Horizon Season 2002 Episode 12 The A6 Murder

The Horizon season 2002 episode 12, titled "The A6 Murder," is a fascinating exploration of one of the most notorious murder cases in British history. In 1961, James Hanratty was found guilty of the brutal killing of Michael Gregsten and the rape of his girlfriend, Valerie Storie, on the A6 road in Bedfordshire. Hanratty was executed in 1962, but his guilt has always been in question, with many claiming that he was wrongly convicted.

This episode of Horizon takes a deep dive into the case, examining the evidence that led to Hanratty's conviction and the arguments put forward by those who believe he was innocent. The program starts by outlining the facts of the case, recounting the events of the night of the murder and the subsequent investigation, which led to Hanratty's arrest months later.

The episode then goes on to explore the evidence presented in court, including eyewitness testimony, ballistics evidence, and DNA evidence. The program analyzes each piece of evidence in detail, questioning its reliability and exploring alternative explanations. For example, eyewitness testimony from Valerie Storie was crucial to Hanratty's conviction, but the program shows how her identification of Hanratty at the police station may have been influenced by the suggestive manner in which the identification was conducted.

Horizon also investigates the ballistics evidence, which suggested that the gun found in Hanratty's possession had fired the bullets retrieved from the scene of the crime. The program looks at the science behind ballistics analysis, demonstrating how easy it is to make incorrect conclusions based on this type of evidence.

Perhaps the most significant part of the program is its exploration of the DNA evidence. In the early 2000s, new DNA testing techniques were used to re-examine the evidence from the case. The results were surprising, with DNA found on the material used to bind Valerie Storie being a match for Hanratty. The program delves into the science behind DNA testing, explaining how the results can be interpreted and why the DNA evidence in this case is still contested.

Throughout the episode, Horizon speaks to a range of experts, including forensic scientists, legal scholars, and criminologists. Each expert offers their unique take on the case, providing insightful perspectives on the different elements of the evidence. The program also highlights the emotional toll that the case has had on those involved, including Valerie Storie, who lost the ability to walk and lived with the trauma of the attack for the rest of her life.

Overall, Horizon's "The A6 Murder" is a thought-provoking examination of one of the most controversial criminal cases in British history. Whether or not Hanratty was guilty, the program highlights the flaws in the criminal justice system and the need for reliable, scientific evidence to ensure that justice is served.