PODCAST · society
Crime Next Door
by BBC Sounds
Gripping True Crime stories from neighbourhoods across the UK.Series 12. The Beast of BirkenheadDiane 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.Previously on Crime Next Door:Series 1. An Assassin Comes to TownGunshots kickstart an extraordinary tale of state terrorism.Series 2. Servants and SaintsExploring the story and allegations of a global religious group.Series 3. Death on the FarmAfter fifty years the community of Llangolman seek justice.Series 4. The Salisbury PoisoningsFollow the public inquiry into the death of Dawn Sturgess.Series 5. The Golden Toilet HeistExploring 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 M
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The Beast of Birkenhead: 4. The Wrong Fella
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.
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The Beast of Birkenhead: 3. Because She Was A Woman
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.
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The Beast of Birkenhead: 2. Woman in Yellow
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.
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The Beast of Birkenhead: 1. The Murder
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.
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The Beast of Birkenhead: Trailer
The murder of Diane Sindall in Birkenhead, Merseyside led to Britain’s longest miscarriage of justice when local man Peter Sullivan's conviction collapsed after 38 years.This series returns to the streets, alleyways and estates of Birkenhead where it all happened, retracing Diane’s final movements. Follow through eyewitness testimony, unheard accounts and modern forensic science as we uncover how a brutal crime in a public place went unsolved for decades, while a killer may still be alive and closer to home than anyone realised.At the heart of this story is Diane: who she was, how violence against women shaped the investigation and what justice really looks like when a community has lived with fear, silence and unanswered questions for generations.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.
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The Anglesey Vampire Killer: 7. Live Forever
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 RajamAn Overcoat Media production for BBC Sounds
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The Anglesey Vampire Killer: 6. Don't Say His Name
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 RajamAn Overcoat Media production for BBC Sounds
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The Anglesey Vampire Killer: 5. If The Shoe Fits
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 RajamAn Overcoat Media production for BBC Sounds
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The Anglesey Vampire Killer: 4. Bite Me
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 RajamAn Overcoat Media production for BBC Sounds
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The Anglesey Vampire Killer: 3. Silent Night
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 RajamAn Overcoat Media production for BBC Sounds
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The Anglesey Vampire Killer: 2. Lock The Doors
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 RajamAn Overcoat Media production for BBC Sounds
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The Anglesey Vampire Killer: 1. Shattering The Silence
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 RajamAn Overcoat Media production for BBC Sounds
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The Anglesey Vampire Killer: Trailer
How a brutal, occult-tinged murder shook a Welsh village to its core.
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The Vanishing Cyclist: 6: End Game
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.
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The Vanishing Cyclist: 5: Recovery
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.
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The Vanishing Cyclist: 4: A Breakthrough
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.
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The Vanishing Cyclist: 3: Losing Hope
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.
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The Vanishing Cyclist: 2: Alarm Bells
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.
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The Vanishing Cyclist: 1: The Beginning
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.
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The Vanishing Cyclist: Trailer
When Tony Parsons set off for a charity cycle ride through the highlands of Scotland - his family assumed he would return with tales to tell. But Tony Parsons never came back. How could someone vanish on a busy road, with no trace of what happened? This series tells the story of Tony's final journey, and the exhaustive search for answers. With exclusive access to his family, and the team from Police Scotland who conducted one of their largest searches in the force history - we tell the story of mystery which threatened to never be solved. Through six episodes we reveal exactly what happened to Tony, and the impact the case has had on his loved ones. Presented by Jane MacSorley. Produced by Firecrest Films.
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The Cop, The Kidnap and The Killer: 5. Finally, Face to Face
The monster becomes a man, British policing is changed forever and deposed Detective Bob Booth has a final shot at redemption in the Lesley Whittle case.Hear a chilling account of heroic acts and the actual voice of 'The Black Panther'.Presenter: Susan Hanks. Producer: Susan Hanks and Rob Howell. Sounds Producer: Rob Howell. Story Consultant: Luke Eldridge. Online Producer: Rachael Smith. Executive Producers: Arran Bee and Aftab Gulzar. Commissioning Editor: Alistair Miskin.ARCHIVE: Bob Booth’s secret recording audio sourced from ‘Real Crime – The Heiress & The Kidnapper’ produced by ITV, 2002
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The Cop, The Kidnap and The Killer: 4. Fear of the Monster
As Bob Booth’s reputation plummets, 'The Black Panther's' is reinforced in the minds of an increasingly terrified population.For the first time, we begin to discover the motivation behind his actions and why he targeted Lesley Whittle.This series contains rare and original archive, some not broadcast since the time.Presenter: Susan Hanks. Producer: Susan Hanks and Rob Howell. Sounds Producer: Rob Howell. Story Consultant: Luke Eldridge. Online Producer: Rachael Smith. Executive Producers: Arran Bee and Aftab Gulzar. Commissioning Editor: Alistair Miskin.
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The Cop, The Kidnap and The Killer: 3. An Extraordinary Plan
Faced with deceptions and dead-ends, Detective Chief Superintendent Bob Booth devises an audacious plan to catch the so-called ‘Black Panther' and save Lesley Whittle.What follows is an elaborate deception of his own, involving the Whittle family and an unsuspecting national media.This series contains rare and original archive, some not broadcast since the time.Presenter: Susan Hanks. Producer: Susan Hanks and Rob Howell. Sounds Producer: Rob Howell. Story Consultant: Luke Eldridge. Online Producer: Rachael Smith. Executive Producers: Arran Bee and Aftab Gulzar. Commissioning Editor: Alistair Miskin.
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The Cop, The Kidnap and The Killer: 2. The Career Criminal
The case takes a dramatic turn when a seemingly unconnected crime reveals a chilling back-story. Lesley Whittle’s kidnapper is far more dangerous than they imagined.'Perfect detective' Bob Booth is faced with a far-from-perfect investigation and the growing realisation that they’re dealing with a monster.This series contains rare and original archive, some not broadcast since the time.Presenter: Susan Hanks. Producer: Susan Hanks and Rob Howell. Sounds Producer: Rob Howell. Story Consultant: Luke Eldridge. Online Producer: Rachael Smith. Executive Producers: Arran Bee and Aftab Gulzar. Commissioning Editor: Alistair Miskin.ARCHIVE : Dudley news report sourced from ‘ATV Today’ produced by ATV. Bob Booth commentary sourced from ‘Real Crime – The Heiress & The Kidnapper’ produced by ITV.
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The Cop, The Kidnap and The Killer: 1. The Perfect Detective
Detective Chief Superintendent Robert 'Bob' Booth from West Mercia Police is tested by the rarest of crimes. He faces an unprecedented challenge after 17-year-old Lesley Whittle is kidnapped from her home in Highley, Shropshire, and a ransom note is found. The case gripped the nation in 1975 and created widespread public fear.This series contains rare and original archive, some not broadcast since the time.Presenter: Susan Hanks. Producer: Susan Hanks and Rob Howell. Sounds Producer: Rob Howell. Story Consultant: Luke Eldridge. Online Producer: Rachael Smith. Executive Producers: Arran Bee and Aftab Gulzar. Commissioning Editor: Alistair Miskin.ARCHIVE : Bob Booth commentary sourced from ‘Real Crime – The Heiress & The Kidnapper’ produced by ITV.
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The Cop, The Kidnap and The Killer: Trailer
Lesley Whittle is kidnapped from her home by a man known as 'The Black Panther'.A ransom note is found and Detective Chief Superintendent Robert Booth from West Mercia Police becomes involved in a race across the country to solve the rarest of crimes and bring the teenager home.The story is now retold by the people who lived through it and will never forget it. This series contains rare and original archive, some of which has not been broadcast since the time.Presenter: Susan Hanks. Producer: Susan Hanks and Rob Howell. Sounds Producer: Rob Howell. Story Consultant: Luke Eldridge. Online Producer: Rachael Smith. Executive Producers: Arran Bee and Aftab Gulzar. Commissioning Editor: Alistair Miskin.
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When a Catfish Kills: 8. Not Alone
What do you do when someone you trust turns out to not exist? When ‘Chloe’ starts messaging other teenage girls on social media she is friendly. Fun. Interested. Soon she sends explicit photos, and asks her new friends to send some back. That’s when she changes and the blackmail begins. Because ‘Chloe’ isn’t a real girl. She’s a catfish. And her depraved demands have fatal consequences.
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When a Catfish Kills: 7. Court
What do you do when someone you trust turns out to not exist? When ‘Chloe’ starts messaging other teenage girls on social media she is friendly. Fun. Interested. Soon she sends explicit photos, and asks her new friends to send some back. That’s when she changes and the blackmail begins. Because ‘Chloe’ isn’t a real girl. She’s a catfish. And her depraved demands have fatal consequences. This episode features real online messages, read aloud by an AI voice. Find out more about how the BBC uses AI https://www.bbc.co.uk/aboutthebbc/reports/policies/approach-to-ai/
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When a Catfish Kills: 6. Cimarron, Part Two
What do you do when someone you trust turns out to not exist? When ‘Chloe’ starts messaging other teenage girls on social media she is friendly. Fun. Interested. Soon she sends explicit photos, and asks her new friends to send some back. That’s when she changes and the blackmail begins. Because ‘Chloe’ isn’t a real girl. She’s a catfish. And her depraved demands have fatal consequences. This episode features real online messages, read aloud by an AI voice. Find out more about how the BBC uses AI https://www.bbc.co.uk/aboutthebbc/reports/policies/approach-to-ai/
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When a Catfish Kills: 5. 3500
What do you do when someone you trust turns out to not exist? When ‘Chloe’ starts messaging other teenage girls on social media she is friendly. Fun. Interested. Soon she sends explicit photos, and asks her new friends to send some back. That’s when she changes and the blackmail begins. Because ‘Chloe’ isn’t a real girl. She’s a catfish. And her depraved demands have fatal consequences. This episode features real online messages, read aloud by an AI voice. Find out more about how the BBC uses AI https://www.bbc.co.uk/aboutthebbc/reports/policies/approach-to-ai/
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When a Catfish Kills: 4. Emily
What do you do when someone you trust turns out to not exist? When ‘Chloe’ starts messaging other teenage girls on social media she is friendly. Fun. Interested. Soon she sends explicit photos, and asks her new friends to send some back. That’s when she changes and the blackmail begins. Because ‘Chloe’ isn’t a real girl. She’s a catfish. And her depraved demands have fatal consequences.
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When a Catfish Kills: 3. Unmasking Chloe
What do you do when someone you trust turns out to not exist? When ‘Chloe’ starts messaging other teenage girls on social media she is friendly. Fun. Interested. Soon she sends explicit photos, and asks her new friends to send some back. That’s when she changes and the blackmail begins. Because ‘Chloe’ isn’t a real girl. She’s a catfish. And her depraved demands have fatal consequences.
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When a Catfish Kills: 2. Ivy and Violet
What do you do when someone you trust turns out to not exist? When ‘Chloe’ starts messaging other teenage girls on social media she is friendly. Fun. Interested. Soon she sends explicit photos, and asks her new friends to send some back. That’s when she changes and the blackmail begins. Because ‘Chloe’ isn’t a real girl. She’s a catfish. And her depraved demands have fatal consequences.This episode features real online messages, read aloud by an AI voice. Find out more about how the BBC uses AI https://www.bbc.co.uk/aboutthebbc/reports/policies/approach-to-ai/
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When a Catfish Kills: 1. Cimarron
What do you do when someone you trust turns out to not exist? When ‘Chloe’ starts messaging other teenage girls on social media she is friendly. Fun. Interested. Soon she sends explicit photos, and asks her new friends to send some back. That’s when she changes and the blackmail begins. Because ‘Chloe’ isn’t a real girl. She’s a catfish. And her depraved demands have fatal consequences. This episode features real online messages, read aloud by an AI voice. Find out more about how the BBC uses AI https://www.bbc.co.uk/aboutthebbc/reports/policies/approach-to-ai/
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The Ballad of Big Mags: 6. Downfall
Journalist Mark McGivern endures a chilling face-to-face encounter with Mags as the Haneys are backed into a corner. With the public’s attention firmly fixed on the crime family, the police are forced to act.Presenter: Myles Bonnar Written by: Chris Cruickshank, Marisha Currie, Myles Bonnar and Graham Russell Additional Scripting: Jack Kibble-White Producer: Chris Cruickshank Assistant Producer: Marrisha Currie Executive Producers: Graham Russell, Susie Crumless Sound Design and Mixing: Fraser Jackson Commissioning Editor: Heather Kane-DarlingA BBC Scotland production for BBC Sounds
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The Ballad of Big Mags: 5. Dealer Number 1
The Daily Record launch a high profile campaign. After receiving numerous tip offs, undercover journalists find evidence that may bring matriarch Mags and her empire down. Presenter: Myles Bonnar Written by: Chris Cruickshank, Marisha Currie, Myles Bonnar and Graham Russell Additional Scripting: Jack Kibble-White Producer: Chris Cruickshank Assistant Producer: Marrisha Currie Executive Producers: Graham Russell, Susie Crumless Sound Design and Mixing: Fraser Jackson Commissioning Editor: Heather Kane-DarlingA BBC Scotland production for BBC Sounds
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The Ballad of Big Mags: 4. Hotel Haney
Hounded out, the Haneys struggle to find a new home. In a new town, they can’t escape their past as they face violence and anger on the streets once again. Presenter: Myles Bonnar Written by: Chris Cruickshank, Marisha Currie, Myles Bonnar and Graham Russell Additional Scripting: Jack Kibble-White Producer: Chris Cruickshank Assistant Producer: Marrisha Currie Executive Producers: Graham Russell, Susie Crumless Sound Design and Mixing: Fraser Jackson Commissioning Editor: Heather Kane-DarlingA BBC Scotland production for BBC Sounds
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The Ballad of Big Mags: 3. A Family From Hell
As her public profile rises, Mags falls foul of ‘tall poppy syndrome’. It becomes clear the Haneys have numerous skeletons in their closet and, not for the first time, the community rises up. Presenter: Myles Bonnar Written by: Chris Cruickshank, Marisha Currie, Myles Bonnar and Graham Russell Additional Scripting: Jack Kibble-White Producer: Chris Cruickshank Assistant Producer: Marrisha Currie Executive Producers: Graham Russell, Susie Crumless Sound Design and Mixing: Fraser Jackson Commissioning Editor: Heather Kane-DarlingA BBC Scotland production for BBC Sounds
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The Ballad of Big Mags: 2. Notorious
Mags positions herself as an ‘anti-paedophile campaigner’ and appears on national TV. Back home on the Raploch estate, anger begins to boil as she hogs the headlines. Presenter: Myles Bonnar Written by: Chris Cruickshank, Marisha Currie, Myles Bonnar and Graham Russell Additional Scripting: Jack Kibble-White Producer: Chris Cruickshank Assistant Producer: Marrisha Currie Executive Producers: Graham Russell, Susie Crumless Sound Design and Mixing: Fraser Jackson Commissioning Editor: Heather Kane-DarlingA BBC Scotland production for BBC Sounds
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The Ballad of Big Mags: 1. Welcome to the Raploch
In the midst of a ‘paedophile panic’, residents of a Stirling housing scheme take matters into their own hands and one woman grabs the nation’s attention. Presenter: Myles Bonnar Written by: Chris Cruickshank, Marisha Currie, Myles Bonnar and Graham Russell Additional Scripting: Jack Kibble-White Producer: Chris Cruickshank Assistant Producer: Marrisha Currie Executive Producers: Graham Russell, Susie Crumless Sound Design and Mixing: Fraser Jackson Commissioning Editor: Heather Kane-DarlingA BBC Scotland production for BBC Sounds
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The Ballad of Big Mags: Trailer
It’s the mid 1990s. On the Raploch estate in Stirling, a local community is living in fear. This is a place with many young families, and word is spreading that a convicted paedophile is living among them, placed there anonymously by the local council.Residents worry the streets are no longer safe for their kids, and outraged they weren’t told or consulted.It’s an outrage felt beyond the Raploch estate, and it doesn’t take long for a name and address to find its way into the public domain. Armed with this information, the Raploch rises – as a mob, led by Margaret Haney, known locally as Big Mags. An imposing matriarch, charismatic with a voice like gravel, she’s more than happy to take on the authorities and speak to the media. She becomes a figurehead and spokesperson for a movement devoted to driving the ex-offender out of the area.She succeeds, but for the Big Mags, that that’s just the start, and as her campaign continues, the media become obsessed with this diamond in the rough.She’s on TV. In the papers. Becomes something of a celebrity.Big Mags is always good for a soundbite, and she in turn, seems to enjoy the attention. She doesn’t know it now, but she’s made a huge mistake.As Big Mags has secrets of her own. It’s not that long ago that one of the most serious problems faced by the Raploch Estate were the Haney family themselves.And as Big Mags enjoys the glare of media attention, she will all too soon regret grabbing the limelight. Her 15 minutes of fame will soon become little more than a chapter within in a legacy of infamy. This is the Ballad of Big Mags.Presenter: Myles Bonnar Written by: Chris Cruickshank, Marisha Currie, Myles Bonnar and Graham Russell Additional Scripting: Jack Kibble-White Producer: Chris Cruickshank Assistant Producer: Marrisha Currie Executive Producers: Graham Russell, Susie Crumless Sound Design and Mixing: Fraser Jackson Commissioning Editor: Heather Kane-DarlingA BBC Scotland production for BBC Sounds
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Who Killed the Shakoors?: 5. Justice for my family
Dr Abdul Shakoor lost his wife and five children in a house fire in Harlow, Essex.He shares his shock at the discoveries we've uncovered relating to the investigation.Dr Shakoor still hopes that one day those responsible will be brought to justice.Written and produced by Gabby Colenso Presenter: Sonia Watson Sound Design: John Cameron-McIntosh Story Consultants: Barney Rowntree and Ben Robinson Online Producer: Rachael Smith Series Editor: Shahid Hussain Commissioning Editor: Alistair MiskinA BBC Essex production for BBC Sounds.
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Who Killed the Shakoors?: 4. Forensic evidence
Police believe someone broke into their home that night and a fire was started, but no-one has ever been charged. With claims of evidence compromised, mistakes made and missed opportunities. We turn our attention to the crime scene forensics.Hear from people closest to the case, speaking for the first time about their concerns.Written and produced by Gabby Colenso Presenter: Sonia Watson Sound Design: John Cameron-McIntosh Story Consultants: Barney Rowntree and Ben Robinson Online Producer: Rachael Smith Series Editor: Shahid Hussain Commissioning Editor: Alistair MiskinA BBC Essex production for BBC Sounds.
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Who Killed the Shakoors?: 3. A murder investigation
Police get a breakthrough when something was found dumped near the Shakoor family home, eleven days after the fatal house fire.The discovery means the fire is now officially a murder investigation. As enquiries increase there's a problem, which could provide a reason why this case remains unsolved.Written and produced by Gabby Colenso Presenter: Sonia Watson Sound Design: John Cameron-McIntosh Story Consultants: Barney Rowntree and Ben Robinson Online Producer: Rachael Smith Series Editor: Shahid Hussain Commissioning Editor: Alistair MiskinA BBC Essex production for BBC Sounds.
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Who Killed the Shakoors?: 2. A second fire
The town of Harlow is in shock after a house fire left Dr Sabah Usmani and her four children dead. A fifth child is on life support in hospital. The father, Abdul Shakoor, is by his daughter's bedside praying for her to pull through. As the community in Essex tries to come to terms with what’s happened, detectives reveal the Shakoor's home wasn’t the only fire in the street that night and the search for answers begins.Written and produced by Gabby Colenso Presenter: Sonia Watson Sound Design: John Cameron-McIntosh Story Consultants: Barney Rowntree and Ben Robinson Online Producer: Rachael Smith Series Editor: Shahid Hussain Commissioning Editor: Alistair MiskinA BBC Essex production for BBC Sounds.
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Who Killed the Shakoors?: 1. A family trapped in the fire
A normally quiet residential street in Harlow is woken in the middle of the night to screams for help. Doctor Abdul Shakoor jumps from the bedroom window of his Essex home as fire rages through the living room downstairs. His wife and five children are still inside. What Adbul didn't know then is that he’ll be the only family member to survive and also that someone else may have been in the house.Written and produced by Gabby Colenso Presenter: Sonia Watson Sound Design: John Cameron-McIntosh Story Consultants: Barney Rowntree and Ben Robinson Online Producer: Rachael Smith Series Editor: Shahid Hussain Commissioning Editor: Alistair MiskinA BBC Essex production for BBC Sounds.
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Who Killed the Shakoors?: Trailer
A father is the sole survivor of a house fire that killed his wife and five children. On 15 October 2012, Dr Abdul Shakoor jumped from an upstairs window of his house in Harlow, Essex. It was a desperate attempt to get help.His wife Dr Sabah Usmani and their five children died in the fire and police opened a murder investigation. Dr Shakoor has been fighting for answers and justice ever since.Written and produced by Gabby Colenso Presenter: Sonia Watson Sound Design: John Cameron-McIntosh Story Consultants: Barney Rowntree and Ben Robinson Online Producer: Rachael Smith Series Editor: Shahid Hussain Commissioning Editor: Alistair MiskinA BBC Essex production for BBC Sounds.
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The Golden Toilet Heist: 6. The Gold
A top bullion dealer explains how the toilet could have disappeared and where the gold might be today. Meanwhile, Jimmy Sheen’s pocketed £520,000 from the gold sale and an investigation shows he’s made big money from other crimes. Explore where his missing millions could be and whether they will ever be in the hands of the police.Presenter: Clodagh Stenson. Producer: Jonathan Eden and William McLennan. Sound Designer: Meic Parry. Story Consultants: Graham Russell and Jack Kibble-White. Executive Producers: Peter Cooke and Peter Cook. Online Producer: Rachael Smith. Commissioner: Al Miskin.
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The Golden Toilet Heist: 5. The Fence
A trial begins and the three defendants plead not guilty. Details emerge about reconnaissance trips to Blenheim made days before the heist. Also, Jimmy Sheen’s voice notes are shared. They offer a rare chance to eavesdrop on the crime as it’s happening, uncovering how he cashed in on his golden loot.Presenter: Clodagh Stenson. Producer: Jonathan Eden and William McLennan. Sound Designer: Meic Parry. Story Consultants: Graham Russell and Jack Kibble-White. Executive Producers: Peter Cooke and Peter Cook. Online Producer: Rachael Smith. Commissioner: Al Miskin.Image: Getty
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The Golden Toilet Heist: 4. The Thief
Four years later a toilet thief is unmasked as James ‘Jimmy’ Sheen. An investigation uncovers Sheen's dark past leading up to the Blenheim burglary with a career of crime that began in his twenties. The ringleader of multiple gangs, he's tied to violent thefts, nationwide fraud and a shooting in Coventry.Presenter: Clodagh Stenson. Producer: Jonathan Eden and William McLennan. Sound Designer: Meic Parry. Story Consultants: Graham Russell and Jack Kibble-White. Executive Producers: Peter Cooke and Peter Cook. Online Producer: Rachael Smith. Commissioner: Al Miskin.Image: Getty
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Gripping True Crime stories from neighbourhoods across the UK.Series 12. The Beast of BirkenheadDiane 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.Previously on Crime Next Door:Series 1. An Assassin Comes to TownGunshots kickstart an extraordinary tale of state terrorism.Series 2. Servants and SaintsExploring the story and allegations of a global religious group.Series 3. Death on the FarmAfter fifty years the community of Llangolman seek justice.Series 4. The Salisbury PoisoningsFollow the public inquiry into the death of Dawn Sturgess.Series 5. The Golden Toilet HeistExploring 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 M
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