Town without Pity: The Fight to Clear Stephen Downing of the Bakewell Murder by Don Hale, Hamish McGregor, Marika McGregor (2002) Hardcover

by Don Hale

In 1973 in a graveyard in the picturesque market town of Bakewell, Derbyshire, Wendy Sewell was brutally and bloodily murdered. Stephen Downing who was a naive seventeen year old with a reading age of eleven, worked as a gardener in the cemetery. He was taken to the police station, interrogated for nine hours without access to a solicitor and signed a confession he could not read. Forever afterwards and during his 27 years in jail he maintained his innocence, even though he was offered his freedom if only he would 'admit' his guilt. He chose to continue to suffer rather than sacrifice his principles. Many years later, Don Hale the editor of the local newspaper and a former professional footballer, was approached by Downing's parents and asked to investigate their son's claims of innocence. He began to discover fresh evidence, including new witness statements, and uncovered many other important and hidden facts, which controversially suggested a totally different version of events on the day of the murder. This new information completely contradicted the original prosecution evidence, and implied others may have been responsible. Who was the man a witness claims to have seen running away from the murder scene? Which men might have had affairs with Wendy Sewell? Everyone in the town seemed to have a theory as to who the real culprits might be. As Don Hale continued his private investigation he was threatened and attempts were made on his life. This is the story of how one man, operating on his own, fought tirelessly and courageously in order to piece together the evidence - and how his heroism eventually secured the release of Stephen Downing. The reader can follow the trail of clues and discover what the authorities want to hide.

Genres: True Crime

Hardcover

First published March 26, 2002

Reviews

[Lord Bathcanoe of Snark · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just how accurate is Mr Hale's book?
There have been accusations of many discrepancies and inaccuracies during his telling.
It has been further reported that a number of people that the author claims to have provided personal comments have told the Police that they have never spoken to him or have been misquoted.
It has also been reported that since his release Stephen Downing has confessed to being guilty on three occasions.

[Melita Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could not put this book down.

Whilst reading this book I felt the frustration felt by the author and Stephen Downing as they tried to prove Stephen's innocence.

There were a few duplications, however the author really drew you into the case. The book does remember the original vicitim Wendy as well as the other victim Stephen.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing book that you really get drawn into. I cant believe that this went on for so long and that people were so determined to keep it covered up and quiet.
I admire Don Hale and all that helped with this investigation/book that they didn't bow to the threats and fear they received and for not giving up on Stephen.
Also for keeping Wendy remembered throughout.

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid account of the miscarriage of justice suffered by Stephen Downing. This e-book edition suffers from a very poor transfer unfortunately.