Crime Next Door
BBC Sounds
Gripping True Crime stories from neighbourhoods across the UK. Series 14. The Playground Murder Audrey Gillan traces the ripple effects of the murder of a child, by a child. Previously on Crime Next Door: Series 1. An Assassin Comes to Town Gunshots kickstart an extraordinary tale of state terrorism. Series 2. Servants and Saints Exploring the story and allegations of a global religious group. Series 3. Death on the Farm After fifty years the community of Llangolman seek justice. Series 4. The Salisbury Poisonings Follow the public inquiry into the death of Dawn Sturgess. Series 5. The Golden Toilet Heist Exploring a story of art, mystery and a solid gold toilet stolen from a British palace. Series 6: Who Killed The Shakoors? A father's fight for justice after surviving a house fire that killed his family. Series 7. The Ballad of Big Mags A vigilante matriarch with dark secrets comes to regret stepping into the media spotlight. Series 8. When a Catfish Kills ‘Chloe’ isn’t a real girl. She’s a catfish and her demands have fatal consequences. Series 9. The Cop, The Kidnap and The Killer A kidnapped girl, a ransom trail and the ultimate test for a cop who always gets his man. Series 10. The Vanishing Cyclist The baffling story of a cyclist who vanished in the Scottish Highlands. Series 11. The Anglesey Vampire Killer How a brutal, occult-tinged murder shook a Welsh village to its core. Series 12. The Beast of Birkenhead Diane Sindall's murder in Merseyside led to Britain’s longest miscarriage of justice. Peter Sullivan's conviction collapsed after 38 years leaving the real killer unknown. Series 13. The Confession Until a killer confesses, police believe two heartbroken people died in a suicide pact.
Gripping True Crime stories from neighbourhoods across the UK. Series 14. The Playground Murder Audrey Gillan traces the ripple effects of the murder of a child, by a child. Previously on Crime Next Door: Series 1. An Assassin Comes to Town Gunshots kickstart an extraordinary tale of state terrorism. Series 2. Servants and Saints Exploring the story and allegations of a global religious group. Series 3. Death on the Farm After fifty years the community of Llangolman seek justice. Series 4. The Salisbury Poisonings Follow the public inquiry into the death of Dawn Sturgess. Series 5. The Golden Toilet Heist Exploring a story of art, mystery and a solid gold toilet stolen from a British palace. Series 6: Who Killed The Shakoors? A father's fight for justice after surviving a house fire that killed his family. Series 7. The Ballad of Big Mags A vigilante matriarch with dark secrets comes to regret stepping into the media spotlight. Series 8. When a Catfish Kills ‘Chloe’ isn’t a real girl. She’s a catfish and her demands have fatal consequences. Series 9. The Cop, The Kidnap and The Killer A kidnapped girl, a ransom trail and the ultimate test for a cop who always gets his man. Series 10. The Vanishing Cyclist The baffling story of a cyclist who vanished in the Scottish Highlands. Series 11. The Anglesey Vampire Killer How a brutal, occult-tinged murder shook a Welsh village to its core. Series 12. The Beast of Birkenhead Diane Sindall's murder in Merseyside led to Britain’s longest miscarriage of justice. Peter Sullivan's conviction collapsed after 38 years leaving the real killer unknown. Series 13. The Confession Until a killer confesses, police believe two heartbroken people died in a suicide pact.
An Assassin Comes to Town: 1. Glen Lyon Road
Episodes
Kaye Adams returns to Glen Lyon Road in Kirkcaldy, the location of her first major news story. It was here that a shooting took place that shocked the nation. An Assassin Comes to Town was presented by Kaye Adams. Series Producers Debbie McPhail, Jack Kibble White and Elizabeth-Ann Duffy Original Music and Sound Design by Fraser Jackson Script Assistant: Marisha Currie Executive Producers Heather Kane-Darling and Elizabeth Clark Commissioning Editor Gareth Hydes An Assassin Comes to Town is a BBC Scotland Production for BBC Sounds.
Edinburgh Royal Infirmary is flooded with armed police officers as the hospital’s cardiac unit battles to save the life of Nikola Stedul. An Assassin Comes to Town was presented by Kaye Adams. Series Producers Debbie McPhail, Jack Kibble White and Elizabeth-Ann Duffy Original Music and Sound Design by Fraser Jackson Script Assistant: Marisha Currie Executive Producers Heather Kane-Darling and Elizabeth Clark Commissioning Editor Gareth Hydes An Assassin Comes to Town is a BBC Scotland Production for BBC Sounds.
The police investigation into who shot Nikola Stedul takes a dramatic turn as officers uncover shocking information about the hitman. An Assassin Comes to Town was presented by Kaye Adams. Series Producers Debbie McPhail, Jack Kibble White and Elizabeth-Ann Duffy Original Music and Sound Design by Fraser Jackson Script Assistant: Marisha Currie Executive Producers Heather Kane-Darling and Elizabeth Clark Commissioning Editor Gareth Hydes An Assassin Comes to Town is a BBC Scotland Production for BBC Sounds.
As the full story emerges, the residents of Glen Lyon Road come to terms with the truth about the family living next door and their role on the international stage. An Assassin Comes to Town was presented by Kaye Adams. Series Producers Debbie McPhail, Jack Kibble White and Elizabeth-Ann Duffy Original Music and Sound Design by Fraser Jackson Script Assistant: Marisha Currie Executive Producers Heather Kane-Darling and Elizabeth Clark Commissioning Editor Gareth Hydes An Assassin Comes to Town is a BBC Scotland Production for BBC Sounds.
Kaye and the Stedul family relive a trial full of explosive testimony, accusation, counter-accusation and political revelation. An Assassin Comes to Town was presented by Kaye Adams. Series Producers Debbie McPhail, Jack Kibble White and Elizabeth-Ann Duffy Original Music and Sound Design by Fraser Jackson Script Assistant: Marisha Currie Executive Producers Heather Kane-Darling and Elizabeth Clark Commissioning Editor Gareth Hydes An Assassin Comes to Town is a BBC Scotland Production for BBC Sounds.
The fallout from the shooting at Glen Lyon Road continues to reverberate as the Steduls take stock and look at the legacy their family has forged. An Assassin Comes to Town was presented by Kaye Adams. Series Producers Debbie McPhail, Jack Kibble White and Elizabeth-Ann Duffy Original Music and Sound Design by Fraser Jackson Script Assistant: Marisha Currie Executive Producers Heather Kane-Darling and Elizabeth Clark Commissioning Editor Gareth Hydes An Assassin Comes to Town is a BBC Scotland Production for BBC Sounds.
When Tony Parsons announced that he had a new idea to raise some money it raised few eyebrows. He'd already walked the Highland Way, and Hadrian's Wall. But this time, he wanted to do something different... a cycle ride...through the Highlands of Scotland and all the way home. It was a challenge which would test his resolve, and his endurance - but one he was sure he could complete, how ever long it took. This episode plots the first part of Tony's journey, as he embarks on his mission. But there are immediate challenges. Hosted by Jane MacSorley. Produced by Firecrest Films.
Tony Parsons didn't know how long his cycle ride would take. It might be one day. it could be three. All his family knew was that he'd come back through the door before too long. So when he didn't, they began to worry. This episode tells the story of their immediate search... an agonising journey along his planned route, looking for any sign of Tony taking shelter. And we hear how a phone call to the police sparked an urgent search on land and in the air. Presented by Jane MacSorley. Produced by Firecrest Films.
The search for Tony Parsons is extensive. It's painstaking. And it's fruitless. But there are signs that they're inching closer to finding out what happened, and where he is. Officers discover a last sighting, and use CCTV to narrow down Tony's progress. Do the answers lay in a small stretch of the Highland route, which police have already searched? Presented by Jane MacSorley. Produced by Firecrest Films.
Missing Persons cases are never closed. In the case of Tony Parsons - the active search had ceased. But officers were ready to revisit the case if ever new information came to light. So when a phone call came in, making an extraordinary claim to know exactly what happened to Tony, officers responded immediately. This episode tells the story of that phone call, and the police response. Could the claims be true? Presented by Jane MacSorley. Produced by Firecrest Films.
Having new information is one thing. Finding out if it's true - is quite another! Armed with new evidence, police recruit specialist help to find the body of Tony Parsons. This episode hears how experts analysed the land - found clues in the soil - and launched an intricate operation to try and locate Tony Parsons. Presented by Jane MacSorley. Produced by Firecrest Films.
The family of Tony Parsons waited three years for answers on what happened to him. Now they face a longer wait - for justice. Prosecutors face a difficult decision - is this simply a case of dangerous driving? Or could the suspects face trial for murder? This episode includes exclusive access to the prosecutor tasked with making that decision, as well as advocates for the defence, as the case reaches the end game. Presented by Jane MacSorley. Produced by Firecrest Films.
An elderly woman is murdered in her own living room – and nothing about it makes sense. In the days after Mabel’s murder, fear takes hold as the village wonders if something uncanny is still among them. Then, just metres from the crime scene, there’s a shocking turn. Presenter: Meic Parry Story Producer: Andrew Dickson Assistant Producer: Katie Hill Executive Producer: Leonie Thomas Production Management: Amy Wheel and Janice Jardine Music: Cerys Hafana Mixing and Sound Design: Mike Woolley Series Producer: Steven Rajam An Overcoat Media production for BBC Sounds
Fear spreads as the village realises what might be walking among them. Presenter: Meic Parry Story Producer: Andrew Dickson Assistant Producer: Katie Hill Executive Producer: Leonie Thomas Production Management: Amy Wheel and Janice Jardine Music: Cerys Hafana Mixing and Sound Design: Mike Woolley Series Producer: Steven Rajam An Overcoat Media production for BBC Sounds
As Christmas approaches, the village is left reeling by a new death in their midst. As the rumour mill goes into overdrive, a ghostly piece of evidence appears before police eyes. Presenter: Meic Parry Story Producer: Andrew Dickson Assistant Producer: Katie Hill Executive Producer: Leonie Thomas Production Management: Amy Wheel and Janice Jardine Music: Cerys Hafana Mixing and Sound Design: Mike Woolley Series Producer: Steven Rajam An Overcoat Media production for BBC Sounds
As police make an appeal for information on primetime TV, a phone call promises to unlock the entire case. The tip-off leads detectives somewhere they could have never expected. Presenter: Meic Parry Story Producer: Andrew Dickson Assistant Producer: Katie Hill Executive Producer: Leonie Thomas Production Management: Amy Wheel and Janice Jardine Music: Cerys Hafana Mixing and Sound Design: Mike Woolley Series Producer: Steven Rajam An Overcoat Media production for BBC Sounds
With a prime suspect no-one ever expected, detectives race against time to uncover the truth behind his unassuming appearance – and secure the evidence that could prove his guilt. Presenter: Meic Parry Story Producer: Andrew Dickson Assistant Producer: Katie Hill Executive Producer: Leonie Thomas Production Management: Amy Wheel and Janice Jardine Music: Cerys Hafana Mixing and Sound Design: Mike Woolley Series Producer: Steven Rajam An Overcoat Media production for BBC Sounds
As journalists get a first glimpse of the accused in court, they face strict secrecy around reporting his identity. Meanwhile, detectives face a reckoning – will the case hold up? Presenter: Meic Parry Story Producer: Andrew Dickson Assistant Producer: Katie Hill Executive Producer: Leonie Thomas Production Management: Amy Wheel and Janice Jardine Music: Cerys Hafana Mixing and Sound Design: Mike Woolley Series Producer: Steven Rajam An Overcoat Media production for BBC Sounds
With the crime apparently solved, one unanswered question continues to hang over the village - and everyone connected to the case - a quarter of a century on. Presenter: Meic Parry Story Producer: Andrew Dickson Assistant Producer: Katie Hill Executive Producer: Leonie Thomas Production Management: Amy Wheel and Janice Jardine Pre-production research: Jess Gunasekara Legal advice: Clare Hoban. Music: Cerys Hafana Mixing and Sound Design: Mike Woolley Series Producer: Steven Rajam An Overcoat Media production for BBC Sounds
In 1986, Diane Sindall leaves work to drive home but never arrives. What happened that night marks the start of a decades long unsolved case. Through testimony from those who knew her and those who encountered the crime scene, we look at Diane’s final movements, the violent nature of her attack and the growing fear gripping Birkenhead, a town on the Wirral in Merseyside. As we find out more, troubling questions emerge about how such brutality could occur in a public place unseen and unheard, setting the stage for what would become one of Britain’s most haunting criminal cases. Presenter: Olivia Graham. Producers: Kate Bissell, Gemma Maull and Olivia Graham. Sound Design and Music Composition: Phil Channell. Mixing: Ivan Eastley. Story Consultants: Neil McCarthy, Jack Kibble-White and Kirsty Williams. Online Producer: Rachael Smith. Development was by BBC Audio Scotland and BBC Merseyside. Executive Editors: Gillian Wheelan and Ben Anderson. Commissioning Editor: Alistair Miskin. There’s graphic descriptions of violence in this series. For details of help and support in the UK, visit bbc.co.uk/actionline.
The hunt for Diane Sindall’s killer uncovers another victim who was dressed in yellow and attacked near the scene on the same night, raising fears of a serial attacker in Birkenhead. A police appeal focuses on the mysterious “woman in yellow”. As the investigation continues, the police uncover more attacks on women in the area and frustrations grow as leads collapse. Meanwhile, details of Diane’s injuries intensifies public fear and puts pressure on the police to find an answer. Presenter: Olivia Graham. Producers: Kate Bissell, Gemma Maull and Olivia Graham. Sound Design and Music Composition: Phil Channell. Mixing: Ivan Eastley. Story Consultants: Neil McCarthy, Jack Kibble-White and Kirsty Williams. Online Producer: Rachael Smith. Development was by BBC Audio Scotland and BBC Merseyside. Executive Editors: Gillian Wheelan and Ben Anderson. Commissioning Editor: Alistair Miskin. There’s graphic descriptions of violence in this series. For details of help and support in the UK, visit bbc.co.uk/actionline.
Diane Sindall’s murder ignites a movement with women across Birkenhead. Fueled by anger and grief they challenge police attitudes, confront society’s view of women and demand change. Against this backdrop Peter Sullivan stands trial. We examine the case built against him with contested confessions, disputed forensic evidence and testimony the jury never heard. Presenter: Olivia Graham. Producers: Kate Bissell, Gemma Maull and Olivia Graham. Sound Design and Music Composition: Phil Channell. Mixing: Ivan Eastley. Story Consultants: Neil McCarthy, Jack Kibble-White and Kirsty Williams. Online Producer: Rachael Smith. Development was by BBC Audio Scotland and BBC Merseyside. Executive Editors: Gillian Wheelan and Ben Anderson. Commissioning Editor: Alistair Miskin. There’s graphic descriptions of violence in this series. For details of help and support in the UK, visit bbc.co.uk/actionline.
Years after Peter Sullivan’s conviction, community whispers claim the police convicted the wrong man. Peter refuses to admit guilt and as advances in DNA testing offer a possible breakthrough for him. His legal team battle missing records, discredited forensic methods and a system reisitant to reopening old wounds. Until one crucial test changes everything. Presenter: Olivia Graham. Producers: Kate Bissell, Gemma Maull and Olivia Graham. Sound Design and Music Composition: Phil Channell. Mixing: Ivan Eastley. Story Consultants: Neil McCarthy, Jack Kibble-White and Kirsty Williams. Online Producer: Rachael Smith. Development was by BBC Audio Scotland and BBC Merseyside. Executive Editors: Gillian Wheelan and Ben Anderson. Commissioning Editor: Alistair Miskin. There’s graphic descriptions of violence in this series. For details of help and support in the UK, visit bbc.co.uk/actionline.
Recorded on the day of Peter Sullivan’s appeal as judges consider DNA evidence unavailable in 1987. As the new evidence points to an unknown male, decades-old evidence crumbles under scrutiny. The court delivers its decision leaving one devastating truth intact: Diane’s killer has not been found. Presenter: Olivia Graham. Producers: Kate Bissell, Gemma Maull and Olivia Graham. Sound Design and Music Composition: Phil Channell. Mixing: Ivan Eastley. Story Consultants: Neil McCarthy, Jack Kibble-White and Kirsty Williams. Online Producer: Rachael Smith. Development was by BBC Audio Scotland and BBC Merseyside. Executive Editors: Gillian Wheelan and Ben Anderson. Commissioning Editor: Alistair Miskin. There’s graphic descriptions of violence in this series. For details of help and support in the UK, visit bbc.co.uk/actionline.
Returning to Birkenhead in the wake of Peter Sullivan’s release, we focus on Diane Sindall and the community still living with her murder. Peter shares details of his arrest, interviews and alleged police pressure, alongside renewed police enquiries that revisit overlooked witnesses and potential suspects. As officers collect fresh DNA and old memories resurface, the search begins anew for the man known only as 'Unknown Male One'. Presenter: Olivia Graham. Producers: Kate Bissell, Gemma Maull and Olivia Graham. Sound Design and Music Composition: Phil Channell. Mixing: Ivan Eastley. Story Consultants: Neil McCarthy, Jack Kibble-White and Kirsty Williams. Online Producer: Rachael Smith. Development was by BBC Audio Scotland and BBC Merseyside. Executive Editors: Gillian Wheelan and Ben Anderson. Commissioning Editor: Alistair Miskin. There’s graphic descriptions of violence in this series. For details of help and support in the UK, visit bbc.co.uk/actionline.
A Geographical Profiler looks at the two locations connected to Diane Sindall’s murder. It’s suggested that Diane’s killer was local and may have struck before. As new testimony suggests Diane may not have been attacked in the alleyway and emerging accounts name a local figure, the investigation edges closer to a new suspect. Presenter: Olivia Graham. Producers: Kate Bissell, Gemma Maull and Olivia Graham. Sound Design and Music Composition: Phil Channell. Mixing: Ivan Eastley. Story Consultants: Neil McCarthy, Jack Kibble-White and Kirsty Williams. Online Producer: Rachael Smith. Development was by BBC Audio Scotland and BBC Merseyside. Executive Editors: Gillian Wheelan and Ben Anderson. Commissioning Editor: Alistair Miskin. There’s graphic descriptions of violence in this series. For details of help and support in the UK, visit bbc.co.uk/actionline.
As police put out a renewed appeal, we question whether long ignored patterns of sexual violence raise the possibility of a serial offender and whether Diane’s killer could have been stopped. We are also reminded that Diane Sindall’s murder is not just about the past as we visit a vigil for victims of violence against women. Presenter: Olivia Graham. Producers: Kate Bissell, Gemma Maull and Olivia Graham. Sound Design and Music Composition: Phil Channell. Mixing: Ivan Eastley. Story Consultants: Neil McCarthy, Jack Kibble-White and Kirsty Williams. Online Producer: Rachael Smith. Development was by BBC Audio Scotland and BBC Merseyside. Executive Editors: Gillian Wheelan and Ben Anderson. Commissioning Editor: Alistair Miskin. There’s graphic descriptions of violence in this series. For details of help and support in the UK, visit bbc.co.uk/actionline.
The story of Lesley Howell and Trevor Buchanan. In 1991 they were murdered by their spouses who then staged a scene to make it look like they had taken their own lives. 18 years later - one of the killers decided to confess. Episode 1 - The 12 Apostles When the bodies of Trevor Buchanan and Lesley Howell are found in a garage in the quiet coastal village of Castlerock, Northern Ireland - police believe it is a suicide pact. While witness statements show their partners lied to police and there are a number of red flags at the scene - a coroner’s inquest raises no further concerns about their deaths. Narrated by Lucy McConnell Produced by Conor McKay Executive editor Andy Martin A BBC Northern Ireland production
The story of Lesley Howell and Trevor Buchanan. In 1991 they were murdered by their spouses who then staged a scene to make it look like they had taken their own lives. 18 years later - one of the killers decided to confess. Episode 2 - The Affair In a close-knit Baptist church community in Coleraine, Northern Ireland - Hazel Buchanan, married to a local RUC officer - begins a secret affair with married dentist Colin Howell. When the affair is discovered, the church arranges counselling for both couples - but Colin Howell begins plotting with Hazel to murder their partners. Narrated by Lucy McConnell Produced by Conor McKay Executive editor Andy Martin A BBC Northern Ireland production
The story of Lesley Howell and Trevor Buchanan. In 1991 they were murdered by their spouses who then staged a scene to make it look like they had taken their own lives. 18 years later - one of the killers decided to confess. Episode 3 – The Innocent On the day of their son’s second birthday, Colin Howell prepares to murder his wife Lesley and phones Hazel to confirm the plan is going ahead that night. With assistance from Hazel, while their children sleep, Colin carries out the murders of Lesley and Trevor and prepares to stage a suicide scene in a garage in the village of Castlerock. Narrated by Lucy McConnell Produced by Conor McKay Executive editor Andy Martin A BBC Northern Ireland production
The story of Lesley Howell and Trevor Buchanan. In 1991 they were murdered by their spouses who then staged a scene to make it look like they had taken their own lives. 18 years later - one of the killers decided to confess. Episode 4 – The Secret After the killing of Lesley and Trevor, Colin and Hazel continue their secret affair. Lesley’s daughter Lauren begins to see Hazel as a mother figure, unaware of the dark secret she shares with her father Colin. But years later, when Hazel and Colin have ended their affair, remarried and started separate new lives – Colin Howell begins to believe that God is punishing him, and that he must confess to their crimes. Narrated by Lucy McConnell Produced by Conor McKay Executive editor Andy Martin A BBC Northern Ireland production
The story of Lesley Howell and Trevor Buchanan. In 1991 they were murdered by their spouses who then staged a scene to make it look like they had taken their own lives. 18 years later - one of the killers decided to confess. Episode 5 – The Trial Colin Howell’s police interviews reveal the true extent of Hazel’s role in the murders of Lesley and Trevor, but Hazel claims she was under his control. During Hazel’s trial for double murder, Lesley’s daughter Lauren is shocked to hear her police interviews played in court - and believes Hazel could have stopped the murders from taking place Narrated by Lucy McConnell Produced by Conor McKay Executive editor Andy Martin A BBC Northern Ireland production
The story of Lesley Howell and Trevor Buchanan. In 1991 they were murdered by their spouses who then staged a scene to make it look like they had taken their own lives. 18 years later - one of the killers decided to confess. Episode 6– The Ring Dr Lauren Bradford Clarke was just four years old when her mother Lesley Howell was murdered by her father Colin. He was assisted in the killing by the woman he was having an affair with – Hazel Stewart. Now an assistant professor of criminology at Nottingham university, Lauren is determined that she will not be defined by her family’s past – and that she will reclaim her mother’s memory for her own future. Episode written and presented by Dr Lauren Bradford Clarke Series readings by: Declan Rodgers Tierna McNally Andrew McCracken Christine Clare Produced by Conor McKay Executive editor Andy Martin A BBC Northern Ireland production
On the 10th of April 1991, Diane Watson and Barbara Glover stand in the middle of a school playground, surrounded by a circle of children. Barbara has come armed with a knife. Why? Written and produced by Audrey Gillan and Laurence Cook Series Editor: Shelley Jofre Commissioner: Heather Kane Darling Head of Audio for BBC Scotland: Victoria Easton-Riley Legal Advisor: Ros McInnes Editorial Policy Advisor: Nikki O’Donnell Assistant Producer: Jax Sinclair Original music, sound design and mixing: Joel Cox Series Producer: Laurence Cook Archive Sources: Hugh Grant: Taking on The Tabloids – Channel 4 (02:50) The Leveson Inquiry.
Diane Watson’s best friend Pauline Love helps carry her home, just yards away from the playground. When Diane’s parents – Jim and Margaret - open the door they are horrified to find their child bleeding and struggling for breath. Their son Alan returns to find his big sister lying on the hall floor, surrounded by paramedics. Audrey meets teachers from Whitehill Secondary to hear about the effect Diane’s death had on the school. This episode contains content that listeners may find distressing. Written and produced by Audrey Gillan and Laurence Cook Series Editor: Shelley Jofre Commissioner: Heather Kane Darling Head of Audio for BBC Scotland: Victoria Easton-Riley Legal Advisor: Ros McInnes Editorial Policy Advisor: Nikki O’Donnell Assistant Producer: Jax Sinclair Original music, sound design and mixing: Joel Cox Series Producer: Laurence Cook
In July 1991, a 15-year-old is tried for murder. Barbara Glover is led into Glasgow’s High Court where her name is revealed. She’s still a child but the judge lifts reporting restrictions. When Barbara gives evidence, she tells a story of jealousy and lies that results in the headline: ‘Blood Over a Boy’. Written and produced by Audrey Gillan and Laurence Cook Series Editor: Shelley Jofre Commissioner: Heather Kane Darling Head of Audio for BBC Scotland: Victoria Easton-Riley Legal Advisor: Ros McInnes Editorial Policy Advisor: Nikki O’Donnell Assistant Producer: Jax Sinclair Original music, sound design and mixing: Joel Cox Series Producer: Laurence Cook
The ‘Church-With-No-Name’ has flown under the radar for more than a century but today is making headlines the world over. Why? Serious allegations of the worst kind and, according to former members, a failure from leadership to deal with the alleged perpetrators. There are hundreds of comments on message boards across multiple websites and social media platforms but no one wants to go on the record. So what are they afraid of? But do the members of this fellowship simply want to live a quiet and devoted life? Or are they hiding for a reason?
The ‘Church-With-No-Name’ has flown under the radar for more than a century but today is making headlines the world over. Why? Allegations of child sexual abuse and a failure from leadership to deal with the alleged perpetrators. There are hundreds of posts across multiple websites and social media platforms But do the members of this fellowship simply want to live a quiet and devoted life? Or are they hiding for a reason?
The ‘Church-With-No-Name’ has flown under the radar for more than a century but today is making headlines the world over. Why? Allegations of child sexual abuse and a failure from leadership to deal with the alleged perpetrators. There are hundreds of posts across multiple websites and social media platforms But do the members of this fellowship simply want to live a quiet and devoted life? Or are they hiding for a reason?
The ‘Church-With-No-Name’ has flown under the radar for more than a century but today is making headlines the world over. Why? Allegations of child sexual abuse and a failure from leadership to deal with the alleged perpetrators. There are hundreds of posts across multiple websites and social media platforms But do the members of this fellowship simply want to live a quiet and devoted life? Or are they hiding for a reason?
The ‘Church-With-No-Name’ has flown under the radar for more than a century but today is making headlines the world over. Why? Allegations of child sexual abuse and a failure from leadership to deal with the alleged perpetrators. There are hundreds of posts across multiple websites and social media platforms But do the members of this fellowship simply want to live a quiet and devoted life? Or are they hiding for a reason?
The ‘Church-With-No-Name’ has flown under the radar for more than a century but today is making headlines the world over. Why? Allegations of child sexual abuse and a failure from leadership to deal with the alleged perpetrators. There are hundreds of posts across multiple websites and social media platforms But do the members of this fellowship simply want to live a quiet and devoted life? Or are they hiding for a reason?
When a postman makes a grim discovery in the course of his morning rounds, the shockwaves are felt far and wide. This series begins in 1976, with the memories of Nigel Rossiter, the postman who saw things he wished he hadn't seen. He was still learning the ropes, as a postman in the rural Pembrokeshire village of Llangolman. But that December day would change pretty much everything around here. We hear how the events of the next hours, days and weeks, would leave a community first in fear, and then in disbelief, as they learned the identity of the victims, and began to wonder who could be responsible. As the ripples of the crime, and the investigation start to spread - can anyone make sense of what's happened? Are there clues which could make anything clearer? This is the first episode of a six-part series which examines this case, exploring if justice was ever served, and telling the story of a community who won't let the case fade away. Narrated by Bettrys Jones Produced by What's The Story Sounds
By the end 1976, the community in Llangolman was still waiting for answers. Police officers had taken over the village, conducting their investigation into the deaths of Griff and Patti Thomas. Their work included building up a picture of their victims - learning their habits, understanding their relationship as siblings, and asking who was set to benefit from their death. And they scour the crime scene, looking for the clues and evidence which might help them to understand exactly what happened, and who was responsible. But as more information emerges, clarity remains hidden. And there's no stopping the rumour mill which is in overdrive. This episode chronicles those events from early 1977. And it tells the story of the investigation and how it was reported by local media. By the end, there's an alarming new theory which threatens to derail everything the community believed to be true. Narrated by Bettrys Jones Produced by What's The Story Sounds
It's a matter of weeks since the crime scene at Ffynnon Samson was discovered, but the loose ends are already being tied into a neat bow. The police investigation led by DCI Pat Molloy has come to an end, the evidence all gathered and conclusions drawn. His file is passed to a coroner to conduct a formal inquest and close the case. But before that, the men of Llangolman are invited to attend a funeral service for the couple... a service which doesn't allow women to attend. And there's more controversy, as the bodies of Griff and Patty are barred from entering the local chapel. How will the community respond? Can they come to terms with the findings of the police? And will they be able to close the lid on this dark chapter? Or will the rumour mill continue to swirl long after the couple are laid to rest?
Pembrokeshire is a safe and secure place to live. But for a time in the 1980's, the feeling for many was different. Two violent murders once again had communities in fear. But for some, these latest crimes had parallels with Ffynnon Samson. And questions began to be asked as to whether the same person could be responsible. In this episode we meet Aled Scourfield - the reporter who first learned about these crimes at the trial of a man called John Cooper. A man who is now in prison for multiple murders. It was Aled who, after hearing rumours of a link, first asked whether Cooper might have been in Llangolman back in 1977. Whether John Cooper might have found his way to the remote farmhouse, and face to face with Griff and Patty. It's a question which has divided this community... a theory which lacks any evidence. But for some it's more compelling the closer that you look.
The official police report into the deaths at Ffynnon Samson is the most details account of the scene, and the events which took place. But that report, completed in 1977, led to a conclusion that it was Griff who was ultimately responsible. A claim the community rejects. Now, in this episode, that report is held up to the light, as the locals ask where the evidence was which led police to that conclusion. Is there a smoking gun hidden amongst the statements and observations? Or does the report leave them with more questions than answers. The episode hears from acclaimed forensic psychologist Prof David Canter, who reveals his own misgivings about the report, and his own theories on what may have taken place. ] #Produced by What's The Story for BBC Wales
In this final episode of Death On The Farm - the community is still battling for a different verdict. We hear how the police are conducting a forensic review, which may or may not reveal new clues. But patience amongst the locals is wearing thin... and many fear that the opportunity to clear Griff's name has come and gone. But perhaps a modern day expert can find new clues from within the original police report. Dr Brett Lockyer is a Home Office Pathologist - who has studied hundreds of crime scenes and unexplained deaths. His analysis of the scene at Ffynnon Samson, and the events which took place there, differs from the conclusion police came to at the time. What's more - there is documented evidence which he believes could offer a very different sequence of events, and the presence of a third party. But will the community rest easy with this new information coming to light? Or will they remain in a state of limbo - until the police offer can offer an official response? For Huw Absolom, Huw Gibby, and for everyone in Llangolman, they won't stop fighting to change the course of justice, or to clear the name of one of their own. Death On the Farm is narrated by Bettrys Jones. It's produced by What's The Story Sounds for BBC Wales
Salisbury becomes the scene of a major international incident. Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia are found poisoned on a park bench. Then, an astonishing discovery: he’s a former Russian spy and they've been poisoned with Novichok, one of the deadliest substances in the world. Parts of Salisbury are locked down as police try to find the poison. This episode has been updated to reflect Sergei Skripal’s role as former GRU officer. This episode was made by Marie Lennon, Andy Howard, Tom Ryan & Dan O’Brien. Executive production by Mary Sanders and Naomi Wordley.
More people fall ill from Novichok poisoning. It’s four months since the nerve agent attack on former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia. Salisbury is starting to return to normal and then, it happens again. Local mum Dawn Sturgess is given a bottle of perfume that contains the deadly chemical Novichok. Days later, Dawn dies in hospital leaving her family and friends wondering how she was poisoned with a Russian-made chemical weapon. This episode was made by Marie Lennon, Andy Howard, Tom Ryan & Dan O’Brien. Executive production by Mary Sanders and Naomi Wordley.