DiscoverMurder in the Graveyard
Murder in the Graveyard

Murder in the Graveyard

Author: The Times and The Sunday Times

Subscribed: 3,055Played: 43,675
Share

Description

Wendy Sewell, a 32-year-old legal secretary, was murdered in the pretty town of Bakewell, in England's Peak District, in September 1973. A cemetery groundskeeper, 17-year-old Stephen Downing, quickly became the prime suspect. Despite having learning difficulties and a reading age of 11, he was arrested, questioned for nine hours without a lawyer present and eventually convinced to sign a confession full of words he did not understand.


Years later, local newspaper editor Don Hale started to campaign over Stephen's conviction, fighting for the case to be sent back to court. Using brand new interviews, Murder in the Graveyard provides a fresh insight into Wendy's murder, as members of the Bakewell community come forward to talk openly about a tragic case that today remains unsolved.

 


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

9 Episodes
Reverse
Introducing Murder In the Graveyard, the new true crime series from Wireless Studios Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Story Begins

The Story Begins

2019-06-2439:19

In the first part of a major new true crime series we introduce the story of Wendy Sewell, who was murdered in the picturesque English town of Bakewell, in the Peak District National Park, in 1973. Wendy was attacked in broad daylight in the town's cemetery. Stephen Downing, the 17-year-old groundskeeper with learning difficulties and a reading age of 11, was the prime suspect. He was immediately arrested, questioned for nine hours without a solicitor present, and pressured into signing a confession full of words he did not understand.Twenty-one years later local newspaper editor Don Hale was thrust into the case. Through a series of brand new interviews, listeners will be given a unique insight into Wendy Sewell's murder, with members of the Bakewell community coming forward for the first time to reflect upon a case that remains unsolved.More information can be found at our website; reporterpodcast.comFollow us;Twitter @reporter_podIf you want to read Don Hale's account of the murder, and his campaign to free Stephen Downing, it's available on Apple Books here;https://books.apple.com/gb/audiobook/murder-in-the-graveyard/id1466731625  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Where's The Blood?

Where's The Blood?

2019-07-0150:58

Don Hale digs deeper into the conviction of Stephen Downing for Wendy Sewell's murder, and examines the police evidence that put Stephen inside.More information on the case can be found at our website; reporterpodcast.comFollow us;Twitter @reporter_podIf you want to read Don Hale's account of the murder, and his campaign to free Stephen Downing, it's available on Apple Books here;https://books.apple.com/gb/audiobook/murder-in-the-graveyard/id1466731625  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Images Of Wendy

Images Of Wendy

2019-07-0848:42

Bakewell gossip presents a very different picture of Wendy Sewell than the one told to the court at the murder trial.Rumour suggests there may have been people and events in Wendy’s past that may have given people reasons to want to hurt or silence her. People other than Stephen DowningMore information on the case can be found at our website; reporterpodcast.comFollow us;Twitter @reporter_podIf you want to read Don Hale's account of the murder, and his campaign to free Stephen Downing, it's available on Apple Books here;https://books.apple.com/gb/audiobook/murder-in-the-graveyard/id1466731625  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Eye Witness Accounts

Eye Witness Accounts

2019-07-1548:05

Don Hale finds witnesses who deliver vital new evidence in the case.More information on the case can be found at our website; reporterpodcast.comFollow us;Twitter @reporter_podIf you want to read Don Hale's account of the murder, and his campaign to free Stephen Downing, it's available on Apple Books here;https://books.apple.com/gb/audiobook/murder-in-the-graveyard/id1466731625  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
True Detective?

True Detective?

2019-07-2252:39

Newspaper editor Don Hale is an unlikely sleuth and even less likely crusader. He has previous no police background, isn’t a PI and has no previous investigative experience. We discuss his background, motivation and unique approaches to this case...Follow us;Twitter @reporter_podIf you want to read Don Hale's account of the murder, and his campaign to free Stephen Downing, it's available on Apple Books here;https://books.apple.com/gb/audiobook/murder-in-the-graveyard/id1466731625  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Getting Political

Getting Political

2019-07-2949:28

Don Hale joins forces with TV and national ews teams to generate international attention for his campaign for the release of Stephen Downing. His tactics uncover some vital evidence, gain the support of the government - and Prime Minister Tony Blair - but have some unfortunate consequences in Bakewell.Follow us;Twitter @reporter_podIf you want to read Don Hale's account of the murder, and his campaign to free Stephen Downing, it's available on Apple Books here;https://books.apple.com/gb/audiobook/murder-in-the-graveyard/id1466731625  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Who is the real Stephen Downing? Why were the police so quick to point the finger at him for the brutal Murder of Wendy Sewell, and why did so many of the townspeople seem unsurprised to hear suggestions that he had attacked a woman? We hear about Stephen as a boy, and how growing up in prison shaped the man he became. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
There Are No Winners Here

There Are No Winners Here

2019-08-1201:08:35

Finally Stephen gets his day in court to appeal his conviction for the murder of Wendy Sewell. The police launch a major new investigation and serious doubts are raised over Don Hale’s investigation... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Comments (9)

Matt Simpson

What a tale to tell ! Amazing.... How could a person be so grey and constantly slip under the radar,whilst being responsible for bringing in the regulation for destruction of so many people? ps what was the piano music in the intro please?

Mar 11th
Reply

Sonia Tencic

I can understand why you had to keep repeating things. I felt that I was listening to the same episode again and again by mistake. Really ruined what could have been an amazing podcast

Oct 28th
Reply

gemmamsankey@aol.com

what is that music? its familiar but i cant figure it out?!

Sep 19th
Reply

Chris Warriner

Dont understand how when Don did so much to get Stephen out of a 27 year stretch for a crime he didnt commit, he couldnt persuade him to talk for this program...

Aug 27th
Reply

Chris Warriner

also the claim to hear from stephen in his own words is a bit miss leading. he refused to speak to the program and it is someone else reading his letters...

Aug 27th
Reply

Chris Warriner

the repeats really do spoil what would have been a decent pod cast. this could have been put into 1 or 2 not 10.

Aug 27th
Reply

Chris Warriner

a very interesting story but way way way to many repeats.

Aug 26th
Reply

Mayhem

Shocking story, excellent topic for a podcast but unfortunately the production really needs some work. Lengthy silences, awful 'music' and too much repetition.

Jul 31st
Reply

SM

Great podcast! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Jul 24th
Reply