British Murders

In this end-of-season special, I tell the stories of Terri Harris, John and Lacey Bennett and Connie Gent, who were murdered in Killamarsh, Derbyshire, on September 18, 2021. Terri and her two children, John and Lacey, lived in a property at Chandos Crescent, Killamarsh, with Damien Bendall, a man whom Terri had met on an online dating app after separating from Jason Bennett, John and Lacey's dad. Many mistakes and missed opportunities were made regarding Bendall's risk status to those he knew and children by the probation service. Hence, I've posed the question in this episode's title as to whether this was an avoidable tragedy. On September 18, Connie stayed at the Killamarsh house to spend time with her best friend, Lacey. Between the late hours of that evening and the early hours of the following day, all four were killed by Bendall, whose arrest later that day was caught on police bodycam footage. Bendall received a whole life order in December 2022 after pleading guilty to four counts of murder and one count of rape of a child under 13. For all things British Murders, please visit my website:⁣ britishmurders.com⁣ Intro music:⁣ David John Brady - 'Throw Down the Gauntlet'⁣ linktr.ee/davidjohnbradymusic⁣ References:⁣ britishmurders.com/killamarsh Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I tell the story of Avril Dunn, a 26-year-old woman murdered in Luton, Bedfordshire, on September 14, 1985. Avril went to The Heron, a local pub, that Saturday evening and was seen playing darts with some of the other regulars. Leaving at around 10.30 pm, Avril is thought to have been seen in the company of a tall, fair-haired man who drove away from the pub in a light-coloured Opel Manta. Her body was found at 7:30 am the following day. Still, her killer wouldn't be caught until thirteen years later when advances in DNA technology allowed scientists to match samples recovered from Avril's clothes to one of their key suspects at the time of her murder. Duncan Jackson, a father of four, was found guilty of Avril's murder in January 2000 and received a life sentence with a minimum term of 15 years. Chillingly, Duncan took part in reenacting Avril's case in the March 1986 episode of Crimewatch UK. **The following is NOT a sponsored message** If you are suffering from an eating disorder or are concerned that someone you know is, please consider contacting Beat, the UK’s eating disorder charity: Beat (ENG): 0808 801 0677 Beat (SCO): 0808 801 0432 Beat (WAL): 0808 801 0433 Beat (NI): 0808 801 0434 For all things British Murders, please visit my website:⁣ britishmurders.com⁣ Intro music:⁣ David John Brady - 'Throw Down the Gauntlet'⁣ linktr.ee/davidjohnbradymusic⁣ References:⁣ britishmurders.com/avrildunn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I tell the story of Barbara Waterhouse, a 5-year-old girl murdered in Horsforth, Leeds, on June 6, 1891. Whilst out playing with her friends, Barbara suddenly disappeared after last being seen perusing some advertisements through a shop window. Her body was discovered wrapped in a shawl four days later on Alexander Street in Leeds city centre, a stone's throw away from the Town Hall. The person responsible for her murder was soon revealed to be 32-year-old weaver Walter Lewis Turner. He was sentenced to death and hanged at Armley Gaol by James Billington on August 18, 1891. For all things British Murders, please visit my website:⁣ britishmurders.com⁣ Intro music:⁣ David John Brady - 'Throw Down the Gauntlet'⁣ linktr.ee/davidjohnbradymusic⁣ References:⁣ britishmurders.com/barbarawaterhouse Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I tell the story of George Russell, a 35-year-old Police Constable murdered in Oxenholme, Cumbria, on February 10, 1965. George and several other Cumberland and Westmorland Constabulary officers attempted to hunt down an armed car thief and tracked him down to the waiting room at Oxenholme Lake District Railway Station. The gunman shot his revolver at George, killing him, as well as Inspector Alfred Harrison and PC Alexander Archibald, both of whom sustained injuries but were not killed. A few hours later, the gunman was finally apprehended by PC Geoffrey Harrington and PC Derek Thompson. Later revealed to be a labourer called John Middleton, the gunman had attempted to take his own life with the revolver but failed. The bullet was later removed from his head, leaving him with permanent brain damage. Middleton was deemed unfit to stand trial in June 1965 and was ordered by Mr Justice Brabin to be admitted to a secure hospital at the discretion of the Home Secretary. For all things British Murders, please visit my website:⁣ britishmurders.com⁣ Intro music:⁣ David John Brady - 'Throw Down the Gauntlet'⁣ linktr.ee/davidjohnbradymusic⁣ References:⁣ britishmurders.com/georgerussell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I tell the story of Ricky Wyatt, a 34-year-old father-of-one who was murdered in Laindon, Essex, on September 1, 2006. Ricky was confronted by 32-year-old Kathryn Taylor and 29-year-old Matthew Boulton in a car park on Little Lullaway before being stabbed by the former. The encounter was rumoured to have occurred over a £5 drug debt, but Judge Clegg dismissed that claim at Basildon Crown Court. Regardless, the jury found Taylor guilty of Ricky's murder, and she was handed a life sentence with a minimum term of 16 years. Boulton was found guilty of assisting an offender and handed a two-and-a-half-year sentence. For all things British Murders, please visit my website:⁣ britishmurders.com⁣ Intro music:⁣ David John Brady - 'Throw Down the Gauntlet'⁣ linktr.ee/davidjohnbradymusic⁣ References:⁣ britishmurders.com/rickywyatt Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I discuss the story of Alan Livesey, a 14-year-old schoolboy and Army Cadet who was murdered in bizarre circumstances in 1979. On February 22, Alan was left home alone when his dad, Bob, left for his night shift, and his mum, Margaret, headed to the pub with her friend and secret lover. A few hours later, Alan was brutally murdered in his home, and his body was only discovered after Margaret sent her friend Eileen's son, Leslie, to her house to check on him. Margaret claimed to have headed straight for Eileen's house after returning from the pub, but she is suspected of having killed her son first and signed a confession stating as much before she quickly withdrew it. Add to that several witness testimonies indicating there was another male in the house with Alan whilst his mum was at the pub, which takes the complexity of this mystery to another level. Still, Margaret was found guilty of murdering Alan and handed a life sentence on July 26. She served ten years (incorrectly stated as being thirteen in the episode) before being released in 1989 and subsequently passed away in February 2001 after succumbing to throat cancer. The case aired on an episode of Rough Justice in October 1983, and many, including Margaret's other son, Derek, believe she is innocent. Sadly, it looks like the truth will now never be known. For all things British Murders, please visit my website:⁣ britishmurders.com⁣ Intro music:⁣ David John Brady - 'Throw Down the Gauntlet'⁣ linktr.ee/davidjohnbradymusic⁣ References:⁣ britishmurders.com/alanlivesey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I discuss the tragic story of Janet Commins, a 15-year-old schoolgirl who was sexually assaulted and killed in 1976. Janet had planned to meet her friends at the local swimming baths on January 7, but her mum, Eileen, did not permit her to go as she looked pale and unwell. Sneaking out and leaving a note behind, Janet was never seen alive by her parents again. This case features a massive miscarriage of justice, with the first murder trial occurring in June 1976. 18-year-old Noel Jones was accused of murdering Janet and, bizarrely, admitted manslaughter even though he was innocent and was handed a 12-year prison sentence, serving six. Forty years later, 57-year-old Stephen Hough was arrested on an unrelated matter and had his DNA taken. It matched DNA found on samples taken from Janet's body. Like Noel, Hough was found guilty of manslaughter in July 2017 and handed a 12-year sentence. For all things British Murders, please visit my website:⁣ britishmurders.com⁣ Intro music:⁣ David John Brady - 'Throw Down the Gauntlet'⁣ linktr.ee/davidjohnbradymusic⁣ References:⁣ britishmurders.com/janetcommins Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I discuss the story of Jane Longhurst, a 31-year-old music teacher murdered by her best friend's partner. This chilling story of obsession, murder and justice began on March 14, 2003, when Graham Coutts killed Jane in his Hove flat. Coutts had been obsessed with physically harming women during sex since the age of 15 and fantasised about murdering someone in such a manner. He was initially handed a life sentence in February 2004 at Lewes Crown Court, but his charge was later quashed. A re-trial in 2007 ended with the same outcome, with Coutts being handed a life sentence at the Old Bailey that July with a minimum term of 26 years. For all things British Murders, please visit my website:⁣ britishmurders.com⁣ Intro music:⁣ David John Brady - 'Throw Down the Gauntlet'⁣ linktr.ee/davidjohnbradymusic⁣ References:⁣ britishmurders.com/janelonghurst Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I embark on a haunting journey into the tragic murder of Bella Nicandro, a 76-year-old woman whose life was brutally cut short in her shared apartment building in Notting Hill, London. Aaron Cook, Bella's 23-year-old neighbour, was responsible, and it was concluded that he was in the midst of a psychotic episode when he stabbed her to death on August 14, 2021. He had previously been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia in 2020 and had recently stopped taking his medication before the attack. Pleading guilty to manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility, Aaron was sentenced to a hospital order under Section 37/41 of the Mental Health Act 1983. For all things British Murders, please visit my website:⁣ britishmurders.com⁣ Intro music:⁣ David John Brady - 'Throw Down the Gauntlet'⁣ linktr.ee/davidjohnbradymusic⁣ References:⁣ britishmurders.com/bellanicandro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I delve into the story of Debbie Griggs, a pregnant mother-of-three who disappeared from her home without a trace in May 1999. Two decades later, her husband, Andrew, was arrested in connection with her murder, despite no body being found, and was ultimately handed a life sentence with a minimum term of 20 years. Debbie's three sons launched a 'Find our Mum' page on Facebook to protest their father's innocence as they were convinced that their mum was still alive. Finally, after 23 long years of uncertainty, Debbie's remains were found. They had been buried in Andrew's former back garden, thus ending the mystery and providing her friends and family with some much-needed closure. For all things British Murders, please visit my website:⁣ britishmurders.com⁣ Intro music:⁣ David John Brady - 'Throw Down the Gauntlet'⁣ linktr.ee/davidjohnbradymusic⁣ References:⁣ britishmurders.com/debbiegriggs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this first episode of season 10, I delve into the chilling story of David Heal, a seemingly ordinary man whose life took a tragic turn. Join me as I explore the background and untold details surrounding David's life, from his humble beginnings in Radstock, Somerset, to his time in the British Army and his subsequent career as an electrician. On January 4, 2004, David's peaceful existence in the village of Paulton, near Bath, was brutally shattered. An unthinkable act of violence unfolded inside his home, leaving him lifeless and concealed in a freezer, where his body remained undiscovered for nine days. The perpetrator? Matthew Roberts, the son of David's former girlfriend, Lorraine Harvey. In June 2005, Judge Tom Crowther gave Matthew a 12-year and 7-month prison sentence at Bristol Crown Court for the murder after accepting he had no intention of killing David. For all things British Murders, please visit my website:⁣ britishmurders.com⁣ Intro music:⁣ David John Brady - 'Throw Down the Gauntlet'⁣ linktr.ee/davidjohnbradymusic⁣ References:⁣ britishmurders.com/davidheal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the season 9 special, I'm telling the stories of Wilma McCann, Emily Jackson, Irene Richardson, Patricia Atkinson, Jayne MacDonald, Jean Jordan, Yvonne Pearson, Helen Rytka, Vera Millward, Josephine Whitaker, Barbara Leach, Margeurite Walls and Jacqueline Hill, who each lost their lives at the hands of Peter Sutcliffe, who many knew as "The Yorkshire Ripper". This two-part episode focuses on the stories of those thirteen innocent women - whose names are too often forgotten - ensuring their lives are remembered and not overshadowed by the darkness that befell them. In part 1, I explored the lives of Wilma, Emily, Irene, Patricia, Jayne and Jean, uncovering their stories, dreams, and aspirations. In this second and final part, I do the same with Yvonne, Helen, Vera, Josephine, Barbara, Margeurite and Jacqueline. I also delve into the 'Wearside Jack' hoax, Sutcliffe's arrest, the murder trial and the case's aftermath. ⁣⁣For all things British Murders, please visit my website:⁣ https://www.britishmurders.com/⁣ Intro music:⁣ David John Brady - 'Throw Down the Gauntlet'⁣ https://linktr.ee/davidjohnbradymusic⁣ References:⁣ www.britishmurders.com/theforgotten13part2/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the season 9 special, I tell the stories of Wilma McCann, Emily Jackson, Irene Richardson, Patricia Atkinson, Jayne MacDonald, Jean Jordan, Yvonne Pearson, Helen Rytka, Vera Millward, Josephine Whitaker, Barbara Leach, Margeurite Walls and Jacqueline Hill, who each lost their lives at the hands of Peter Sutcliffe, who many knew as "The Yorkshire Ripper". This two-part episode will focus on the stories of those thirteen innocent women - whose names are too often forgotten - ensuring their lives are remembered and not overshadowed by the darkness that befell them. In this first part, I explore the lives of Wilma, Emily, Irene, Patricia, Jayne and Jean, uncovering their stories, dreams, and aspirations. I also delve into their respective murders, shedding light on the horrifying circumstances that cut their lives short. I'll discuss the crimes' societal impact, the fear that gripped local communities, and the emotional toll endured by the victims' families and friends. Next week I'll do the same with Yvonne, Helen, Vera, Josephine, Barbara, Margeurite and Jacqueline whilst also discussing Sutcliffe's arrest, trial and the case's aftermath. ⁣⁣For all things British Murders, please visit my website:⁣ https://www.britishmurders.com/⁣ Intro music:⁣ David John Brady - 'Throw Down the Gauntlet'⁣ https://linktr.ee/davidjohnbradymusic⁣ References:⁣ www.britishmurders.com/theforgotten13part1/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the final episode of season 10, I tell the story of Annie Gross and Jessie Mackintosh. In the early hours of December 1, 1912, 29-year-old Annie Gross shot and killed 33-year-old Jessie Mackintosh as she retired to her room after a social gathering at a boarding house in Russell Square, London. Jessie was having an affair with Annie's husband, Harry, although it's worth mentioning that the couple had separated at the time. Despite initially seeming to confess to murdering Jessie, Annie later testified that her tumultuous and abusive marriage led her to attempt to kill her husband, which is who claimed she thought she had shot that morning. Amazingly, the jury bought Annie's story and found her guilty of manslaughter, despite it being a murder trial, in mid-January 1913. Mr Justice Darling handed her a five-year prison sentence and did not pretend to agree with the jury's verdict. For all things British Murders, please visit my website:⁣ britishmurders.com⁣ Intro music:⁣ David John Brady - 'Throw Down the Gauntlet'⁣ linktr.ee/davidjohnbradymusic⁣ References:⁣ britishmurders.com/anniegross Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I tell the story of Jason Nelson and Jordan Maguire. On May 26, 2013, 32-year-old Grenada national Jason murdered 20-year-old Jordan by stabbing him three times with a knife. Jason fled the UK and headed for Grenada before settling briefly in Trinidad. He was eventually arrested five months later after CCTV images of him from the day of the murder were released. Once extradited back to the UK, Jason was tried at Luton Crown Court and found guilty of Jordan's murder. Judge Michael Kay handed him a life sentence with a minimum term of 27 years on October 22, 2015. For all things British Murders, please visit my website:⁣ britishmurders.com⁣ Intro music:⁣ David John Brady - 'Throw Down the Gauntlet'⁣ linktr.ee/davidjohnbradymusic⁣ References:⁣ britishmurders.com/jasonnelson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I tell the story of Thomas Shanks and Vickie Fletcher. On May 7, 1998, 47-year-old former SAS soldier Thomas Shanks murdered his ex-girlfriend Vickie Fletcher whilst the 21-year-old was on a night out with her friends in Castleford, West Yorkshire. After using an AK-47 to fire multiple shots at Vickie, Thomas fled to Scotland, where he was arrested the following day. His first murder trial ended in May 1999, with the jury unable to reach a verdict. A subsequent trial occurred in early 2000, with Thomas being found guilty of murder on April 19. Mr Justice Jowitt handed him a life sentence, and he received a minimum term of 18 years in 2008 when the law changed regarding minimum tariffs. As of November 2017, Thomas Shanks is a free man, with some sources suspecting that he has returned to his native Scotland. For all things British Murders, please visit my website:⁣ britishmurders.com⁣ Intro music:⁣ David John Brady - 'Throw Down the Gauntlet'⁣ linktr.ee/davidjohnbradymusic⁣ References:⁣ britishmurders.com/thomasshanks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I tell the story of Peter Taylor, Nigel Ogier and Patrick Welch. On March 7, 2003, Peter and Nigel lured Patrick to Ascot Racecourse on the pretext of stealing alcohol from the kitchens. Patrick was stabbed and beaten to death by both men shortly after arriving. Judge Stephen Kramer handed both men a life sentence on February 13, 2004, with minimum terms of 20 years. For all things British Murders, please visit my website:⁣ britishmurders.com⁣ Intro music:⁣ David John Brady - 'Throw Down the Gauntlet'⁣ linktr.ee/davidjohnbradymusic⁣ References:⁣ britishmurders.com/patrickwelch Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I tell the story of Scott and Bernadette Walker. On July 18, 2020, 17-year-old Bernadette was last seen alive leaving her grandparents' house after her dad Scott picked her up. She was reported as missing three days later by her mum, Sarah Walker. Scott was arrested on suspicion of Bernadette's murder in September 2020 despite her body not being found. He was subsequently handed a life sentence with a minimum term of 32 years in September 2021 after being found guilty of her murder. Sarah was handed a 6-year jail sentence after being found guilty of two counts of perverting the course of justice. To this day, Bernadette's body has not been found. For all things British Murders, please visit my website:⁣ britishmurders.com⁣ Intro music:⁣ David John Brady - 'Throw Down the Gauntlet'⁣ linktr.ee/davidjohnbradymusic⁣ References:⁣ britishmurders.com/scottwalker Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I tell the story of Nicola Edgington, Marion Edgington and Sally Hodkin. On November 4, 2005, 25-year-old Nicola Edgington stabbed her 60-year-old mum Marion to death. After pleading guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility in October 2006, Nicola was detained under the Mental Health Act 1983. In September 2009, Nicola was discharged to a housing association self-contained flat. On October 10, 2011, Nicola repeatedly spoke with emergency services personnel in an attempt to get herself sectioned. Later that day, she purchased a knife from ASDA and unsuccessfully attempted to murder 22-year-old Kerry Clark with it. She then stole a knife from a butcher's shop and stabbed and killed 58-year-old Sally Hodkin, whom Nicola had chosen to attack randomly. Judge Brian Barker handed Nicola Edgington a life sentence with a minimum term of 37 years on March 4, 2013. Len Hodkin, Sally's son, is the chairperson of the UK charity Hundred Families. You can find out more about Hundred Families here: hundredfamilies.org For all things British Murders, please visit my website:⁣ britishmurders.com⁣ Intro music:⁣ David John Brady - 'Throw Down the Gauntlet'⁣ linktr.ee/davidjohnbradymusic⁣ References:⁣ britishmurders.com/nicolaedgington Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I tell the story of Albert Dryden and Harry Collinson. In 1988, Albert Dryden built a sunken bungalow on his land without planning permission. Over the next three years, he had a constant back-and-forth battle with Derwentside District Council, who demanded he demolish the bungalow. On June 20, 1991, the council, led by principal planning officer Harry Collinson, arrived at Albert's land, intent on demolishing it themselves. Confronting the councilman with a gun, Albert shot and killed Harry in an incident captured by TV news cameras. Albert received a life sentence for Harry's murder on April 1, 1992, and passed away 26 years later on September 15, 2018. For all things British Murders, please visit my website:⁣ britishmurders.com⁣ Intro music:⁣ David John Brady - 'Throw Down the Gauntlet'⁣ linktr.ee/davidjohnbradymusic⁣ References:⁣ britishmurders.com/albertdryden Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices