Lines of Enquiry
Episode's summary
In 1991 – a teenage girl takes a knife to school and commits murder in the middle of a playground full of children. The killing of Diane Watson devastates her family and shocks a whole country. Following her trial, the killer, 15-year-old Barbara Glover, is detained ‘without limit of time’. But, for the Watson family, the grief and pain is far from over. Audrey Gillan traces the ripple effects of the murder of a child, by a child – uncovering how the words of two journalists spark a bitter and decades-long crusade which transforms a dinner lady into a ferocious campaigner. One who does everything in her power to change the law, take on a whole industry, and right an historic wrong.
In 1991 – a teenage girl takes a knife to school and commits murder in the middle of a playground full of children. The killing of Diane Watson devastates her family and shocks a whole country. Following her trial, the killer, 15-year-old Barbara Glover, is detained ‘without limit of time’. But, for the Watson family, the grief and pain is far from over. Audrey Gillan traces the ripple effects of the murder of a child, by a child – uncovering how the words of two journalists spark a bitter and decades-long crusade which transforms a dinner lady into a ferocious campaigner. One who does everything in her power to change the law, take on a whole industry, and right an historic wrong.
Episodes
114-
The Playground Murder: Trailer
ListenedIn 1991 – a teenage girl takes a knife to school and commits murder in the middle of a playground full of children. The killing of Diane Watson devastates her family and shocks a whole country. Following her trial, the killer, 15-year-old Barbara Glover, is detained ‘without limit of time’. But, for the Watson family, the grief and pain is far from over. Audrey Gillan traces the ripple effects of the murder of a child, by a child – uncovering how the words of two journalists spark a bitter and decades-long crusade which transforms a dinner lady into a ferocious campaigner. One who does everything in her power to change the law, take on a whole industry, and right an historic wrong.
113-
The Confession: 6. The Ring
ListenedThe 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
112-
The Confession: 5. The Trial
ListenedThe 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
111-
The Confession: 4. The Secret
ListenedThe 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
110-
The Confession: 3. The Innocent
ListenedThe 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
