In Detail...
In Detail is a BBC Local Radio documentary podcast that explores and explains news stories from across England. Each series takes a single story and examines it in depth, including the Birmingham pub bombings, a toxic waste scandal in Corby, the felling of the Sycamore Gap tree and the rise and fall of the Jesus Army. The fifth series, Sanctuary: An Act of Defiance, tells how Sri Lankan asylum seeker Viraj Mendis sought sanctuary in a church and was protected by vicar Father John Methuen in defiance of Margaret Thatcher's government. New episodes are released for listeners on BBC Sounds.
Episodes
1. A Night Like Any Other
Thursday 21 November 1974 was a normal night in Birmingham city centre until two city-centre pub bombs were detonated.We hear the story of the night from those who were there and the families of some of the 21 people killed.
2. Panic on the Streets
The story of the blasts told by those first on the scene.Emergency services crew and local reporters describe the aftermath of two city-centre pub bombings in Birmingham that killed 21 people.
3. The Birmingham Six (Official Version)
Explore how the police tracked down and arrested the men who later became known at the Birmingham Six. BBC reporter Michael Buerk talks about covering their high-profile trial and convictions.We also hear how Birmingham’s sizeable Irish population were treated in the days and months following the bomb attacks.
4. The Birmingham Six (Their Version)
Paddy Hill and Billy Power, two of the Six, talk frankly about their treatment in police custody and court.The official side of story doesn’t match up with what the Birmingham Six experienced.
5. The Real Bombers
The Birmingham Six had each been sentenced to 21 life sentences. They were writing letters for support but getting no reaction and all hope was lost that they would be freed.Their story reached journalist and former MP Chris Mullin who set out not just to prove their innocence, but to also find out who actually did.
6. The Nightmare Begins Again
Exploring the impact of The Birmingham Six's release which opened up old wounds for some of the victims’ families. The investigation was reopened in 1991 and shut again in 1994 with no further movement until Julie Hambleton, whose sister had died in the bombs, started a campaign for justice.
7. Dance with the Devil
After a lot of frustration, Julie Hambleton, whose sister had died in the bombs, and the families of other victims secure an inquest with help from an unexpected source.
8. The Naming of the Bombers
Exploring some of the names linked with the Birmingham pub bombings.We also find out why Chris Mullin and Julie Hambleton disagree with each other.
9. Blocked at Every Angle
Julie Hambleton's sister died in the bombings, she is intent on a public inquiry and explains what she thinks really happened that night. We also explore whether the government knew what was going to happen.
10. Conflict and Conspiracy
We visit Belfast to meet a former IRA prisoner Ricky who believes there could be more to the pub bombings in Birmingham.Discussing the case and whether the IRA spy Freddie Scappaticci, known as ‘Stakeknife’, could be a reason no-one has faced justice.
11. The Search for the Bombers
Ed travels to Dublin and Belfast to try and speak to the people linked with the 1974 Birmingham bombings.
12. The Worst of Humanity, the Best of Humanity
Reflecting on the Birmingham bombings, the lack of justice and political influence and sharing how the victims are remembered.
1. There’s something wrong with George
Exploring connections as orange dust blankets a town and a baby is born with a hand defect.George Taylor investigates what really happened when his hometown of Corby suddenly turned toxic.
2. She’ll never play the piano
As toxic waste spreads across Corby, the birth rate of babies with deformities rises. Simone is born with three fingers on each hand while, 500 miles away a baby George faces his own challenges. Also, at the site of the clean up, someone starts asking questions.
3. The Whistleblowers
A man with an axe to grind receives a provocative anonymous phone call.A dusty dossier ignites deep suspicions about safety violations and a chance conversation prompts a meeting with a newshound on the scent of something big.
4. No cluster in Corby
Des Collins arrives in Corby and comes face-to-face with the case that will change his life.With a group of fearless mothers looking for the truth, Des is determined to find out once and for all whether Corby’s orange dust holds all the answers.
5. The cluster and the clean-up
A second dead-dropped parcel threatens to expose the toxic waste scandal.Des Collins embarks upon a nationwide quest to try and prove that the clean up of Corby steelworks is the cause of the cluster of birth defects.
6. Us vs Corby Council
A young George Taylor faces a harrowing decision that will shape his future.While emotional testimonies make clear the scale of suffering caused by the clean up, Des Collins realises he needs to do even more if he is to secure justice for the families.
7. The German Equation
Find out whether the Corby mums or the council is helped when a new witness speaks out.As experts seek to dismiss the families’ claims as 'fantastical', Des Collins and his team face a curveball that threatens to change everything.
8. The cost to Corby
A statement from an embattled Chief Executive shocks the nation's media.As George's investigation comes to an emotional conclusion, new information is revealed and an offer is made to the man at the centre of the storm.
1. All this for a tree?
Hairy Biker Si King documents the global outrage that followed the felling of a beloved landmark that had stood in Northumberland for more than a hundred years.As the two men convicted of criminal damage at Sycamore Gap are sentenced, Si King charts the bizarre theories that began to emerge in the immediate aftermath.It's a story of conspiracy theories, life changing accusations and very odd disgu
2. The Accusations
As the investigation into who felled Sycamore Gap gets underway, accusations start to fly.One man falsely accused of cutting down the iconic tree was farmer Walter Renwick. In his first broadcast interview he shares how the resulting rumours and "trial by social media" impacted his life.Meanwhile, journalists descend on the communities near Hadrian's Wall in Northumberland and discover a teenager
3. The Night Of
Meet the last person to see Sycamore Gap before it was felled and those who first stumbled upon the aftermath.Also Kevin Reynolds, the Hollywood director who made the tree famous in the film Robin Hood Prince of Thieves, hears the news.Meanwhile, as Sycamore Gap becomes a crime scene the men responsible are watching the coverage unfold in amazement. Presenter: Si King.
Producer: Jane Downs with a
4. The Reckoning
Step inside the trial of Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers, both from Cumbria, who are accused of felling Sycamore Gap.Join journalists, a courtroom artist and an expert witness to hear the evidence and how a grainy two-minute video of the felling found on a phone stunned the entire courtroom into silence.Presenter: Si King.
Producer: Jane Downs with additional reporting by Jo Lonsdale and Martin
5. A Living Monument
Si King explores what the future holds for Sycamore Gap and what made the tree so special.Discovering people's connection to the tree, the site and the significance of the Hollywood debut in the film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.Si King also asks whether dark tourism might help preserve interest in the area where the tree once stood and learns of plans for the tree's seeds.Presenter: Si King.
Pro
6. Justice
Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers, both from Cumbria, are sentenced in a live-streamed hearing at Newcastle Crown Court. BBC Correspondent Fiona Trott describes the atmosphere on the day.The two men were each convicted of two counts of criminal damage in May.Also, Si King hears whether some of those who loved the tree feel the sentence brings closure before finally returning to Sycamore Gap to see
1. Follow The Leader
Exploring how the Fellowship Church and the 'Jesus Army', led by Noel Stanton, settled in the rural Northamptonshire village of Bugbrooke.The church attracted thousands with promises of Christian faith, community and a better life.
2. Genesis
All new followers were welcome to the Jesus Fellowship, they were given new names and strict rules to become a member of the community.Treasured possessions are left at the door. No media, no music, no belongings and harsh discipline for children.This episode contains references to suicide and the physical punishment of children. For information and support on issues covered in this episode, visit
3. Family Values
Faith, control and growing tension in the Fellowship Church community with wild services, exorcisms and warnings of hidden wrong doing.This episode contains references to exorcism. For information and support on issues covered in this episode, visit bbc.co.uk/actionline.
4. Love, Power and Sacrifice
Street preaching, child look-outs and a police investigation. The vulnerable are drawn into the Jesus Army while a court case looms.For information and support on issues covered in this episode, visit bbc.co.uk/actionline.
5. Judas
Troubling revelations, a heavy conscience, and one man left questioning what to do next.Philippa recalls her visit to court to testify on behalf of her friend 'Gemma' and shares how it led her to question her beliefs and her spiritual family.Meanwhile, the Jesus Army continues as it was before, protecting the community and the elders. For information and support on issues covered in this episode,
6. Sins of the Flesh
Thousands mourn and a new generation takes control.Meanwhile criminal confessions about troubling abuse claims are ignored by elders and the pressure mounts.For information and support on issues covered in this episode, visit bbc.co.uk/actionline.
7. End of Days
Ex-Jesus Army members unite in finding their freedom, rebuilding their identity and speaking their truth.For information and support on issues covered in this episode, visit bbc.co.uk/actionline.
Episode 1
A Sri Lankan man begs for sanctuary in a church in 1986. Viraj Mendis says he faces death if sent back to his home country. Father John Methuen protects him from arrest, risking his reputation and the safety of Ascension church and allows a devoted group to protect him in the church.Presenter Father Azariah France-Williams is the current rector of Ascension Church. He goes on a journey of discover
Episode 2
A Sri Lankan man begs for sanctuary in a church in 1986. Viraj Mendis says he faces death if sent back to his home country. Father John Methuen protects him from arrest, risking his reputation and the safety of Ascension church and allows a devoted group to protect him in the church.Presenter Father Azariah France-Williams is the current rector of Ascension Church. He goes on a journey of discover
Episode 3
A Sri Lankan man begs for sanctuary in a church in 1986. Viraj Mendis says he faces death if sent back to his home country. Father John Methuen protects him from arrest, risking his reputation and the safety of Ascension church and allows a devoted group to protect him in the church.Presenter Father Azariah France-Williams is the current rector of Ascension Church. He goes on a journey of discover
Episode 4
A Sri Lankan man begs for sanctuary in a church in 1986. Viraj Mendis says he faces death if sent back to his home country. Father John Methuen protects him from arrest, risking his reputation and the safety of Ascension church and allows a devoted group to protect him in the church.Presenter Father Azariah France-Williams is the current rector of Ascension Church. He goes on a journey of discover
Episode 5
A Sri Lankan man begs for sanctuary in a church in 1986. Viraj Mendis says he faces death if sent back to his home country. Father John Methuen protects him from arrest, risking his reputation and the safety of Ascension church and allows a devoted group to protect him in the church.Presenter Father Azariah France-Williams is the current rector of Ascension Church. He goes on a journey of discover
Episode 6
Karen plots Viraj’s escape from Sri Lanka and finds a new home for them both in Germany.A new posting in Yorkshire proves troubling for Father John.Viraj’s friend Charlie Baker finds some peace after his experience in Sri Lanka.Presenter: Father Azariah France-Williams.
Producer: Jen Dale.
Sound design: Kasel Kundola.
Online producer: Rachael Smith.
Executive producer: Ciaran Tracey.
Additional so
1. The Calling
Dawn and Pete Towns are a new couple, attracted to Caldey Island for its nature and breathtaking scenic location off the Pembrokeshire coast. The fresh start sees them become the new managers of St Philomena’s guesthouse.But soon their dream is shattered and life there becomes awkward and deeply troubling.This is not the place they thought it was.Credits:
Created, written and presented by: India P
Trailer
Exploring the impact of two Birmingham pub bombs in a 50 year evolving story that's affected countless people. The series looks into who bombed Birmingham and asks why no one has been rightfully brought to justice. It also positions the bombings in the wider context of the Troubles in Northern Ireland and the Good Friday Agreement.On a journey from the streets of 1970s Birmingham to modern day Bel
Trailer
Explore the shocking events that ripped through a steelworks community in Corby, told by the people whose lives were irreversibly changed.Hear about anonymous calls, secret packages and poisonous ponds as families try to find answers to why babies in the town were being born with defects.In 2010, Corby Borough Council admitted it had made mistakes in the clean-up of the Northamptonshire town's ste
Trailer
Hairy Biker Si King investigates who felled the tree at Sycamore Gap, which had stood along Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland.The famous tree had come to symbolise the local community and was nicknamed 'Robin Hood Tree', after featuring in the 1991 film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves starring Kevin Costner. One morning in September 2023 the tree had been cut down and disbelief gave way to anger, acc
Trailer
Uncovering the rise and unravelling of one of the biggest religious cults in Britain. Exploring the controversies, abuses and lasting scars left on those who lived within it.Diving deep into the Fellowship Church and the 'Jesus Army', led by Baptist evangelical maverick Noel Stanton in the Northamptonshire village of Bugbrooke.Devotees gave up their homes, their money and in some cases their famil
Trailer
A Sri Lankan man begs for sanctuary in a church in 1986. Viraj Mendis says he faces death if sent back to his home country. Father John Methuen protects him from arrest, risking his reputation and the safety of Ascension church and allows a devoted group to protect him in the church.Presenter Father Azariah France-Williams is the current rector of Ascension Church. He goes on a journey of discover
Trailer
An island of dreams for some, a place to hide for others. Investigative journalist India Pollock uncovers the disturbing secrets beneath the tranquil image of Caldey Island.From BBC Radio Wales.
