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Episode 5

Top criminal barristers investigate the 1937 murder of a young lady in Leighton Buzzard, found strangled to death with her own scarf in an alley known as a local ‘lovers lane’.

Top criminal barristers Sasha Wass and Jeremy Dein investigate the murder of a young lady found partially naked, lying in an alley known as a local ‘lovers lane’.

Leighton Buzzard, 1937. A railway workman on his way to start his shift discovered the partially naked body of a young adult female. The victim was quickly identified as 23-year-old Ruby Keen, a popular local woman. She had been strangled with her own scarf, and her clothes were ripped off, sparking suspicion of sexual assault.

Ruby had been due to marry her policeman fiancé in the summer, but she spent much of that Sunday evening drinking with her ex-boyfriend, Leslie George Stone. Stone quickly came under suspicion and further investigation led to several eyewitnesses placing him near the scene of the crime. He was soon charged with murder, and after a two-day trial, at which Stone's account of the night dramatically changed, he was found guilty of murder and hanged.

More than 80 years later, Stone’s nieces, Mary and Rose, cannot believe their uncle committed such a heinous crime. They want to learn more about his character and the case that was kept a secret from them by their mother.

Jeremy and Sasha delve deep into the archives to re-examine witness testimony and forensic evidence which was groundbreaking for its day and includes physical exhibits that still exist in the Metropolitan Police’s crime museum.

Leaving no stone unturned, will they be able to find enough new evidence to convince the judge that Leslie’s conviction for murder was unsafe?

44 minutes

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Jeremy Dein
Presenter Sasha Wass
Executive Producer Mike Benson
Production Department Michael Klokkos
Production Manager Zlatina Rankova
Producer Lorna Hartnett
Series Producer Simon Cooper

Broadcasts