Assume Nothing

Into the present – and people are still dying…In this series, casually scanning old newspaper archives, Ophelia Byrne comes across an odd headline: “Hush hush process in Ballyclare firm.” The newspaper was printed in 1967. “Strictly no photographs” was the order issued at the opening of the new factory. “90 guests steered clear of a top-secret process.” All workers “will have to sign an oath of secrecy.” What, she wonders, is this factory making? Ophelia doesn’t know it when she starts out, but her subsequent investigation into this company, Turner and Newall, will take her from a small town in Northern Ireland across the Irish Sea to places like Rochdale, Leeds and London. It will bring her to one million documents released for a transatlantic trial – papers which show cover-ups and even corporate espionage. The product, of course, is asbestos. You may think you know the story – it’s a dangerous substance.But Ophelia marries previous journalistic investigations to new documents which reveal what government agencies knew about its risks, and when. She combs through company correspondence which the manufacturers claimed did not exist, and clearly never imagined would become public. This is the story of Killer Dust, from mountains of the material in mines still operating in countries today, to the skyscrapers of Manhattan, and the terraced streets of the north of England. It is the story too of the people who fought and died for the truth to expose the reckless pursuit of profit in the making of one of the most dangerous building materials on the planet. Presenter/ Producer: Ophelia Byrne Studio Engineer: Gary Bawden Executive Editor: Andy Martin

A new campaign - and a return to that small town story where it all began.In this series, casually scanning old newspaper archives, Ophelia Byrne comes across an odd headline: “Hush hush process in Ballyclare firm.” The newspaper was printed in 1967. “Strictly no photographs” was the order issued at the opening of the new factory. “90 guests steered clear of a top-secret process.” All workers “will have to sign an oath of secrecy.” What, she wonders, is this factory making? Ophelia doesn’t know it when she starts out, but her subsequent investigation into this company, Turner and Newall, will take her from a small town in Northern Ireland across the Irish Sea to places like Rochdale, Leeds and London. It will bring her to one million documents released for a transatlantic trial – papers which show cover-ups and even corporate espionage. The product, of course, is asbestos. You may think you know the story – it’s a dangerous substance.But Ophelia marries previous journalistic investigations to new documents which reveal what government agencies knew about its risks, and when. She combs through company correspondence which the manufacturers claimed did not exist, and clearly never imagined would become public. This is the story of Killer Dust, from mountains of the material in mines still operating in countries today, to the skyscrapers of Manhattan, and the terraced streets of the north of England. It is the story too of the people who fought and died for the truth to expose the reckless pursuit of profit in the making of one of the most dangerous building materials on the planet. Presenter/ Producer: Ophelia Byrne Studio Engineer: Gary Bawden Executive Editor: Andy Martin

Doctor John Bodkin Adams enters the frame. A Northern Irish doctor with a foreboding personality, and big aspirations to go with it. Life in Eastbourne as a GP is sweet, but when the unexpected death of patient ‘Bobbie Hullett’ sparks a mysterious phone call to police, everything changes. What has been happening behind closed doors of Dr Adams’ visits? Presented by Vinny Hurrell. Produced, edited and mixed by Vinny Hurrell. The Executive Editor is Andy Martin A BBC Northern Ireland Production

Death, death and more death. A high profile arrest shines a spotlight on some surprising goings on among Eastbourne patients. Brash and determined ‘Detective Superintendent Herbert Hannam’ is assigned to the case. Hannam is consumed by the investigation with his complete focus locked into uncovering what he can, about Dr Adams. But will he get more than he bargained for? Heroin, morphine, barbiturates. Lashings of drugs, readily consumed by elderly rich patients. Details of the treatment and death of many well-to-do Eastbourne patients, come to light. Presented by Vinny Hurrell. Produced, edited and mixed by Vinny Hurrell. The Executive Editor is Andy Martin A BBC Northern Ireland Production

A clear picture emerges of how deeply entrenched in the lives of his patients, the ‘good doctor’ was. Was this all-consuming trust and care, or something much more sinister? Can Doctor John Bodkin Adams, convince his patients to do anything he commands? A common pattern in diagnosis starts to emerge and DS Hannam believes he has uncovered the driving force behind many of Doctor Adams’ decisions. But, has the detective superintendent misjudged John’s motives? Presented by Vinny Hurrell. Produced, edited and mixed by Vinny Hurrell. The Executive Editor is Andy Martin A BBC Northern Ireland Production

Doctor John Bodkin Adams finds himself in the Old Bailey, in front of the imposing Judge Lord Devlin. The country is hooked by revelation after revelation leading to titillating newspaper headlines across the tabloid front pages. Arrogance and secrecy is laid out for all to see, as medical professionals, scientists and a barrage of other ‘justice thirsty witnesses’, reveal their truths. A shocking twist to the interrogations in the witness box, surprise almost everyone in the room. Presented by Vinny Hurrell. Produced, edited and mixed by Vinny Hurrell. Executive Editor: Andy Martin A BBC Northern Ireland Production

Salacious gossip of an ignorant era, or the underlying’s of corruption and control? We discover surprising claims of passion and companionship that sweep the Eastbourne landscape. However, exactly who is involved and where do their tentacles of power lead? An investigation within an investigation highlights direct moves from within a high profile medical association, that may change the course of the case. But what are the true motives? Conspiracy with a capital C? ‘Professional Secrecy’ rears its head. Presented by Vinny Hurrell. Produced, edited and mixed by Vinny Hurrell. The Executive Editor is Andy Martin A BBC Northern Ireland Production

A possible new motive becomes apparent. After all this time, was the driving force behind Dr John Bodkin Adams actually compassion and kindness? Have we been basking in the presence of an ‘Angel Of Mercy’ since day one? Or, is this about the ultimate control one human-being can have, over another? The grim reaper in a crisp white doctor’s coat? The jury is out. Presented by Vinny Hurrell. Produced, edited and mixed by Vinny Hurrell. The Executive Editor is Andy Martin A BBC Northern Ireland Production

The verdict is in and the country is stunned. Further revelations on the actions of Dr Adams become apparent but they do little to change the direction of his fate. We follow Dr John Bodkin Adams to his grave and delve into the repercussions of the case. Changes are made to the law as a result of what happened in Eastbourne, back in the 1930’s 40’s and 50’s. But, where does your final judgment lie? Presented by Vinny Hurrell. Produced, edited and mixed by Vinny Hurrell. The Executive Editor is Andy Martin A BBC Northern Ireland Production

Vinny Hurrell is joined by a panel of experts and an audience to discuss Doctor John Bodkin Adams and series. Who may have had a lucky escape? Why were those files sealed? We delve into the mind of a sociopath. Are we all capable of murder?This episode was recorded on January 27th in the Accidental theatre, Belfast. Presented by Vinny Hurrell. Produced, edited and mixed by Vinny Hurrell. The Executive Editor is Andy Martin A BBC Northern Ireland Production