Murder in the Graveyard: A Brutal Murder. a Wrongful Conviction. a 27-Year Fight for Justice.

‘An Extraordinary story of innocence and persecution, determination and grit … it had me rattling through the pages’ SOPHIE DRAPER

A gripping true crime investigation into the longest miscarriage of justice in British legal history.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 13 June 2019
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

A gripping true crime investigation into the longest miscarriage of justice in British legal history, this extraordinary story of innocence and persecution, determination and grit, had me eagerly turning the pages. Written by Sophie Draper, "A Murder in the Peak District" delves into the tragic events surrounding the murder of Wendy Sewell, a young legal secretary in the town of Bakewell in the Peak District.

In September 1973, Stephen Downing, a 17-year-old groundskeeper with learning difficulties and a reading age of 11, was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Wendy. The case received widespread media coverage, with Downing being portrayed as the primary suspect. However, as local newspaper editor Don Hale delved deeper into the details, he became increasingly convinced that Downing was innocent.

Hale faced numerous obstacles and threats as he pursued his investigation. He was relentlessly pursued by those who believed that Downing had committed the crime, and he even suffered several attempts on his life. Despite these dangers, Hale remained steadfast in his determination to rescue a long-forgotten victim of the British legal system.

After 21 years of wrongful imprisonment, Stephen Downing was finally acquitted in 2002. Hale's tireless campaign had paid off, and Downing was exonerated of all charges.

"A Murder in the Peak District" is a masterful account of Hale's long, dedicated, and often dangerous campaign to rescue a long-forgotten victim of the British legal system. It is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of fighting for justice, even in the face of overwhelming odds. This gripping true crime investigation will leave readers on the edge of their seats, as they witness the triumph of innocence and the devastating consequences of miscarriage of justice.

Weight: 254g
Dimension: 194 x 123 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780008331627