colin howell: Confessions, convictions and family reaction

Introduction: Why the case of colin howell remains significant

The broadcast of confession tapes in a BBC documentary has renewed public attention on colin howell, the Coleraine dentist who admitted to two murders carried out in 1991. The case is significant for readers because it combines a high-profile criminal confession, questions about the adequacy of earlier police work and the profound personal impact on victims’ families. The recent airing is the first time Howell’s recorded confessions have been made public, prompting fresh reaction and scrutiny.

Main details: Confessions, convictions and inquiry

Confessions and the BBC documentary

The two-part BBC documentary, Confessions of a Killer, includes the confession tapes of colin howell and interviews with people who knew the Howells and the Buchanans, along with journalists who reported on the killings. The programme marks the first public broadcast of Howell’s recorded admissions. Victims’ relatives have reacted strongly to the tapes; Bradford-Clarke, the daughter of one of Howell’s victims, said she found hearing her father’s confessions very distressing. She also indicated she was not opposed to media coverage and was contributing to a separate documentary.

The murders, admissions and legal outcome

Howell and his former lover Hazel Stewart were convicted over the killings of their respective spouses. The victims were Lesley Howell and police officer Trevor Buchanan; the murders took place in 1991. In January 2009, Howell walked into a police station in County Londonderry and admitted to the killings. He later pleaded guilty to both murders, which he had staged to appear as suicides, and has been sentenced to life imprisonment.

Questions over the original investigation

The case has continued to raise concerns about how the original inquiries were handled. The Police Ombudsman described the police investigation as deeply flawed, a finding that has been cited in subsequent coverage and documentary discussion of the case.

Conclusion: Ongoing impact and significance for readers

The public airing of colin howell’s confessions has reopened wounds for victims’ families and revived scrutiny of investigative failings. For readers, the developments underscore the enduring consequences of violent crime, the importance of robust policing, and the complex effects of media coverage on those directly affected. The documentary and associated reactions are likely to keep the case in public discussion and may prompt further examination of past investigative shortcomings.