The Yorkshire Ripper Files

[goodgoalie]

This isn't the sort of programme I would normally watch, but having seen the first two parts (the final one is tonight, Thurs, at 9pm on BBC 4) I have to say I think it's a credit to the filmmaker Liza Williams to have produced such an absorbing documentary, without any sort of prurience, and with impressive research and use of archive footage. What another world the late 70s seems.
The shambles of the investigation is forensically exposed, as are the many opportunities they had to stop him - he was interviewed 9 times, but because he did not fit the idea of the perpetrator having a Sunderland accent (from the tape the police were sent, later revealed to be a hoax), he went on to murder others. The interview with one of the seven women who were attacked and survived was very moving, and the casual misogyny of the time was revealed at every turn.
An exemplary documentary, in my view, and well worth catching on iPlayer, even if it's 'not your thing'.

[ladybirder]

Really AG. I must have got it wrong then. Or the programme makers did. Probably me. It seems Richard and his siblings had a terrible life after their mother was murdered. Beaten by their stepfather?? most nights who also killed their pet dog in the bath. So pleased he seems OK with his wife and children now.

[agchristie]

Ladybirder,Sonia reached 39 which taking many factors into consideration was extraordinary believe you me.

We all handle grief differently of course and unfortunately there are times coping mechanisms just break down.

What Richard has managed to achieve in his life is highly commendable from a desperate situation just a week before his sixth birthday.

[ladybirder]

It certainly is AG.

I hope she had some happiness in those 39 years. That's not a question BTW.

[goodgoalie]

Blimey, when I made the original post I was only pointing out that I thought it was a well-made documentary on a difficult subject, and that there was a sensitivity in how it was handled that gave some sort of voice to the victims. I didn't envisage anyone making the kind of callous remarks and spurious comparisons Bigbad has made, which are just unpleasant. Somehow, I don't think he has much of a future as a grief counsellor.

[ladybirder]

Surprise. He is a She gg.
My anger was directed at the police, especially when they all sat laughing and looking very pleased with themselves taking the credit when another force caught Peter S.