S19E09 | Lawrence Haggart (Larbert, Stirlingshire, 1996)

In a departure from my usual coverage of British murder cases, I bring you an off-season episode that delves into a profoundly compelling story from South Africa.As told by my guest Lorraine Purdon, the case of Alison Botha is not a murder story. Instead, it's an awe-inspiring account of survival.I feel compelled to issue a severe content warning for this episode because it contains alarming and graphic elements. I have no problem admitting that I was uncomfortable hearing some aspects of the raw and brutal nature of what happened to Alison.Nevertheless, I believe it is crucial to shine a light on it as it showcases the remarkable strength of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable horrors.In December 1994, Alison was abducted in the city of Gqeberha, known as Port Elizabeth at the time, and subjected to a brutal assault by two men that seemed destined to end in tragedy. Left for dead in a remote location, she faced insurmountable odds against survival.Lorraine recounts Alison's incredible escape, her fight for justice and her unwavering dedication to empowering violence survivors.***If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual assault or rape, dedicated helplines are available to provide guidance, resources, and a listening ear to survivors. Here are some UK-based helplines that specialize in supporting survivors of rape and sexual assault:Rape Crisis England & Wales | 0808 500 2222 | rapecrisis.org.ukRape Crisis Scotland | 08088 010 302 | rapecrisisscotland.org.ukRape Crisis Northern Ireland | 0800 0246 991 | rapecrisisni.org.ukThe Survivors Trust | 08088 010 818 | thesurvivorstrust.orgSurvivorsUK | 02035983898 | survivorsuk.orgFor all things British Murders, please visit my website:⁣britishmurders.com⁣Intro music:⁣David John Brady - 'Throw Down the Gauntlet'⁣linktr.ee/davidjohnbradymusic⁣ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

14 Jun 202326min

In the final episode of season 10, I tell the story of Annie Gross and Jessie Mackintosh.In the early hours of December 1, 1912, 29-year-old Annie Gross shot and killed 33-year-old Jessie Mackintosh as she retired to her room after a social gathering at a boarding house in Russell Square, London.Jessie was having an affair with Annie's husband, Harry, although it's worth mentioning that the couple had separated at the time.Despite initially seeming to confess to murdering Jessie, Annie later testified that her tumultuous and abusive marriage led her to attempt to kill her husband, which is who claimed she thought she had shot that morning.Amazingly, the jury bought Annie's story and found her guilty of manslaughter, despite it being a murder trial, in mid-January 1913.Mr Justice Darling handed her a five-year prison sentence and did not pretend to agree with the jury's verdict.For all things British Murders, please visit my website:⁣britishmurders.com⁣Intro music:⁣David John Brady - 'Throw Down the Gauntlet'⁣linktr.ee/davidjohnbradymusic⁣References:⁣britishmurders.com/anniegross Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

7 Jun 202329min

In this episode, I tell the story of Jason Nelson and Jordan Maguire.On May 26, 2013, 32-year-old Grenada national Jason murdered 20-year-old Jordan by stabbing him three times with a knife.Jason fled the UK and headed for Grenada before settling briefly in Trinidad. He was eventually arrested five months later after CCTV images of him from the day of the murder were released.Once extradited back to the UK, Jason was tried at Luton Crown Court and found guilty of Jordan's murder.Judge Michael Kay handed him a life sentence with a minimum term of 27 years on October 22, 2015.For all things British Murders, please visit my website:⁣britishmurders.com⁣Intro music:⁣David John Brady - 'Throw Down the Gauntlet'⁣linktr.ee/davidjohnbradymusic⁣References:⁣britishmurders.com/jasonnelson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

31 Mai 202323min

In this episode, I tell the story of Thomas Shanks and Vickie Fletcher.On May 7, 1998, 47-year-old former SAS soldier Thomas Shanks murdered his ex-girlfriend Vickie Fletcher whilst the 21-year-old was on a night out with her friends in Castleford, West Yorkshire.After using an AK-47 to fire multiple shots at Vickie, Thomas fled to Scotland, where he was arrested the following day.His first murder trial ended in May 1999, with the jury unable to reach a verdict. A subsequent trial occurred in early 2000, with Thomas being found guilty of murder on April 19.Mr Justice Jowitt handed him a life sentence, and he received a minimum term of 18 years in 2008 when the law changed regarding minimum tariffs.As of November 2017, Thomas Shanks is a free man, with some sources suspecting that he has returned to his native Scotland.For all things British Murders, please visit my website:⁣britishmurders.com⁣Intro music:⁣David John Brady - 'Throw Down the Gauntlet'⁣linktr.ee/davidjohnbradymusic⁣References:⁣britishmurders.com/thomasshanks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

24 Mai 202326min

I welcome investigative journalist Donal MacIntyre to the show in this interview episode.⁣Donal is an Irish investigative journalist specialising in undercover operations and television exposés.His TV work includes 'MacIntyre Investigates' and 'MacIntyre Undercover'. He also presents 'Donal MacIntyre: Unsolved' for the CBS Reality Channel.In his new show 'Donal MacIntyre's Killer Evidence', Donal demonstrates through ten UK and US-based cases that forensics will always uncover the ‘killer evidence’ which brings murderers to justice.‘Donal MacIntyre’s Killer Evidence’ airs Monday nights at 10pm on CBS Reality until May 29, 2023. CBS Reality is available on Freeview (67), Sky (146), Virgin (148) and Freesat (135) and via the CBS Catchup ChannelsUK App.For all things British Murders, please visit my website:https://www.britishmurders.com/Intro music:David John Brady - 'Throw Down the Gauntlet'https://linktr.ee/davidjohnbradymusic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

21 Mai 202326min

In this episode, I tell the story of Peter Taylor, Nigel Ogier and Patrick Welch.On March 7, 2003, Peter and Nigel lured Patrick to Ascot Racecourse on the pretext of stealing alcohol from the kitchens.Patrick was stabbed and beaten to death by both men shortly after arriving.Judge Stephen Kramer handed both men a life sentence on February 13, 2004, with minimum terms of 20 years.For all things British Murders, please visit my website:⁣britishmurders.com⁣Intro music:⁣David John Brady - 'Throw Down the Gauntlet'⁣linktr.ee/davidjohnbradymusic⁣References:⁣britishmurders.com/patrickwelch Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

17 Mai 202322min

In this episode, I tell the story of Scott and Bernadette Walker.On July 18, 2020, 17-year-old Bernadette was last seen alive leaving her grandparents' house after her dad Scott picked her up.She was reported as missing three days later by her mum, Sarah Walker.Scott was arrested on suspicion of Bernadette's murder in September 2020 despite her body not being found.He was subsequently handed a life sentence with a minimum term of 32 years in September 2021 after being found guilty of her murder.Sarah was handed a 6-year jail sentence after being found guilty of two counts of perverting the course of justice.To this day, Bernadette's body has not been found.For all things British Murders, please visit my website:⁣britishmurders.com⁣Intro music:⁣David John Brady - 'Throw Down the Gauntlet'⁣linktr.ee/davidjohnbradymusic⁣References:⁣britishmurders.com/scottwalker Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

10 Mai 202331min

In this episode, I tell the story of Nicola Edgington, Marion Edgington and Sally Hodkin.On November 4, 2005, 25-year-old Nicola Edgington stabbed her 60-year-old mum Marion to death.After pleading guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility in October 2006, Nicola was detained under the Mental Health Act 1983.In September 2009, Nicola was discharged to a housing association self-contained flat.On October 10, 2011, Nicola repeatedly spoke with emergency services personnel in an attempt to get herself sectioned.Later that day, she purchased a knife from ASDA and unsuccessfully attempted to murder 22-year-old Kerry Clark with it.She then stole a knife from a butcher's shop and stabbed and killed 58-year-old Sally Hodkin, whom Nicola had chosen to attack randomly.Judge Brian Barker handed Nicola Edgington a life sentence with a minimum term of 37 years on March 4, 2013.Len Hodkin, Sally's son, is the chairperson of the UK charity Hundred Families. You can find out more about Hundred Families here:hundredfamilies.orgFor all things British Murders, please visit my website:⁣britishmurders.com⁣Intro music:⁣David John Brady - 'Throw Down the Gauntlet'⁣linktr.ee/davidjohnbradymusic⁣References:⁣britishmurders.com/nicolaedgington Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

3 Mai 202334min