Main content

An Eye for a Killing – 3. The Innocent and the Guilty

In his prison cell, William Burke confesses to 16 murders in the space of ten months. Jamie Wilson, a young boy living on the streets of Edinburgh, is one of his victims.

Welcome to hell. The true story of Scotland’s notorious serial killers, Burke and Hare.

In his prison cell, William Burke confesses to a journalist that he took part in 16 murders in the space of ten months.

Jamie Wilson, a young boy living by his wits on the streets of Edinburgh, is one of the victims murdered by Burke and Hare. Neither man is charged with his death – but Jamie’s relatives continue to seek justice.

In the witness box at the High Court, Hare’s wife, Margaret, also accuses Burke of killing Madgy Docherty - who had travelled from Ireland to Edinburgh in search of her son.

Powerful five-part drama-documentary series from Â鶹Éç Radio 4 with bonus scenes on Â鶹Éç Sounds.

Written and dramatised by Colin MacDonald.

Narrator ….. Jack Lowden
Burke ….. Gavin Mitchell
Galbraith ….. Andy Clark
Jamie ….. Kyle Gardiner
Bobbie ….. James Rottger
Margaret Hare ….. Lucianne McEvoy
Madgy Docherty ….. Maureen Carr
Robert Knox ….. Simon Donaldson
Sir William Rae ….. Stuart McQuarrie
Other parts played by the cast.

Producer/director: Bruce Young

Available now

29 minutes

Broadcast

  • Fri 12 May 2023 14:15

How can a house just disappear?

How can a house just disappear?

The incredible true story of the vanishing house on a remote island.

Podcast