now? Written and presented by Glenn Patterson Sound by Bill Maul Producer Sarah McGlinchey Executive Editor Andy Martin A BBC Northern Ireland Production for Radio 4

In the summer of 1969, weeks before the Troubles would ignite, children playing in the rubble of a demolition site struck gold! While searching for treasure hundreds, maybe thousands of gold sovereigns, hidden and forgotten years before, tumbled to the ground from a chimney stack. More than 50 years later, author Glenn Patterson visits the Lower Shankill Road to find out who the coins belonged to. Why were they hidden? And where are they now? Written and presented by Glenn Patterson Sound by Bill Maul Producer Sarah McGlinchey Executive Editor Andy Martin A BBC Northern Ireland Production for Radio 4

In the summer of 1969, weeks before the Troubles would ignite, children playing in the rubble of a demolition site struck gold! While searching for treasure hundreds, maybe thousands of gold sovereigns, hidden and forgotten years before, tumbled to the ground from a chimney stack. More than 50 years later, author Glenn Patterson visits the Lower Shankill Road to find out who the coins belonged to. Why were they hidden? And where are they now? Written and presented by Glenn Patterson Sound by Bill Maul Producer Sarah McGlinchey Executive Editor Andy Martin A BBC Northern Ireland Production for Radio 4

In the summer of 1969, weeks before the Troubles would ignite, children playing in the rubble of a demolition site struck gold! While searching for treasure hundreds, maybe thousands of gold sovereigns, hidden and forgotten years before, tumbled to the ground from a chimney stack. More than 50 years later, author Glenn Patterson visits the Lower Shankill Road to find out who the coins belonged to. Why were they hidden? And where are they now? Written and presented by Glenn Patterson Sound by Bill Maul Producer Sarah McGlinchey Executive Editor Andy Martin A BBC Northern Ireland Production for Radio 4

Days after their dream wedding, John and Michaela McAreavey arrive on the beautiful island of Mauritius, unaware of the horror that awaits them. As John sits by the poolside waiting for Michaela to return, he begins to realise something is wrong. Investigative journalists Darragh MacIntyre and Allison Morris travel to the island to explore the case. Presented by Allison Morris & Darragh MacIntyre Produced by Vinny Hurrell & Raphaelle O'Loan Executive Editor: Andy Martin A BBC Northern Ireland Production

Shortly after the murder, police arrest multiple suspects who worked in the hotel. A confession is made in the presence of law enforcement and a lawyer, but events soon lead the investigation into turmoil. Presented by Allison Morris & Darragh MacIntyre Produced by Vinny Hurrell & Raphaelle O'Loan Executive Editor: Andy Martin A BBC Northern Ireland Production

Serious allegations of failures within the investigation are made and the police come under intense scrutiny. Did the officers looking into Michaela’s murder miss vital evidence and let an apparent confession derail them from looking for other suspects? Presented by Allison Morris & Darragh MacIntyre Produced by Vinny Hurrell & Raphaelle O'Loan Executive Editor: Andy Martin A BBC Northern Ireland Production

The investigation is rocked by a claim that could alter the entire outcome of the case. ‘They tortured me, they beat me, they held my head under water.’ Exactly what happened behind closed doors when suspects were being questioned? Presented by Allison Morris & Darragh MacIntyre Produced by Vinny Hurrell & Raphaelle O'Loan Executive Editor: Andy Martin A BBC Northern Ireland Production

Does the headline grabbing barrister labelled ‘flamboyant’ by some of the press really live up to his reputation? We delve into the story of Ravi Rutnah and his influence on one of the biggest trials in Mauritian legal history. Presented by Allison Morris & Darragh MacIntyre Produced by Vinny Hurrell & Raphaelle O'Loan Executive Editor: Andy Martin A BBC Northern Ireland Production

Over a year since Michaela’s murder, the trial finally begins and the family travel back to the island. In dramatic fashion, a key member of the legal team exits the case never to return. Allison and Darragh finally track down one the accused. Presented by Allison Morris & Darragh MacIntyre Produced by Vinny Hurrell & Raphaelle O'Loan Executive Editor: Andy Martin A BBC Northern Ireland Production

The jury return and the verdict is in - but the outcome shocks the courtroom. Unnerving questions are asked about the very core of the legal process. Did certain tactics by legal teams negatively impact the outcome of the trial? Presented by Allison Morris & Darragh MacIntyre Produced by Vinny Hurrell & Raphaelle O'Loan Executive Editor: Andy Martin A BBC Northern Ireland Production

Someone at the heart of the case is found dead and future prosecutions are called into doubt. A new name takes centre stage. Who had access to the master keycards and what was their role in Michaela’s death? There are serious claims of attempted bribery. Presented by Allison Morris & Darragh MacIntyre Produced by Vinny Hurrell & Raphaelle O'Loan Executive Editor: Andy Martin A BBC Northern Ireland Production If you are suffering distress or despair, details of help and support are available at https://www.bbc.co.uk/actionline/

Brian Kernohan decides to find out if a letter, held by his family for generations, really does reveal the location of a murder victim’s remains in rural Ireland. “I Robert James Crawford do avow that Thomas Johnson was slain by me in a fair fight” So begins a mysterious murder confession, apparently written in 1860 – just after the worst years of the Irish Famine. The writer claims to have murdered his friend during a quarrel and then buried the body under the hearthstone of his father’s kitchen in Drumkeen, County Monaghan – but is the confession real? “He drew his knife and I drew mine he would have fled but I followed him into the hall and killed him there” As Brian sets out to try and find the alleged burial site he also digs through the history books to find out more about the murderer and his victim – and he finds his imagination drifting. Who were these men and what could have happened to lead to such a brutal murder? Cast: Robert James Crawford – Faolan Morgan Thomas Johnston – John D Ruddy Written and presented by Brian Kernohan Produced by Brian Kernohan and Conor McKay Executive Editor: Andy Martin A BBC Northern Ireland Production

Brian Kernohan decides to find out if a letter, held by his family for generations, really does reveal the location of a murder victim’s remains in rural Ireland. Using a map drawn from memory, Brian and his mum set out to find the house she visited as a child – known as Drumkeen big house. But first they need to ask a local farmer for permission to search his land. Meanwhile, Brian uncovers stories of brutal acts of violence in the years following the famine when Ireland was described as ‘one of the most dangerous places on earth’ - and he begins to imagine what might happened on the night of the alleged murder. Cast: Robert James Crawford – Faolan Morgan John Trussan – John D Ruddy Written and presented by Brian Kernohan Produced by Brian Kernohan and Conor McKay Executive Editor: Andy Martin A BBC Northern Ireland Production

Brian Kernohan decides to find out if a letter, held by his family for generations, really does reveal the location of a murder victim’s remains in rural Ireland. Before making a decision on whether to ask the farmer for permission to dig, Brian tries to find out more about the family who lived in the house at the time of the murder and re-examines the contents of the confession letter for any further clues. He also seeks expert advice from a renowned geologist who has been involved in a number of searches for historical remains – described as the ‘Indiana Jones’ of his profession. Cast: Robert James Crawford – Faolan Morgan Thomas Johnston – John D Ruddy Written and presented by Brian Kernohan Produced by Brian Kernohan and Conor McKay Executive Editor: Andy Martin A BBC Northern Ireland Production

Brian Kernohan decides to find out if a letter, held by his family for generations, really does reveal the location of a murder victim’s remains in rural Ireland. The specialist team clear the site of undergrowth and beginning scanning with radar to try and find any evidence below ground – but the ground itself proves problematic. Meanwhile Brian meets the landowner’s sister who has found old family records that shed light on the life of the alleged killer – and Brian tries to work out how fake letters were sent from America to the family of the victim after his death. Cast: Robert James Crawford – Faolan Morgan Thomas Johnston – John D Ruddy Mrs Johnston - Maggie Cronin Written and presented by Brian Kernohan Produced by Brian Kernohan and Conor McKay Executive Editor: Andy Martin A BBC Northern Ireland Production