EXCLUSIVE - True Crime Journalist Don Hale's fight to clear Stephen Downing of a murder he did not commit. TOWN WITHOUT PITY - the hardback book became a runaway best seller when first published and this is the first time the story has been told since - and indeed, the very first time it has been exclusively released as a digital download via Amazon Kindle. Don Hale is an award winning investigative journalist and author. Three times he has taken the Journalist of the Year title, and he was awarded an OBE in 2002 for his outstanding campaign journalism. He has written about seven other true crime, crime novels, and major books and three have become best sellers with two used for films - including a BBC two-part TV drama for Town Without Pity - which attracted over 9m audience and starred Stephen Tompkinson and Caroline Katz amongst others. Don was the real life Derbyshire journalist who campaigned tirelessly for the release of a man wrongly jailed for murder yet spent 27 year plus behind bars. Town Without Pity documented his campaign and revealed vital evidence that helped to clear Stephen Downing, and considers who was potentially responsible for the brutal 1973 murder of Wendy Sewell in a Bakewell cemetery. It became known by the media as the 'Bakewell Tart, murder. The book was later used as the basis for this dramatic two-part TV edition which was re-named 'In Denial of Murder,' which was Don's preferred title for the book. The film was later distributed around the world by BBC World Service. Since this case, Do has helped investigate and celebrate the releases of three other high profile prisoners - jailed for murders or serious crimes that they did not commit - including that of Barry George - now cleared of the killing of TV star Jill Dando.
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.
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.
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.