The BBC was warned by whistleblowers that true crime author Christopher Berry-Dee claimed to have obtained the missing clothes of child murder victim Karen Hadaway. This revelation has sparked renewed scrutiny into the broadcaster's handling of evidence in the infamous Babes in the Woods case.
Background of the Babes in the Woods Murders
In 1986, nine-year-old Karen Hadaway and her best friend Nicola Fellows were tragically murdered in Brighton's Wild Park. The case, known as the Babes in the Woods murders, shocked the nation. Karen's clothes, which were crucial evidence, were later obtained by journalist Martin Bashir in 1991 for a potential BBC documentary but subsequently went missing.
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Whistleblower Claims Against Berry-Dee
Sources indicate that Berry-Dee boasted about having Karen's clothes during the 1990s and 2000s. The Guardian has confirmed that both the former BBC head's office and the corporation's whistleblowing unit were informed of these claims. Berry-Dee, the UK's most successful true crime author, has denied any wrongdoing regarding the clothes and separate allegations of sexual and violent offenses.
Timeline of Events
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1986 | Murder of Karen Hadaway and Nicola Fellows |
| 1991 | Martin Bashir obtains Karen's clothes |
| 2004 | BBC realizes clothes are missing |
| Late 1980s | Berry-Dee campaigns for return of clothes |
| 1990s-2000s | Berry-Dee claims to possess clothes |
Berry-Dee's Involvement
In the late 1980s, Berry-Dee campaigned for police to return Karen's clothes to her family. He then offered to arrange cutting-edge DNA testing if the parents gave them to him. In his book A Question of Evidence, he described receiving the clothes from the Hadaways 'with tears in their eyes'. The clothes were eventually returned and later given to Bashir.
Key Takeaways
- The BBC was warned twice about Berry-Dee's claims regarding Karen's clothes.
- Berry-Dee denies any misconduct, but multiple women have accused him of offenses.
- The missing clothes have been a source of controversy for the BBC since 2004.
- Journalist Eileen Fairweather witnessed the handover of clothes to Bashir.
Impact on the BBC and Family
The BBC apologized and paid a financial settlement to Karen's mother after losing the clothes. The mystery has dogged the corporation for years, raising questions about evidence handling and accountability. The Hadaway family continues to seek answers about the whereabouts of Karen's belongings.
FAQ
Who is Christopher Berry-Dee?
Christopher Berry-Dee is a British true crime author known for his books on serial killers. He has been accused of sexual and violent offenses, which he denies.
What happened to Karen Hadaway's clothes?
The clothes were given to journalist Martin Bashir in 1991 but were later lost by the BBC. Berry-Dee claimed to have possessed them at various times.
Why is this case significant?
The missing clothes are crucial evidence in a child murder case, and the BBC's loss of them has raised serious questions about institutional accountability.
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