Murder in the Graveyard

The Times and The Sunday Times•reporterpodcast.com

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.

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Episodes

There Are No Winners Here

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.

Aug 12, 2019•1 hr 8 min•Season 1Ep. 8

Stephen Downing : Growing up Inside

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.

Aug 05, 2019•50 min•Season 1Ep. 7

Getting Political

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_pod If 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/audi...

Jul 29, 2019•49 min•Season 1Ep. 6

True Detective?

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_pod If 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 A...

Jul 22, 2019•52 min•Season 1Ep. 5

Eye Witness Accounts

Don Hale finds witnesses who deliver vital new evidence in the case. More information on the case can be found at our website; reporterpodcast.com Follow us; Twitter @reporter_pod If 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....

Jul 15, 2019•47 min•Season 1Ep. 4

Images Of Wendy

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 Downing More information on the case can be found at our website; reporterpodcast.com Follow us; Twitter @reporter_pod If you want to read Don Hale's account of the murder, and his campaign to free Stephen Downing, it's...

Jul 08, 2019•48 min•Season 1Ep. 3

Where's The Blood?

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.com Follow us; Twitter @reporter_pod If 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...

Jul 01, 2019•50 min•Season 1Ep. 2

The Story Begins

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 confes...

Jun 24, 2019•38 min•Season 1Ep. 1

Reporter - Murder In The Graveyard teaser

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

Jun 12, 2019•31 sec

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