101 – A Few Days in May

In early May, 1996 – three women were killed violently in their own homes in separate incidents across Ireland. It all occurred in the space of three days.


In fact, 1996 would go on to be the year with the most violent deaths of women in recent history.

Continue reading “101 – A Few Days in May”

100 – Provocation & the Gay Panic defence

There has been a lot of progress in relation to equal rights and protections for members of the LGBTQ+ in Ireland. However, despite decriminalisation in 1993, and the passage of Marriage Equality in 2015, there is still much to do. In addition to requiring effective hate speech legislation, the defence of provocation does allow a person accused of murder to claim that a romantic or sexual advance by an LGBTQ+ person resulted in a loss of control leading to the killing of that person.

In this episode, we explore cases where this partial defence was employed at trial and appeal: the killing of John Roche in 1982, the murder of Gerard Hackett in 2002, and the kidnap and murder of Matthew Shepard in Wyoming in 1998.


Reasearch & Writing by Eileen MacFarlene of the Crimelapse Podcast


Continue reading “100 – Provocation & the Gay Panic defence”

98 – A Question of Disorder: The murders of Anne & Annie Gillespie

In 1988, Anne Gillespie was 18 years old. She was looking forward to embarking on adult life. There was just one problem – her boyfriend of over three years had begun to behave horribly. She decided to end things. Her boyfriend, 22 year old John Gallagher, decided that if Anne would no longer speak to him, he’d kill her.

John also shot Anne’s mother, Annie.

No one could have predicted it, nor could they have known about the 24 years the two families would spend in and out of court.

Continue reading “98 – A Question of Disorder: The murders of Anne & Annie Gillespie”

97 – Part Two: With Impunity

7 years apart, two young and vulnerable teenaged girls went missing – Arlene Arkinson in Co. Tyrone, Northern Ireland in 1994 and Hannah Williams in London in 2001.

The similarities in their cases were no coincidence, but would their murderer ever truly face justice?

Continue reading “97 – Part Two: With Impunity”

97- Part One: With Impunity

7 years apart, two young and vulnerable teenaged girls went missing – Arlene Arkinson in Co. Tyrone, Northern Ireland in 1994 and Hannah Williams in London in 2001.

The similarities in their cases were no coincidence, but would their murderer ever truly face justice?


Part Two of this series is out in one week’s time.



With thanks to our sponsors for this episode:

Sign up for professional online counselling at betterhelp.com/mens and get 10% off your first month!

Try the casual mobile puzzle game Best Fiends today! Find it on the Apple App store and Google Play!


Find us on Facebook or Twitter!

With thanks to our supporters on Patreon! Donate today to get access to bonus and ad-free episodes!

Check out the Mens Rea Merch Store!


Theme Music:

Quinn’s Song: The Dance Begins Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Additional Music:   Allemande (Sting) by Wahneta Meixsell. Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/


Sources:
“Clothes provide clue to body’s identity” from BBC Newshttp://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/1883208.stm(20 March 2002)

“Man questioned over cement works death” from BBC Newshttp://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/1889567.stm(24 March 2002)

“Cement works body named” from BBC Newshttp://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/1896508.stm(27 March 2002)

“Man held over Hannah murder” from BBC Newshttp://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/1994353.stm(17 May 2002)

“Hannah murder charge” from BBC Newshttp://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/1995453.stm(19 May 2002)

“Man remanded over Hannah murder” from BBC Newshttp://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/1995453.stm(20 May 2002)

“Girl’s killer serves life in jail” from BBC News http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/kent/4263918.stm(20 September 2005)

“Day Kathleen’s world turned upside down” in The Belfast Telegraphhttps://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/imported/day-kathleens-world-turned-upside-down-28373563.html(5 July 2008)

Gail Walker, “Missing girl’s sister in bid to end rumours” in The Belfast Telegraph https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/imported/missing-girls-sister-in-bid-to-end-rumours-28372063.html(5 July 2008)

“Police defend Arkinson house search” in The Belfast Telegraphhttps://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/imported/police-defend-arkinson-house-search-28383547.html(5 July 2008)

“RUC is sued after Arkinson home search” in The Belfast Telegraphhttps://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/imported/ruc-is-sued-after-arkinson-home-search-28375523.html(5 July 2008)

“Arlene hunt scaled down” in The Belfast Telegraphhttps://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/imported/arlene-hunt-scaled-down-28376434.html(5 July 2008)

Martin Breen, “Search for Arlene re-opened” in The Belfast Telegraphhttps://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/imported/search-for-arlene-is-re-opened-28342405.html(5 July 2008)

Martin Breen, “Divers join hunt for Arlene’s body” in The Belfast Telegraph https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/imported/search-for-arlene-is-re-opened-28342405.html(5 July 2008)

Martin Breen, “Arlene may never be foud now, says family” in The Belfast Telegraphhttps://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/imported/arlene-may-never-be-found-now-says-family-28284332.html(5 July 2008)

Darwin Templeton, “Killer’s evil boast is challenged” in The Belfast Telegraphhttps://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/imported/killers-evil-boast-is-challenged-28263744.html(5 July 2008)

“Missing teenager may soon be declared dead” in The Belfast Telegraphhttps://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/imported/missing-teenager-may-soon-be-declared-dead-28366295.html(5 July 2008)

“Body below buildings says dad” in The Belfast Telegraphhttps://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/imported/body-below-buildings-says-dad-28301454.html(5 July 2008)

“Pervert linked to case missing for six hours” in The Belfast Telegraphhttps://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/imported/pervert-linked-to-case-missing-for-six-hours-28335515.html(5 July 2008)

Suzanne Rodgers, “Missing girl’s dad in £15,000 reward bid” in The Belfast Telegraphhttps://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/imported/missing-girls-dad-in-15000-reward-bid-28313604.html(5 July 2008)

Ciaran O’Neill, “Arlene murder: man in court” in The Belfast Telegraphhttps://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/imported/arlene-murder-man-in-court-28138020.html(4 July 2008)

George Jackson, “Defendant fails to show for murder case hearing” in The Irish Times(15 August 2003) p. 9.“Anger as murder accused in court” in The Belfast Telegraphhttps://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/imported/anger-as-murder-accused-in-court-28083799.html(4 July 2008)

Ciaran McGuigan, “Arlene suspect is beaten up behind bars” in The Belfast Telegraphhttps://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/imported/arlene-suspect-is-beaten-up-behind-bars-28126740.html(4 July 2008)

John Hunter, “Fresh hunt for missing teen’s body” in The Belfast Telegraphhttps://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/imported/fresh-hunt-for-missing-teens-body-28123275.html(4 July 2008)

Larry Deeney, “Hunt resumes to find Arlene” in The Belfast Telegraph https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/imported/hunt-resumes-to-find-arlene-28125236.html(4 July 2008)

Larry Deeney, “Family hopeful despite end to Arlene search” in The Belfast Telegraphhttps://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/imported/family-hopeful-despite-end-to-arlene-search-28075235.html(4 July 2008)

Ciaran O’Neill, “Arlene search resumes” in The Belfast Telegraphhttps://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/imported/arlene-search-resumes-28180021.html(4 July 2008)

Sarah Brett, “Arlene Arkinson murder: drama in court” in The Belfast Telegraphhttps://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/imported/arlene-arkinson-murder-drama-in-court-28169623.html(4 July 2008)

Sarah Brett, “Lawyers seek to halt murder charge” in The Belfast Telegraphhttps://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/imported/lawyers-seek-halt-to-murder-charge-28155437.html(4 July 2008)

Sarah Brett, “Bid to have murder case dropped” in The Belfast Telegraphhttps://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/imported/bid-to-have-murder-case-dropped-28199446.html(4 July 2008)

Sarah Brett, “Bid to scrap Arkinson trial fails in court” in The Belfast Telegraphhttps://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/imported/bid-to-scrap-arkinson-trial-fails-in-court-28187981.html(4 July 2008)

“Man (60) for trial in Arlene murder case” in The Belfast Telegraphhttps://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/imported/man-60-for-trial-in-arlene-murder-case-28213125.html (4 July 2008)

“Man denies murdering Arlene” in The Belfast Telegraphhttps://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/imported/man-denies-murdering-arlene-28053847.html(4 July 2008)

Sarah Brett, “Marsh searched in Arlene hunt” in The Belfast Telegraphhttps://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/imported/marsh-searched-in-arlene-hunt-28210298.html

Marie Foy, “Man in court over arlene’s murder” in The Belfast Telegraphhttps://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/imported/man-in-court-over-arlenes-murder-28217699.html

Sarah Brett, “Arkinson murder trial gets uner way” in The Belfast Telegraphhttps://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/imported/arkinson-murder-trial-gets-under-way-28230042.html

Sarah Brett, “Arkinson murder trial gets under way” in The Belfast Telegraphhttps://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/imported/arkinson-murder-trial-gets-under-way-28230042.html

Sarah Brett, “Victim’s friend breaks down describing last time she saw her alive” in The Belfast Telegraphhttps://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/imported/victims-friend-breaks-down-describing-last-time-she-saw-her-alive-28225630.html

Sara Brett, “Castlederg man stands trial for schoolgirl’s murder” in The Belfast Telegraphhttps://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/imported/castlederg-man-stands-trial-for-schoolgirls-murder-28215068.html

Sarah Brett, “Arlene lies were my biggest ever mistake” in The Belfast Telegraphhttps://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/imported/arlene-lies-were-my-biggest-ever-mistake-28222546.html

“Arlene jury told to keep thier counsel” in The Belfast Telegraphhttps://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/imported/arlene-jury-told-to-keep-their-counsel-28233390.html(4 July 2008)

Helen Bruce and Tom Brady, “Hidden face of Evil” in The Belfast Telegraphhttps://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/imported/hidden-face-of-evil-28228240.html

Sarah Brett, “Family’s frustration over killers hidden record” in The Belfast Telegraphhttps://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/imported/familys-frustration-over-killers-hidden-record-28231670.html

Gail Walker, “Answers are needed in Arlene murder case” in The Belfast Telegraphhttps://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/imported/answers-are-needed-in-arlene-murder-case-28225987.html

“Arlene accused had killed before” from BBC Newshttp://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/4263890.stm(20 September 2005)

“Killer past ‘admissible at trial’” from BBC Newshttp://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/4338022.stm(13 October 2005)

Jonathan McCambridge, “Tragic mum’s Arlene tears” in The Belfast Telegraph https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/imported/tragic-mums-arlene-tears-28217407.html

Brendan McDaid, “Howard in Ulster for Garda probes” in The Belfast Telegraph https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/imported/howard-in-ulster-for-garda-probes-28250447.html

Janet Devlin ‘The way I see it: Eye opening insight that made me mad” in The Belfast Telegraph https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/imported/the-way-i-see-it-eye-opening-insight-that-made-me-spitting-mad-28248045.html

Stephen Gordon, “Wolfman expose may lead to inquiry” https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/imported/wolfman-expose-may-lead-to-inquiry-28220169.html

sarah brett, “Police resumes hunt for arlene’s body” https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/imported/police-resume-hunt-for-arlenes-body-28236674.html

Jonathan mccambridge “Evil howard move to an English prison” https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/imported/evil-howard-moved-to-an-english-prison-28219746.html

Sarah Brett, “I may never find arlene” https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/imported/i-may-never-find-arlene-28249590.html“Not revealing killer past ‘right’” from BBC Newshttp://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/6171383.stm(12 December 2006)

Sarah brett “Wolfman may face retrail over missing teenager Arlene https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/wolfman-may-face-retrial-over-missing-teenager-arlene-28117346.html

alan murray, ‘Ex police must hand files in” https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sunday-life/news/ex-police-must-hand-files-in-28400781.html

Clare Weir, Arlene’s family hoping to hear from suspect https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/arlenes-family-hoping-to-hear-from-suspect-28069639.html

willaim allen and chriws thornton, “You murdered arlene now tell us where she is” https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/you-murdered-arlene-now-tell-us-where-her-body-is-28069729.html

Chris Thornton and Willaim Allen Police failed arlene: family https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/police-failed-arlene-family-28442284.html

Brendan McDaid “Father of mising Arlene Arkinson ‘died with a broke heart’” https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/father-of-missing-arlene-arkinson-died-with-a-broken-heart-28454941.html

New Searches for missing schoolgirl https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/new-searches-for-missing-schoolgirl-28568514.html

Child killer in legal bid over death of teenager https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/child-killer-in-legal-bid-over-death-of-teenager-28631435.html

New bid to find teenagers remains https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/new-bid-to-find-teenagers-remains-28645886.html

Brendan McDaid family hopeful as searches for Tyrone teenager restart https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/family-hopeful-as-searches-for-tyrone-teenager-restart-28652170.html

killer loses bid to hald inquest into death of teenager https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/killer-loses-bid-to-halt-inquest-into-death-of-teenager-28689300.html7 December 2011

Howard tries to stop inquest into murdered schoolgirl Arlene https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/uk/howard-tries-to-stop-inquest-into-murdered-schoolgirl-arlene-28714282.html

Donna Deeney How much more pain can murdered schoolgirl’s family take? https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/how-much-more-pain-can-murdered-schoolgirls-family-take-28723511.html8 march 2012

flat search in missing girl probe https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/flat-searched-in-missing-girl-probe-28865105.html17 sept 2012

arlene family let down by system https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/arlene-family-let-down-by-system-29052633.html6 feb 2013

https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/sisters-relief-at-arlene-inquest-29118071.html

more hold ups to arlende inquest https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/more-hold-ups-to-arlene-inquest-29192298.html

coroner hits out at police chief https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/coroner-hits-out-at-police-chief-29671006.html18 october 2013

https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/coroner-to-view-arlene-police-file-29895464.html

Lawyer urges arlene inquest delay https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/lawyer-urges-arlene-inquest-delay-30114069.html 21 march 2014

Chris Kilpatrick Robert Howard in legal bid to mask fact he’s a child killer from any jury at Arlene Arkinson’s inquest https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/robert-howard-in-legal-bid-to-mask-fact-hes-child-killer-from-any-jury-at-arlene-arkinsons-inquest-30136834.html29 March 2014

“Arlene Arkinson inquest halted as new details emerge” from BBC Newshttps://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-foyle-west-26967074 (10 April 2014)

Missing arlene’s inquest adjourned https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/missing-arlenes-inquest-adjourned-30173728.html10 April 2014

Arlene Arkinson murder investigation finds blood traces from two other females https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/arlene-arkinson-murder-investigation-finds-blood-traces-from-two-other-females-30508712.html 14 August 2014

“Arlene Arkinson investigation detectives in blood appeal” from BBC Newshttps://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-28790376(14 August 2014)

Arlene inquest postponed again, https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/arlene-inquest-postponed-again-31327847.html24 June 2015

Missign girl files plea rejected https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/missing-girl-files-plea-rejected-31361583.html8 july 2015

“Child killer and rapist Robert Howard dies in prison” in The Belfast Telegraphhttps://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/child-killer-and-rapist-robert-howard-dies-in-prison-31580898.html(4 October 2015)

“Murder victim’s family ‘let down by authorities’” in The Belfast Telegraph https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/republic-of-ireland/murder-victims-family-let-down-by-authorities-31583337.html(5 October 2015)

“How did Robert Howard get away with murdering Arlene Arkinson? Documentary explores missed opportunities” in The Belfast Telegraphhttps://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/how-did-robert-howard-get-away-with-murdering-arlene-arkinson-documentary-explores-missed-opportunities-31608929.html(14 October 2015)

“Coroner issues warning to police over Arlene Arkinson inquest delays” in The Belfast Telegraphhttps://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/coroner-issues-warning-to-police-over-arlene-arkinson-inquest-delays-34128940.html(21 October 2015)

“arlene Arkinson inquest has cost £73,000 since April says detective” in The Belfast Telegraphhttps://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/arlene-arkinson-inquest-has-cost-73000-since-april-says-detective-34167011.html(3 November 2015)

Lesley Anne McKeown, “Ex-RUC detective ordered to appear at Arlene inquest” in The Belfast Telegraphhttps://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/ex-ruc-detective-ordered-to-appear-at-arlene-inquest-34362325.html(14 Janaury 2016

)“Minister approves application to withhold secret files from Arlene inquest” in The Belfast Telegraphhttps://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/minister-approves-application-to-withhold-secret-files-from-arlene-inquest-34448284.html(12 February 2016)

“Child killer Robert Howard ‘extremely dangerous’ to missing Arlene Arkinson” in The Belfast Telegraphhttps://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/child-killer-robert-howard-extremely-dangerous-to-missing-arlene-arkinson-34453671.html(15 February 2016)

“Secret files inArlene Arkinson inquest name possible suspect and false witness” in The Belfast Telegraphhttps://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/secret-files-in-arlene-arkinson-inquest-name-possible-suspect-and-false-witness-34459177.html(16 February 2016)

David Young, “Arlene Arkinson inquest: Child killer Howard went from calm to nervy when challenged over his alibi” in The Belfast Telegraph https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/arlene-arkinson-inquest-child-killer-howard-went-from-calm-to-nervy-when-challenged-him-over-his-alibi-34463746.html(18 February 2016)

“Court told graphic detials of alleged sex attack by Arlene murder suspect” in The Belfast Telegraphhttps://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/court-told-graphic-details-of-alleged-sex-attack-by-arlene-murder-suspect-34465495.html(18 February 2016)

“Top UK detective at odds with NI investigators, Arlene Arkinson inquest hears” in The Belfast Telegraphhttps://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/top-uk-detective-at-odds-with-ni-investigators-arlene-arkinson-inquest-hears-34475435.html(22 February 2016)

Top UK detective at odds with NI investigators, Arlene Arkinson inquest hears” in The Belfast Telegraphhttps://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/top-uk-detective-at-odds-with-ni-investigators-arlene-arkinson-inquest-hears-34475435.html(22 February 2016)

“Arlene Arkinson: Witness ‘has no idea where Arlene is buried’” from BBC News https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-35642235(23 February 2016)

“Child killer said he hoped missing Arlene Arkinson ‘was cold and hungry’” in The Belfast Telegraphhttps://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/child-killer-said-he-hoped-missing-arlene-arkinson-was-cold-and-hungry-34478197.html(23 February 2016)

‘Child killer ‘seen carrying spade near forest’ after missing Arlene vanished” in The Belfast Telegraphhttps://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/child-killer-seen-carrying-spade-near-forest-after-missing-arlene-vanished-34482084.html(24 February 2016)

“Friend of Arlene Arkinson murder suspect tells inquest he was police informant” in The Belfast Telegraphhttps://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/friend-of-arlene-arkinson-murder-suspect-tells-inquest-he-was-police-informant-34485353.html(25 February 2016)

“Arlene Arkinson: Witness tells inquest police told her Howard was informer” from BBC Newshttps://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-35661291(25 February 2016)

“Arlene Arkinson inquest witness threatens to ‘do myself in’” in The Belfast Telegraph https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/arlene-arkinson-inquest-witness-threatens-to-do-myself-in-34497992.html(29 February 2016)

“Arlene Arkinson suspect ‘confessed to killing child’” in The Belfast Telegraphhttps://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/republic-of-ireland/arlene-arkinson-suspect-confessed-to-killing-child-34505083.html(2 March 2016)

“Arlene Arkinson’s sister calims police didn’t give disappearance credence” in The Belfast Telegraphhttps://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/arlene-arkinsons-sister-claims-police-didnt-give-disappearance-credence-34506027.html(2 March 2016)

“Child killer Robert Howard compared to Pied Piper at inquest for murdered Arlene” in The Belfast Telegraphhttps://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/child-killer-robert-howard-compared-to-pied-piper-at-inquest-for-murdered-arlene-34508501.html(3 March 2016)

“Police officer believed killer Robert Howard ‘was tlaking about Arlene Arkinson’” in The Belfast Telegraphhttps://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/police-officer-believed-killer-robert-howard-was-talking-about-arlene-arkinson-34518031.html(7 March 2016)

‘Robert Howard said he would get away with murder, Arlene Arkinson inquest told” in The Belfast Telegraphhttps://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/robert-howard-said-he-would-get-away-with-murder-arlene-arkinson-inquest-told-34522069.html(8 March 2016)

“Arlene Arkinson inquest: Woman describes attack by Robert Howard” from BBC Newshttps://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-35786087(11 March 2016)

“Robert Howard tried to rape me during hide-and-seek, woman tells Arlene inquest” in The Belfast Telegraph https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/robert-howard-tried-to-rape-me-during-hide-and-seek-woman-tells-arlene-inquest-34531757.html(11 March 2016)

“Child killer Robert Howard was ‘an evil charmer’, Arlene Arkinson inquest told” in The Belfast Telegraphhttps://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/child-killer-robert-howard-was-an-evil-charmer-arlene-arkinson-inquest-told-34538140.html(14 March 2016)

“Sister of Arlene Arkinson walks out of inquest as ex-detective gives evidence” in The Belfast Telegraphhttps://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/sister-of-arlene-arkinson-walks-out-of-inquest-as-ex-detective-gives-evidence-34542897.html(15 March 2016)

Lesley-Anne McKeown, “Arlene probe not haphazard, ex-cop insists at inquest” in The Belfast Telegraphhttps://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/arlene-probe-not-haphazard-ex-cop-insists-at-inquest-34546929.html(17 March 2016)

“Detective in Arlene Arkinson inquiry ‘put notes through a shredder’” in The Belfast Telegraphhttps://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/detective-in-arlene-arkinson-inquiry-put-notes-through-a-shredder-34553533.html(18 March 2016)

“Police documents search prompts further delays in Arlene Arkinson inquest” in The Belfast Telegraphhttps://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/police-documents-search-prompts-further-delays-in-arlene-arkinson-inquest-34604373.html(6 April 2016)

“Ex-RUC cheif constable ‘has no memory’ of ordering Arkinson searches” in The Belfast Telegraphhttps://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/ex-ruc-chief-constable-has-no-memory-of-ordering-arkinson-searches-34630259.html(15 April 2016)

“No way Arlene would have left home and not contacted family, sister says” in The Belfast Telegraphhttps://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/no-way-arlene-would-have-left-home-and-not-contacted-family-sister-says-34638223.html(18 April 2016)

“Police ‘could not have done more’ over missing girl” in The Belfast Telegraphhttps://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/police-could-not-have-done-more-over-missing-girl-34644649.html(20 April 2016)

“Former detective in missing girl hunt defends raid on sister’s home” in The Belfast Telegraphhttps://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/former-detective-in-missing-girl-hunt-defends-raid-on-sisters-home-34648023.html(21 April 2016)

“Arlene Arkinson inquest hit by fresh delay” in The Belfast Telegraphhttps://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/arlene-arkinson-inquest-hit-by-fresh-delay-34651059.html(22 April 2016)

“Police not planning to conduct new searches for Arlene Arkinson, inquest told” in The Belfast Telegraph https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/police-not-planning-to-conduct-new-searches-for-arlene-arkinson-inquest-told-34698720.html(9 May 2016)

“Missing Arlene Arkinson was ‘a forgotten victim’ police detective tells inquest” in The Belfast Telegraphhttps://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/missing-arlene-arkinson-was-a-forgotten-victim-police-detective-tells-inquest-34701893.html(10 May 2016)

Will Leitch, “Arlene Arkinson inquest: Former detective criticises police investigation” from BBC Newshttps://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-36258995(10 May 2016)

“Arlene Arkinson search information was third-hand, inquest told” from BBC Newshttps://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-36305012(16 May 2016)

‘Killer Robert Howard ‘weighed up’ options on prison regimes, Arlene inquest told” in The Belfast Telegraphhttps://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/killer-robert-howard-weighed-up-options-on-prison-regimes-arlene-inquest-told-34723244.html(17 May 2016)

“Arlene Arkinson killer Robert Howard did not think he had disorders, court told” in The Belfast Telegraphhttps://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/arlene-arkinson-killer-robert-howard-did-not-think-he-had-disorders-court-told-34727174.html(18 May 2016)

“Killer Robert Howard ‘was severe risk to Arlene Arkinson,’ inquest told” in The Belfast Telegraphhttps://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/killer-robert-howard-was-severe-risk-to-arlene-arkinson-inquest-told-34816979.html(20 June 2016)

“Robert Howard ‘admitted killing Arlene Arkinson in prison discussions’” in The Belfast Telegraphhttps://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/robert-howard-admitted-killing-arlene-arkinson-in-prison-discussions-34824550.html(22 June 2016)

“Arlene Arkinson inquest told red tape stopping Dublin officials giving evidence” in The Belfast Telegraphhttps://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/arlene-arkinson-inquest-told-red-tape-stopping-dublin-officials-giving-evidence-35029966.html(7 September 2016)

“Arlene Arkinson: Police examine new site near Killen in Castlederg” in The Belfast Telegraphhttps://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/arlene-arkinson-police-examine-new-site-near-killen-in-castelderg-35052292.html(15 September 2016)

“Fresh search for body of Arlene Arkinson who went missing in 1994” in The Belfast Telegraph https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/fresh-search-for-body-of-arlene-arkinson-who-went-missing-in-1994-35052495.html(15 September 2016)

“Arlene Arkinson search Farmer says he found ‘peculiar thing like a grave” in The Belfast Telegraphhttps://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/arlene-arkinson-search-farmer-says-he-found-peculiar-thing-like-a-grave-35054429.html(16 September 2016)

“Arlene Arkinson probe search team fails to find teenager’s remains” in The Belfast Telegraphhttps://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/arlene-arkinson-probe-search-team-fails-to-find-teenagers-remains-35056927.html(17 September 2016)

“Emotional week for family of missing teenager Arlene Arkinson” in The Belfast Telegraphhttps://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/emotional-week-for-family-of-missing-teenager-arlene-arkinson-35060689.html(19 September 2016)

“Arlene Arkinson inquest: Lawyer infuriated over Garda delays to investigation” in The Belfast Telegraphhttps://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/arlene-arkinson-inquest-lawyer-infuriated-over-garda-delays-to-investigation-35112951.html(8 October 2016)

“Family of missing Arlene Arkinson ‘deeply frustrated’ at inquest delays” in The Belfast Telegraphhttps://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/republic-of-ireland/family-of-missing-arlene-arkinson-deeply-frustrated-at-inquest-delays-35259779.html(1 December 2016)

“Coroner defends delays in Arlene Arkinson inquest” in The Belfast Telegraphhttps://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/coroner-defends-delays-in-arlene-arkinson-inquest-35479266.html(24 February 2017)

“Arlene Arkinson family enduring ‘exquisite cruelty’ with inquest delays” in The Belfast Telegraphhttps://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/arlene-arkinson-family-enduring-exquisite-cruelty-with-inquest-delays-35659822.html(27 April 2017)

“Information unearthed in Irish Republic over Arlene Arkinson disappearance” in The Belfast Telegraphhttps://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/republic-of-ireland/information-unearthed-in-irish-republic-over-arlene-arkinson-disappearance-36113127.html(8 Spetember 2017)

Michael McHugh, “Arlene Arkinson inquest: grave may be opened in search for missing teen” in The Belfast Telegraphhttps://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/arlene-arkinson-inquest-grave-may-be-opened-in-search-for-missing-teen-36650753.html(28 February 2018)

“Coroner seeking ‘precise answers’ in Arlene Arkinson probe” in The Belfast Telegraphhttps://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/coroner-seeking-precise-answers-in-arlene-arkinson-probe-37281505.html(4 September 2018)

“Arlene Arkinson’s family vow never to stop searching for her body” in The Belfast Telegraphhttps://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/arlene-arkinsons-family-vow-never-to-stop-searching-for-her-body-37976043.html(2 April 2019)

Jonathan McCambridge, “Coroner to deliver findings in long-running Arlene Arkinson inquest” in The Belfast Telegraphhttps://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/coroner-to-deliver-findings-in-long-running-arlene-arkinson-inquest-40674775.html(21 July 2021)

Rebecca Black, “Child-killer Robert Howards responsible for Arlene Arkinson death, coroner rules” in The Belfast Telegraphhttps://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/child-killer-robert-howard-responsible-for-arlene-arkinson-death-coroner-rules-40677173.html(21 July 2021)

Meave Sheehan, “True Crime: My hunt for the child killer with the smirk that said, prove it” from Headtopics.ie in The Irish Independenthttps://headtopics.com/ie/true-crime-my-hunt-for-the-child-killer-with-the-smirk-that-said-prove-it-21173030(1 August 2021)

Audrey Gillan, “Courts reveal child killer’s 40-year history of rape and violence” in The Guardianhttps://www.theguardian.com/uk/2005/sep/21/ukcrime.audreygillan(21 September 2005)

Susan McKay, “Predator in the badlands” in The Guardianhttps://www.theguardian.com/uk/2006/mar/25/northernireland.ukcrime(25 March 2006)

Raekha Prasad, “The girl who vanished” in The Guardianhttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2002/mar/28/gender.uk(28 March 2002)

“Arlene Arkinson was killed by convicted child-murderer, inquest find” in The Irish Timeshttps://www.irishtimes.com/news/crime-and-law/arlene-arkinson-was-killed-by-convicted-child-murderer-inquest-finds-1.4626514(21 July 2021)

“Killer Robert Howard, who murdered teenager Hannah Williams and dumped her body at Northfleet cement works, dies in hospital” from KentOnlinehttps://www.kentonline.co.uk/gravesend/news/young-girls-killer-dies-in-44394/(7 October 2015)

Andy Robinson, “Forgotten murder of missing girl Hannah Williams, 14, and how she was failed by police and media” from KentLive https://www.kentonline.co.uk/gravesend/news/young-girls-killer-dies-in-44394/(24 November 2019)

“Man cleared of one of five charges” in The Irish Times (24 June 2005) p. 9.

“Tyrone man cleared of killing girl” in The Irish Times (28 June 2005) p. 4.“Crimes of Irish-born serial sex offender are revealed” in The Irish Timeshttps://www.irishtimes.com/news/crimes-of-irish-born-serial-sex-offender-are-revealed-1.1182597(20 September 2005)

In Re: Howard [2011] NIQB 125

“Police failed to investigate Arlene Arkinson’s disappearance properly” from The Police Ombudsman for Northern Irelandhttps://www.policeombudsman.org/Media-Releases/2000-2010/2008/Police-failed-to-investigate-Arlene-Arkinson-s-dis(5 August 2008)

I’m not even going to try to fix the typos in the source list – sorry! Also, any guesses why this episode was so darn late?

92 – No Excuse: The murder of Mary Doogue

In October of 1995, Mary Doogue was beaten to death. She lay in her bed in her cold dark home for 12 hours before she got any medical attention, and died shortly after. Her partner 19 year old Stephen Davis was arrested two days later.

He would tell the court that he had been provoked. Would a jury buy his excuse?

Continue reading “92 – No Excuse: The murder of Mary Doogue”

85 – Monster in the Garage: Patricia Murphy

In May of 1996, a woman’s body was found behind a skip in Glasnevin, Dublin city. Late on the 27th, Patricia Murphy had been reported missing from her nearby home.In order for her family to find justice, however, three of her young children would have to give evidence in court to put the perpetrator away – the monster in the garage.

This episode was researched and written by Eileen MacFarlene of the Crimelapse podcast.

Join me at CrimeCon UK on June 12-13th 2021. For more information and tickets visit crimecon.co.uk. Use the code MENSREA for 10% off. Purchase a ticket with the code and get in touch to get a free Mens Rea T-Shirt (limited to first 10 listeners who contact me)

With thanks to our sponsors for this episode:

Make sure your menzes are perfectly groomed this Valentines day! Check out the global leader in mens grooming and Get 20% Off + Free Shipping at Manscaped.com with the code MENS

Sign up for professional online counselling at betterhelp.com/mens and get 10% off your first month!

Find us on Facebook or Twitter!With thanks to our supporters on Patreon! Donate today to get access to bonus and ad-free episodes!Check out the Mens Rea Merch Store!

Theme Music:

Quinn’s Song: The Dance Begins Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Additional Music:   Allemande (Sting) by Wahneta Meixsell. Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Sources:
https://www.irishtimes.com/news/battered-wife-tried-to-conceal-the-marks-of-her-beatings-1.228260

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/dismay-as-mother-of-four-is-murdered-1.53517

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/post-mortem-results-expected-today-on-murdered-mother-1.53444

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/gardai-in-search-for-murdered-woman-s-clothing-1.53824

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/over-100-pay-respects-to-murdered-woman-1.54177

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/search-continues-for-victim-s-clothing-1.54503

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/steady-progress-in-murder-inquiry-1.54943

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/man-held-on-murphy-death-is-released-1.56185

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/suspects-s-re-arrest-legal-in-murder-hunt-judge-rules-1.82796

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/husband-of-murder-victim-loses-high-court-challenge-on-detention-1.82700

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/it-was-a-year-when-ireland-seemed-a-more-dangerous-place-to-be-a-woman-1.119653

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/inquest-on-murdered-woman-is-adjourned-1.60981

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/husband-charged-with-murdering-mother-of-four-1.63472

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/man-on-wife-murder-charge-seeks-bail-1.63872

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/man-gets-bail-in-wife-murder-case-1.64697

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/life-policy-pay-out-to-accused-man-1.65092

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/wife-murder-trial-is-delayed-1.87746

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/further-remand-in-murder-case-1.105459

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/man-pleads-not-guilty-to-wife-murder-1.220470

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/delayed-murder-trial-to-open-1.221299

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/accused-man-s-children-to-tell-of-seeing-mother-s-body-1.221769

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/boy-5-tells-of-daddy-hammering-mammy-1.222333

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/children-tell-how-they-saw-mother-dead-in-garage-1.222264

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/neighbour-heard-high-pitched-screaming-1.223141

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/murder-trial-adjourned-for-discussions-1.223553

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/dead-woman-s-mother-tells-of-phone-calls-1.223955

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/murphy-said-gardai-were-not-clever-enough-to-catch-him-out-1.225874

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/child-told-neighbour-mammy-was-asleep-1.226272

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/court-is-told-gardai-twisted-the-answers-of-murder-accused-1.226620

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/murder-accused-repeatedly-denies-having-killed-his-wife-1.227126

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/no-verdict-yet-in-dublin-murder-trial-1.227936

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/murder-trial-jury-takes-4-hours-to-deliver-a-unanimous-verdict-1.228263

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/three-children-witnessed-things-of-the-worst-of-night-terrors-1.228264

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/the-murderer-who-boxed-a-little-too-clever-by-half-1.228266

https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/murder-case-agony-to-end-as-jury-decide-26166152.html

https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/accused-says-he-did-not-move-wifes-body-in-buggy-26165922.html

https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/husband-hounded-by-murder-probe-team-26165819.html

https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/stunned-murphy-gets-life-for-murder-26166250.html

https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/wife-murderer-gets-life-26166256.html

http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/1996/act/1/section/2/enacted/en/html#sec2

https://dublin.ie/live/stories/conor-dodd-and-luke-portess-glasnevin-cemetery-and-museum/

73 – The Park: The Killing of Rachel Kiely

22 year old Rachel Kiely left home in Ballincollig, Co. Cork with her two dogs on the afternoon of the 26th of October 2000. Her dogs returned to the house, but she didn’t. A few hours later, her body was discovered hidden in undergrowth at the local park.

The person responsible would spend the next two decades in and out of court.

Continue reading “73 – The Park: The Killing of Rachel Kiely”

67 – Honor Bright: Murder in the Free State

In 1925, while the Irish Free State was still in its infancy after the close of the civil war, the body of a young woman was found dead lying at a lonely cross roads in South County Dublin. Her name was Honor Bright, a woman who made her living as a sex worker in town.

Two men were tried for her shooting death, but was her killing a the result of her “unfortunate” status, or part of an attempt to keep scandal away from the halls of power in a newly-independent Ireland?

Continue reading “67 – Honor Bright: Murder in the Free State”

58 – Murder by Mistake: Melanie McCarthy McNamara

Gangs and drugs effect nearly every community. But in 2012, the Dublin suburb of Tallaght was shocked by the spillover of violence. 16 year old Melanie McCarthy McNamara was shot while she sat in the back of a parked car on a residential street. The gunman had shot from the back of a black SUV and sped off immediately. 

Two men alleged to be involved in drugs locally were identified by gardai, and after protracted court battles have found themselves in prison in relation to Melanie’s killing.

Continue reading “58 – Murder by Mistake: Melanie McCarthy McNamara”