UK True Crime Podcast A Question Of Trust: Episode 449
Jun 23, 2025
Discover the chilling story of Rachel Barraclough, an 18-year-old from Bradford whose life was tragically cut short after a night out in 1997. The investigation unveils shocking twists, including the unsettling trial involving her boyfriend's father. The podcast delves into the emotional impact of the case on her family and examines Bradford's criminal past, providing a haunting backdrop to this heartbreaking tale. It's a gripping exploration of trust, betrayal, and the quest for justice.
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Rachel's Life and Love
- Rachel Barraclough was a kind, popular 18-year-old with dreams of becoming a hairdresser. She maintained a strong religious and family life and had a loving boyfriend, Carl Hughes.
- Despite Carl's infidelity, Rachel forgave him, demonstrating her forgiving nature as noted in her diaries.
Tragic Night Out
- Rachel went out to meet Carl in Wakefield but never arrived at his house.
- Her body was discovered the next day after a brutal knife attack on a river towpath near Wakefield.
CCTV Shifts Murder Suspicion
- Newly installed CCTV cameras in Wakefield captured Rachel with a man shortly before her murder.
- The man was identified as Stephen Hughes, Carl's father, which shifted suspicion away from Carl.