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Latest episodes from Assume Nothing

Episode 4: Operation Yurta

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2025 16:13


The story of two journalists who investigated an unsolved mass murder in Northern Ireland.Six men were shot dead by Loyalist paramilitaries in the Height's Bar, Loughinisland on the 18th June 1994. No-one has ever been charged or convicted. Episode 4 – Operation YurtaOn the day of the film's Belfast premiere, police announce a new investigation – into the suspected theft of sensitive documents from the Police Ombudsman of Northern Ireland.Barry McCaffrey and Trevor Birney are arrested nine months later and their homes and offices are searched. While they are questioned about four offences - theft, handling stolen goods, unlawfully disclosing personal data and offences under the Official Secrets Act - their legal teams must make an urgent decision.Readings byIan Davidson Steven Calvert Aoibheann McCann Antoinette MorelliA BBC Northern Ireland production

Episode 3: No Stone Unturned

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2025 16:26


The story of two journalists who investigated an unsolved mass murder in Northern Ireland. Six men were shot dead by Loyalist paramilitaries in the Height's Bar, Loughinisland on the 18th June 1994. No-one has ever been charged or convicted. Episode 3 – No Stone UnturnedWhile a second Ombudsman investigation gets underway, journalists Barry McCaffrey and Trevor Birney start work on a new documentary about the Loughinisland massacre.When the Ombudsman's report finds elements of the police prevented a proper investigation to protect informants, Barry uses the leaked documents to unlock the identities of chief suspects – but should they name them in the film?Readings by: Steven Calvert Aoibheann McCann Antoinette Morelli Brian KernohanA BBC Northern Ireland production

Episode 1: Early One Morning

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2025 13:38


The story of two journalists who investigated an unsolved mass murder in Northern Ireland. Six men were shot dead by Loyalist paramilitaries in the Height's Bar, Loughinisland on the 18th June 1994. No one has ever been charged or convicted. Episode 1 – Early One MorningInvestigative journalist Barry McCaffrey has slept in and he's late for work. When his doorbell rings at 7am, Barry wonders if the day he's been dreading has finally arrived – are his worst fears about to come true?A BBC Northern Ireland Production

Episode 2: Six Men Dead

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2025 16:18


The story of two journalists who investigated an unsolved mass murder in Northern Ireland. Six men were shot dead by Loyalist paramilitaries in Loughinisland on the 18th June 1994. No one has ever been charged or convicted. Episode 2 – Six Men DeadBarry recounts the tragic events of 18th June, when a ruthless UVF gang open fire indiscriminately in the Height's Bar – killing six men, and seriously wounding five others. When ten years pass without any charges or convictions – the families of the victims demand action. A report into the police investigation finds serious failings, but no evidence the police tried to protect the gang from prosecution. Then - Barry receives a leaked secret document in the post from an anonymous sender.A BBC Northern Ireland Production

1. A Very Strange Event

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2025 14:16


A hush-hush factory opening. No photographs allowed. A story of cover-ups, corporate espionage, fightbacks – and death ...In this series, casually scanning old newspaper archives, Ophelia Byrne comes across an odd headline: “Hush hush process in Ballyclare firm.” The newspaper was printed in 1967. “Strictly no photographs” was the order issued at the opening of the new factory. “90 guests steered clear of a top-secret process.” All workers “will have to sign an oath of secrecy.” What, she wonders, is this factory making? Ophelia doesn't know it when she starts out, but her subsequent investigation into this company, Turner and Newall, will take her from a small town in Northern Ireland across the Irish Sea to places like Rochdale, Leeds and London. It will bring her to one million documents released for a transatlantic trial – papers which show cover-ups and even corporate espionage. The product, of course, is asbestos. You may think you know the story – it's a dangerous substance.But Ophelia marries previous journalistic investigations to new documents which reveal what government agencies knew about its risks, and when. She combs through company correspondence which the manufacturers claimed did not exist, and clearly never imagined would become public. This is the story of Killer Dust, from mountains of the material in mines still operating in countries today, to the skyscrapers of Manhattan, and the terraced streets of the north of England. It is the story too of the people who fought and died for the truth to expose the reckless pursuit of profit in the making of one of the most dangerous building materials on the planet. Presenter/ Producer: Ophelia Byrne Studio Engineer: Gary Bawden Executive Editor: Andy Martin

2. Burying Evidence

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2025 14:49


An unmarked grave – and missing documents. What do the authorities know?In this series, casually scanning old newspaper archives, Ophelia Byrne comes across an odd headline: “Hush hush process in Ballyclare firm.” The newspaper was printed in 1967. “Strictly no photographs” was the order issued at the opening of the new factory. “90 guests steered clear of a top-secret process.” All workers “will have to sign an oath of secrecy.” What, she wonders, is this factory making? Ophelia doesn't know it when she starts out, but her subsequent investigation into this company, Turner and Newall, will take her from a small town in Northern Ireland across the Irish Sea to places like Rochdale, Leeds and London. It will bring her to one million documents released for a transatlantic trial – papers which show cover-ups and even corporate espionage. The product, of course, is asbestos. You may think you know the story – it's a dangerous substance.But Ophelia marries previous journalistic investigations to new documents which reveal what government agencies knew about its risks, and when. She combs through company correspondence which the manufacturers claimed did not exist, and clearly never imagined would become public. This is the story of Killer Dust, from mountains of the material in mines still operating in countries today, to the skyscrapers of Manhattan, and the terraced streets of the north of England. It is the story too of the people who fought and died for the truth to expose the reckless pursuit of profit in the making of one of the most dangerous building materials on the planet. Presenter/ Producer: Ophelia Byrne Studio Engineer: Gary Bawden Executive Editor: Andy Martin

3. The "Evil Day"?

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2025 14:33


A secretive place – but some are talking. And a dying woman decides to tell her story. Will anyone get to listen?In this series, casually scanning old newspaper archives, Ophelia Byrne comes across an odd headline: “Hush hush process in Ballyclare firm.” The newspaper was printed in 1967. “Strictly no photographs” was the order issued at the opening of the new factory. “90 guests steered clear of a top-secret process.” All workers “will have to sign an oath of secrecy.” What, she wonders, is this factory making? Ophelia doesn't know it when she starts out, but her subsequent investigation into this company, Turner and Newall, will take her from a small town in Northern Ireland across the Irish Sea to places like Rochdale, Leeds and London. It will bring her to one million documents released for a transatlantic trial – papers which show cover-ups and even corporate espionage. The product, of course, is asbestos. You may think you know the story – it's a dangerous substance.But Ophelia marries previous journalistic investigations to new documents which reveal what government agencies knew about its risks, and when. She combs through company correspondence which the manufacturers claimed did not exist, and clearly never imagined would become public. This is the story of Killer Dust, from mountains of the material in mines still operating in countries today, to the skyscrapers of Manhattan, and the terraced streets of the north of England. It is the story too of the people who fought and died for the truth to expose the reckless pursuit of profit in the making of one of the most dangerous building materials on the planet. Presenter/ Producer: Ophelia Byrne Studio Engineer: Gary Bawden Executive Editor: Andy Martin

4. Panic

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2025 14:31


Strikes, panic, stock market shares in freefall. Corporate espionage has some very odd results.In this series, casually scanning old newspaper archives, Ophelia Byrne comes across an odd headline: “Hush hush process in Ballyclare firm.” The newspaper was printed in 1967. “Strictly no photographs” was the order issued at the opening of the new factory. “90 guests steered clear of a top-secret process.” All workers “will have to sign an oath of secrecy.” What, she wonders, is this factory making? Ophelia doesn't know it when she starts out, but her subsequent investigation into this company, Turner and Newall, will take her from a small town in Northern Ireland across the Irish Sea to places like Rochdale, Leeds and London. It will bring her to one million documents released for a transatlantic trial – papers which show cover-ups and even corporate espionage. The product, of course, is asbestos. You may think you know the story – it's a dangerous substance.But Ophelia marries previous journalistic investigations to new documents which reveal what government agencies knew about its risks, and when. She combs through company correspondence which the manufacturers claimed did not exist, and clearly never imagined would become public. This is the story of Killer Dust, from mountains of the material in mines still operating in countries today, to the skyscrapers of Manhattan, and the terraced streets of the north of England. It is the story too of the people who fought and died for the truth to expose the reckless pursuit of profit in the making of one of the most dangerous building materials on the planet. Presenter/ Producer: Ophelia Byrne Studio Engineer: Gary Bawden Executive Editor: Andy Martin

5. The Bodies Pile Up

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2025 14:34


A woman types an anonymous letter. She'll never know - but it will trigger a battle from red brick England, to the skyscrapers of Manhattan.In this series, casually scanning old newspaper archives, Ophelia Byrne comes across an odd headline: “Hush hush process in Ballyclare firm.” The newspaper was printed in 1967. “Strictly no photographs” was the order issued at the opening of the new factory. All workers “will have to sign an oath of secrecy.” What, she wonders, is this factory making? Ophelia doesn't know it when she starts out, but her subsequent investigation into this company, Turner and Newall, will take her from a small town in Northern Ireland across the Irish Sea to places like Rochdale, Leeds and London. It will bring her to one million documents released for a transatlantic trial – papers which show cover-ups and even corporate espionage. The product, of course, is asbestos. You may think you know the story – it's a dangerous substance.But Ophelia marries previous journalistic investigations to new documents which reveal what government agencies knew about its risks, and when. She combs through company correspondence which the manufacturers claimed did not exist, and clearly never imagined would become public. This is the story of Killer Dust, from mountains of the material in mines still operating in countries today, to the skyscrapers of Manhattan, and the terraced streets of the north of England. It is the story too of the people who fought and died for the truth to expose the reckless pursuit of profit in the making of one of the most dangerous building materials on the planet. Presenter/ Producer: Ophelia Byrne Studio Engineer: Gary Bawden Executive Editor: Andy Martin

6. One Million Pages

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2025 14:13


Strange packages arriving from the US - and a terrible death prompts a woman to take action for her family.In this series, casually scanning old newspaper archives, Ophelia Byrne comes across an odd headline: “Hush hush process in Ballyclare firm.” The newspaper was printed in 1967. “Strictly no photographs” was the order issued at the opening of the new factory. “90 guests steered clear of a top-secret process.” All workers “will have to sign an oath of secrecy.” What, she wonders, is this factory making? Ophelia doesn't know it when she starts out, but her subsequent investigation into this company, Turner and Newall, will take her from a small town in Northern Ireland across the Irish Sea to places like Rochdale, Leeds and London. It will bring her to one million documents released for a transatlantic trial – papers which show cover-ups and even corporate espionage. The product, of course, is asbestos. You may think you know the story – it's a dangerous substance.But Ophelia marries previous journalistic investigations to new documents which reveal what government agencies knew about its risks, and when. She combs through company correspondence which the manufacturers claimed did not exist, and clearly never imagined would become public. This is the story of Killer Dust, from mountains of the material in mines still operating in countries today, to the skyscrapers of Manhattan, and the terraced streets of the north of England. It is the story too of the people who fought and died for the truth to expose the reckless pursuit of profit in the making of one of the most dangerous building materials on the planet. Presenter/ Producer: Ophelia Byrne Studio Engineer: Gary Bawden Executive Editor: Andy Martin

7. Guilty Knowledge

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2025 14:25


The teams prepare for court battle but are finding it tough – until the phone rings.In this series, casually scanning old newspaper archives, Ophelia Byrne comes across an odd headline: “Hush hush process in Ballyclare firm.” The newspaper was printed in 1967. “Strictly no photographs” was the order issued at the opening of the new factory. “90 guests steered clear of a top-secret process.” All workers “will have to sign an oath of secrecy.” What, she wonders, is this factory making? Ophelia doesn't know it when she starts out, but her subsequent investigation into this company, Turner and Newall, will take her from a small town in Northern Ireland across the Irish Sea to places like Rochdale, Leeds and London. It will bring her to one million documents released for a transatlantic trial – papers which show cover-ups and even corporate espionage. The product, of course, is asbestos. You may think you know the story – it's a dangerous substance.But Ophelia marries previous journalistic investigations to new documents which reveal what government agencies knew about its risks, and when. She combs through company correspondence which the manufacturers claimed did not exist, and clearly never imagined would become public. This is the story of Killer Dust, from mountains of the material in mines still operating in countries today, to the skyscrapers of Manhattan, and the terraced streets of the north of England. It is the story too of the people who fought and died for the truth to expose the reckless pursuit of profit in the making of one of the most dangerous building materials on the planet. Presenter/ Producer: Ophelia Byrne Studio Engineer: Gary Bawden Executive Editor: Andy Martin

8. The Poisoned Children

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2025 14:23


Casually scanning through old newspaper archives, Ophelia Byrne comes across an odd headline: “Hush hush process in Ballyclare firm.” The newspaper was printed in 1967. “Strictly no photographs” was the order issued at the opening of the new factory. “90 guests steered clear of a top-secret process.” What, she wonders, is this factory making? Then another line takes her down a rabbit hole from which she will not emerge for eight months. All workers “will have to sign an oath of secrecy.” Ophelia doesn't know it when she starts out, but her subsequent investigation into this company, Turner and Newall, will take her from a small town in Northern Ireland across the Irish Sea to places like Rochdale, Leeds and London. It will bring her to one million documents released for a transatlantic trial – papers which show cover-ups and even corporate espionage. The product, of course, is asbestos. You may think you know the story – it's a dangerous substance – it can cause cancer.But Ophelia marries previous journalistic investigations to new documents which reveal what government agencies knew about its risks, and when. She combs through company correspondence which the manufacturers claimed did not exist, and clearly never imagined would become public. This is the story of Killer Dust, from mountains of the material in mines still operating in countries today, to the skyscrapers of Manhattan, and the terraced streets of the north of England. It is the story too of the people who fought and died for the truth in order to expose the reckless pursuit of profit in the making of one of the most dangerous building materials on the planet. Presenter/ Producer: Ophelia Byrne Studio Engineer: Gary Bawden Executive Editor: Andy Martin

9. Frozen

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2025 14:19


Into the present – and people are still dying…In this series, casually scanning old newspaper archives, Ophelia Byrne comes across an odd headline: “Hush hush process in Ballyclare firm.” The newspaper was printed in 1967. “Strictly no photographs” was the order issued at the opening of the new factory. “90 guests steered clear of a top-secret process.” All workers “will have to sign an oath of secrecy.” What, she wonders, is this factory making? Ophelia doesn't know it when she starts out, but her subsequent investigation into this company, Turner and Newall, will take her from a small town in Northern Ireland across the Irish Sea to places like Rochdale, Leeds and London. It will bring her to one million documents released for a transatlantic trial – papers which show cover-ups and even corporate espionage. The product, of course, is asbestos. You may think you know the story – it's a dangerous substance.But Ophelia marries previous journalistic investigations to new documents which reveal what government agencies knew about its risks, and when. She combs through company correspondence which the manufacturers claimed did not exist, and clearly never imagined would become public. This is the story of Killer Dust, from mountains of the material in mines still operating in countries today, to the skyscrapers of Manhattan, and the terraced streets of the north of England. It is the story too of the people who fought and died for the truth to expose the reckless pursuit of profit in the making of one of the most dangerous building materials on the planet. Presenter/ Producer: Ophelia Byrne Studio Engineer: Gary Bawden Executive Editor: Andy Martin

10. Back to Ballyclare

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2025 14:25


A new campaign - and a return to that small town story where it all began.In this series, casually scanning old newspaper archives, Ophelia Byrne comes across an odd headline: “Hush hush process in Ballyclare firm.” The newspaper was printed in 1967. “Strictly no photographs” was the order issued at the opening of the new factory. “90 guests steered clear of a top-secret process.” All workers “will have to sign an oath of secrecy.” What, she wonders, is this factory making? Ophelia doesn't know it when she starts out, but her subsequent investigation into this company, Turner and Newall, will take her from a small town in Northern Ireland across the Irish Sea to places like Rochdale, Leeds and London. It will bring her to one million documents released for a transatlantic trial – papers which show cover-ups and even corporate espionage. The product, of course, is asbestos. You may think you know the story – it's a dangerous substance.But Ophelia marries previous journalistic investigations to new documents which reveal what government agencies knew about its risks, and when. She combs through company correspondence which the manufacturers claimed did not exist, and clearly never imagined would become public. This is the story of Killer Dust, from mountains of the material in mines still operating in countries today, to the skyscrapers of Manhattan, and the terraced streets of the north of England. It is the story too of the people who fought and died for the truth to expose the reckless pursuit of profit in the making of one of the most dangerous building materials on the planet. Presenter/ Producer: Ophelia Byrne Studio Engineer: Gary Bawden Executive Editor: Andy Martin

Episode 1: Death Becomes Him

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 4, 2025 19:42


Doctor John Bodkin Adams enters the frame. A Northern Irish doctor with a foreboding personality, and big aspirations to go with it. Life in Eastbourne as a GP is sweet, but when the unexpected death of patient ‘Bobbie Hullett' sparks a mysterious phone call to police, everything changes. What has been happening behind closed doors of Dr Adams' visits? Presented by Vinny Hurrell. Produced, edited and mixed by Vinny Hurrell. The Executive Editor is Andy Martin A BBC Northern Ireland Production

Episode 2: A Fatal Practice

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 4, 2025 22:28


Death, death and more death. A high profile arrest shines a spotlight on some surprising goings on among Eastbourne patients. Brash and determined ‘Detective Superintendent Herbert Hannam' is assigned to the case. Hannam is consumed by the investigation with his complete focus locked into uncovering what he can, about Dr Adams. But will he get more than he bargained for? Heroin, morphine, barbiturates. Lashings of drugs, readily consumed by elderly rich patients. Details of the treatment and death of many well-to-do Eastbourne patients, come to light. Presented by Vinny Hurrell. Produced, edited and mixed by Vinny Hurrell. The Executive Editor is Andy Martin A BBC Northern Ireland Production

Episode 3: Echoes of Trust

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 4, 2025 25:48


A clear picture emerges of how deeply entrenched in the lives of his patients, the ‘good doctor' was. Was this all-consuming trust and care, or something much more sinister? Can Doctor John Bodkin Adams, convince his patients to do anything he commands? A common pattern in diagnosis starts to emerge and DS Hannam believes he has uncovered the driving force behind many of Doctor Adams' decisions. But, has the detective superintendent misjudged John's motives? Presented by Vinny Hurrell. Produced, edited and mixed by Vinny Hurrell. The Executive Editor is Andy Martin A BBC Northern Ireland Production

Episode 4: The Trial of the Century

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 4, 2025 18:59


Doctor John Bodkin Adams finds himself in the Old Bailey, in front of the imposing Judge Lord Devlin. The country is hooked by revelation after revelation leading to titillating newspaper headlines across the tabloid front pages. Arrogance and secrecy is laid out for all to see, as medical professionals, scientists and a barrage of other ‘justice thirsty witnesses', reveal their truths. A shocking twist to the interrogations in the witness box, surprise almost everyone in the room. Presented by Vinny Hurrell. Produced, edited and mixed by Vinny Hurrell. Executive Editor: Andy Martin A BBC Northern Ireland Production

Episode 5: A Gay Love Triangle?

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 4, 2025 18:31


Salacious gossip of an ignorant era, or the underlying's of corruption and control? We discover surprising claims of passion and companionship that sweep the Eastbourne landscape. However, exactly who is involved and where do their tentacles of power lead? An investigation within an investigation highlights direct moves from within a high profile medical association, that may change the course of the case. But what are the true motives? Conspiracy with a capital C? ‘Professional Secrecy' rears its head. Presented by Vinny Hurrell. Produced, edited and mixed by Vinny Hurrell. The Executive Editor is Andy Martin A BBC Northern Ireland Production

Episode 6: The ‘Double Effect'

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 4, 2025 21:14


A possible new motive becomes apparent. After all this time, was the driving force behind Dr John Bodkin Adams actually compassion and kindness? Have we been basking in the presence of an ‘Angel Of Mercy' since day one? Or, is this about the ultimate control one human-being can have, over another? The grim reaper in a crisp white doctor's coat? The jury is out. Presented by Vinny Hurrell. Produced, edited and mixed by Vinny Hurrell. The Executive Editor is Andy Martin A BBC Northern Ireland Production

executive editor double effect
Episode 7: The Final Judgement

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 4, 2025 21:11


The verdict is in and the country is stunned. Further revelations on the actions of Dr Adams become apparent but they do little to change the direction of his fate. We follow Dr John Bodkin Adams to his grave and delve into the repercussions of the case. Changes are made to the law as a result of what happened in Eastbourne, back in the 1930's 40's and 50's. But, where does your final judgment lie? Presented by Vinny Hurrell. Produced, edited and mixed by Vinny Hurrell. The Executive Editor is Andy Martin A BBC Northern Ireland Production

Episode 8

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 4, 2025 63:40


Vinny Hurrell is joined by a panel of experts and an audience to discuss Doctor John Bodkin Adams and series. Who may have had a lucky escape? Why were those files sealed? We delve into the mind of a sociopath. Are we all capable of murder?This episode was recorded on January 27th in the Accidental theatre, Belfast. Presented by Vinny Hurrell. Produced, edited and mixed by Vinny Hurrell. The Executive Editor is Andy Martin A BBC Northern Ireland Production

Episode 10: Justice Denied

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2024 30:34


Katie will never get justice, but the fight for her legacy beginsThe inside story of a crime that rocked Northern Ireland's equestrian community. When a promising showjumper Katie Simpson is found hanged at her Lettershadoney home – all is not as it seems. This is a podcast that exposes what can happen behind the stable doors and raises questions about the safety of young women in a world to which many are attracted. The actors featured include: Conor O'Donnell, Maeve Bradley, Mary Lindsay, Patrick Buchanan, Paul Mallon and Richard Clements.If you have any further information which you would like to share with the producers who made this series, you can get in touch by emailing assumenothing@bbc.co.uk

Episode 9: The Trial

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2024 22:20


Now the jury finds out why…The inside story of a crime that rocked Northern Ireland's equestrian community. When a promising showjumper Katie Simpson is found hanged at her Lettershadoney home – all is not as it seems. This is a podcast that exposes what can happen behind the stable doors and raises questions about the safety of young women in a world to which many are attracted. If you have any further information which you would like to share with the producers who made this series, you can get in touch by emailing assumenothing@bbc.co.uk

Episode 8: New Team

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2024 13:14


This day might never have come, if not for a call…The inside story of a crime that rocked Northern Ireland's equestrian community. When a promising showjumper Katie Simpson is found hanged at her Lettershadoney home – all is not as it seems. This is a podcast that exposes what can happen behind the stable doors and raises questions about the safety of young women in a world to which many are attracted.If you have any further information which you would like to share with the producers who made this series, you can get in touch by emailing assumenothing@bbc.co.uk

northern ireland katie simpson
Episode 7: Getting away with it

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2024 17:15


Creswell is managing the narrative – his future freedom depends on it.The inside story of a crime that rocked Northern Ireland's equestrian community. When a promising showjumper Katie Simpson is found hanged at her Lettershadoney home – all is not as it seems. This is a podcast that exposes what can happen behind the stable doors and raises questions about the safety of young women in a world to which many are attracted.If you have any further information which you would like to share with the producers who made this series, you can get in touch by emailing assumenothing@bbc.co.uk

Episode 6: The Unravelling

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 30, 2024 12:36


The mask slips when the red mist descends.The inside story of a crime that rocked Northern Ireland's equestrian community. When a promising showjumper Katie Simpson is found hanged at her Lettershadoney home – all is not as it seems. This is a podcast that exposes what can happen behind the stable doors and raises questions about the safety of young women in a world to which many are attracted.If you have any further information which you would like to share with the producers who made this series, you can get in touch by emailing assumenothing@bbc.co.uk

Episode 5: The Women

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 30, 2024 27:34


The women are told a story.The inside story of a crime that rocked Northern Ireland's equestrian community. When a promising showjumper Katie Simpson is found hanged at her Lettershadoney home – all is not as it seems. This is a podcast that exposes what can happen behind the stable doors and raises questions about the safety of young women in a world to which many are attracted.

Episode 4: Red Flags

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 23, 2024 19:07


Jonathan Creswell misleads police… others try to warn them.The inside story of a crime that rocked Northern Ireland's equestrian community. When a promising showjumper Katie Simpson is found hanged at her Lettershadoney home – all is not as it seems. This is a podcast that exposes what can happen behind the stable doors and raises questions about the safety of young women in a world to which many are attracted.

Episode 3: His Priorities

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 23, 2024 10:53


The panic in Jonathan's voice from the emergency call has been replaced by practicality.The inside story of a crime that rocked Northern Ireland's equestrian community. When a promising showjumper Katie Simpson is found hanged at her Lettershadoney home – all is not as it seems. This is a podcast that exposes what can happen behind the stable doors and raises questions about the safety of young women in a world to which many are attracted.

Episode 2: Covering Tracks

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 16, 2024 10:20


Jonathan Creswell is told to follow the ambulance, but instead he turns for home.The inside story of a crime that rocked Northern Ireland's equestrian community. When a promising showjumper Katie Simpson is found hanged at her Lettershadoney home – all is not as it seems. This is a podcast that exposes what can happen behind the stable doors and raises questions about the safety of young women in a world to which many are attracted.

Episode 1: A Wanted Man

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 16, 2024 12:57


Horse trainer Jonathan Creswell is able to break and control animals that others just can't. His partner's sister Katie Simpson, has a bright equestrian career ahead of her.The inside story of a crime that rocked Northern Ireland's equestrian community. This is a story that exposes what can happen behind the stable doors and raises questions about the safety of young women in a world to which many are instantly attracted.

Episode 8: A Heritage of Fear

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 16, 2024 19:21


June 1989, a family in West Belfast claim they are being tormented by a violent presence that seems hellbent on driving them from their home.Reggie connects the pieces of the paranormal puzzle that he has gathered along the way - what does he think really happened in 1989?Written and presented by Reggie Chamberlain-King Produced by Conor McKay Editor Andy Martin A BBC Northern Ireland Production

Episode 7: Forbidden Ground

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 16, 2024 18:38


In June 1989, a family in West Belfast claimed they were being tormented by a violent presence that seemed hellbent on driving them from their home – what really happened? Reggie wonders why stories like the 'Beechmount Poltergeist' and tales of ghosts, ouija boards and devil worshipping were so common in West Belfast in the 1970s and 80s.He's long heard rumours about stories of black magic and Satanism being deliberately planted among the local community by British Military Intelligence, but will a man with inside knowledge agree to speak?

Episode 6: The Investigator

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 9, 2024 17:15


In June 1989, a family in West Belfast claimed they were being tormented by a violent presence that seemed hellbent on driving them from their home – what really happened? After she hears an interview with the father of the house on a BBC radio programme, paranormal investigator Sheila St Clair contacts the family to offer her support. When they agree to meet, Sheila arranges a visit by a psychic medium known as ‘Cecil'. Late into the night, when it seems that nothing is going to happen - Cecil and his group of researchers suddenly hear a strange sound – and it seems to be coming from upstairs.

Episode 5: A Night in the House

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 9, 2024 15:03


In June 1989, a family in West Belfast claimed they were being tormented by a violent presence that seemed hellbent on driving them from their home – what really happened? Reggie reads an article about three journalists who volunteered to spend a night in the empty house, but no names are given – who were they and how did the night really go? Meanwhile, another mystery. An elusive journalist by the name of Tom Mallon - who wrote much of the early coverage of the haunting before vanishing - makes an unexpected appearance

Episode 4: The Ghosts of Others

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 2, 2024 15:05


In June 1989, a family in West Belfast claimed they were being tormented by a violent presence that seemed hellbent on driving them from their home – what really happened?Reggie recalls a shocking event outside the bedroom window of his childhood home and wonders if violence and fear in the area led to an upsurge in ghost stories.When an old friend tells Reggie a frightening ghost story of her own, it provides an unexpected breakthrough – a chance to reach out to the family.

Episode 3: The Priest

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 2, 2024 15:32


In June 1989, a family in West Belfast claimed they were being tormented by a violent presence that seemed hellbent on driving them from their home – what really happened?When Reggie learns that a local priest visited the house on a number of occasions, he visits a nearby monastery to try to learn more, but will anyone agree to speak to him? Meanwhile, it's documented that another religious group travelled from County Waterford to offer assistance to the family – what did they discover?

Episode 2: The Book

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 26, 2024 15:31


In June 1989, a family in West Belfast claimed they were being tormented by a violent presence that seemed hellbent on driving them from their home – what really happened?Reggie has discovered that the father of the house wrote a book documenting his family's traumatic experience – but it's out of print and copies are very rare. Over 30 years after the events it describes, internet forums and chat rooms are still abuzz with discussions about the haunting and the book - and full of endless speculation. Finally, Reggie discovers a copy in the special collection of a Belfast library, a copy so rare and delicate it's kept in a protective sleeve and must be handled under supervision – a copy signed by the author. What's inside?

Episode 1: The House

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 26, 2024 14:58


June 1989. A family in West Belfast claim they are being tormented by a violent presence that seems determined to drive them from their home. The local press cover it extensively, neighbours gather outside to say prayers in the street – and the father tells the BBC that he was attacked and thrown down the stairs by a woman only he can see. Reggie Chamberlain-King grew up in nearby Andersonstown. He was terrified by rumours of the haunting, which became the talk of West Belfast – an area in the midst of a bitter and violent conflict. Alongside the real-life horrors taking place outside his house, stories of witchcraft, ghosts and devil worshipping were rife – but the story of a family apparently driven from their home by a violent spirit has never left him. Can Reggie uncover the truth of what really happened?

Episode 2: The Contact

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2024 22:03


Journalist Gordon Adair has had a secret contact for a long time, a former Republican prisoner who ended his involvement with paramilitaries in the late 1970s. Now – the contact has agreed to go on record for the first time, telling a remarkable story of how a close brush with death inspired him to try to solve one of the most enduring mysteries of the conflict known as the ‘Troubles'

Episode 1: The Search

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2024 26:48


Journalist Gordon Adair is waiting on a call from a contact – a former IRA prisoner who has spent nearly 30 years trying to locate the remains of Captain Robert Nairac. The Army officer was abducted from a pub in South Armagh in 1977 and murdered. Captain Nairac moved within the shadowy world of intelligence gathering, and it is believed he was working undercover at the time of his abduction. His remains have never been found. Now – Gordon Adair's contact believes he has finally discovered the burial site and he is waiting on confirmation from the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims' Remains, who will visit the site and tell him if they also believe Captain Nairac is buried there. If they do – the Commission will soon move machinery in and dig for the remains. Recorded across one week, this special edition of Assume Nothing captures in real time what happens as one of the most enduring mysteries of the Troubles appears to be drawing to a close. Presented by Gordon Adair Produced by Conor McKay Editor Andy Martin A BBC Northern Ireland Production

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