What happens when the world’s most prolific serial killer finally loses control?
In Part 2 of our two-part special on Dr. Harold Shipman, hosts Martin Brunt and Helen Fospero uncover what happened after Britain’s most infamous GP was found guilty of murdering his patients — and how his shocking suicide inside Wakefield Prison denied families the truth they so desperately sought.
Returning to the studio is true crime journalist and author Jean Ritchie, co-writer of Prescription for Murder: The True Story of Harold Shipman. Together, they explore Shipman’s life behind bars, his chilling refusal to admit guilt, and the final calculated act that left his victims’ families without justice.
From his manipulative relationships in prison to the cold reasoning behind his suicide, this episode examines how Shipman’s need for control endured until his last breath. Martin and Helen also discuss the Shipman Inquiry, led by Dame Janet Smith, which uncovered the full extent of his crimes — more than 250 confirmed murders, possibly over 300 — and how it reshaped the safeguards within British medicine.
Finally, we hear how the community of Hyde began to heal, with the creation of the Garden of Tranquility memorial, and how Shipman’s legacy continues to influence every doctor-patient relationship today.
True Criminals reveals how the case of Harold Shipman not only redefined evil but also transformed the systems meant to protect us — a story of betrayal, accountability, and the enduring pursuit of truth.
Read Jean’s book: Harold Shipman – Prescription for Murderhttps://www.amazon.co.uk/Prescription-Murder-Story-Harold-Shipman/dp/0751529982
Support the ShowListen ad free and access our full catalogue, including a True Criminals coffee mug, on Patreon at www.patreon.com/truecriminals.As an independent podcast, we rely on listener support. You can also donate via PayPalhttps://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=YQVFJR5766BJE
Follow True CriminalsFollow us on Instagram at @true.criminals and subscribe to our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@True-Criminals.
Connect with Martin BruntFollow Martin on Twitter at @skymartinbrunt. Discover more about his career and the cases he’s covered by reading his book, No One Got Cracked Over the Head for No Reason: Dispatches from a Crime Reporter, available here: https://amzn.eu/d/g1WisSY.
Connect with Helen FosperoFollow Helen on Instagram at @helenfospero and check out her podcast, The Convex Conversation, here: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-convex-conversation/id1510209575.
Credits
True Criminals is produced by Audio Bleach Global.Visit www.audiobleachglobal.com/truecriminals for more information.
Executive Producer: Lee MannProducer: Russell BarnesAudio Production: Andrew ChappellMusic Composition: Chap MannequinArtwork: Bleached
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