During the Second World War, residents of Rayleigh were accustomed to the threat of bombs falling from the sky. But in July 1943, an explosion that tore through Hockley Road originated much closer to home. The case that followed would draw huge public interest and raise difficult questions about mental health, mercy, and criminal responsibility…
Read moreThe Cleft Chin Murder / The Shooting of George Heath
The car parked on Lurgan Avenue matched the description circulated to the police in London. PC William Waters reported the discovery from a nearby police box and waited for detectives to arrive. Soon after, a man emerged from a house on Lurgan Avenue and approached the vehicle. PC Waters swiftly intercepted the suspect, asking if he owned the car. The man remained silent. When he was searched, officers discovered a pistol and ammunition concealed in the man’s pockets...
Read moreSecret Desires Of A Drowned Man / Cecil & Ann Cornock
Bertie James Blackley was working with St John’s Ambulance service in Bristol when he received a message just after 1 am. Calling from a telephone kiosk, a woman said, “I have found my husband in the bath. I believe he is dead. I have done all I can to help him, but I am afraid it is too late”...
Read moreThe Blackburn Child Killer / The Murder Of June Anne Devaney
In modern-day investigations, fingerprints are some of the most valuable clues in identifying a suspect. Automated fingerprint identification systems have reduced the time it takes to compare prints from hundreds of hours to a matter of minutes. Before the revolutionary introduction of automated analysis, investigators had to manually compare prints from a crime scene in order to exclude or implicate suspects in the commission of a crime. In May 1948, an unthinkable murder led to one of the most extensive mass fingerprinting operations in UK history. It solidified fingerprint comparison as one of the most accurate means of identification in criminal investigations…
Read moreGetting Away With Murder - Part 2 / The Confession Of Donald Hume
Donald Hume was charged with the murder of Stanley Setty. However, once the evidence had been presented at the trial, jurors could not reach a verdict. Hume would subsequently admit his guilt on a charge of accessory to murder and was sentenced to 12 years, but only after a second jury were instructed to return a verdict of not guilty to the murder charge. The prosecution felt it was not in the “interests of justice” to proceed. Yet, this is not where the story ends, far from it… (Part 2 of 2)
Read moreGetting Away With Murder - Part 1 / The Killing Of Stanley Setty
The torso of an adult male was discovered by an unsuspecting hunter in the marshes. Who was the unfortunate victim? And will the perpetrator be punished?… (Part 1 of 2)
Read more