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BBC Radio Ulster

The teams assume nothing as they examine events through fresh eyes.

Assume Nothing

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 9: The Trial

Katie will never get justice, but the fight for her legacy begins

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. 

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 10: Justice Denied

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 7: The Final Judgement

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

Episode 6: The ‘Double Effect’

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 5: A Gay Love Triangle?

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 4: The Trial of the Century

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 3: Echoes of Trust

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 2: A Fatal Practice

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 1: Death Becomes Him

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 8

1933: Harold Courtney is convicted of murdering a young woman, assumed to be pregnant with his child. He is hanged and buried in the grounds of Belfast’s Crumlin Road Gaol. Nearly 90 years later, journalist Gordon Adair investigates a story he was told as a young reporter, about a conspiracy. Turning up files that have been closed for decades he asks, did the right man hang?

Did the Right Man Hang? Introduction

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