999: Killer on the Line? (2016–…): Season 1, Episode 2 - Jermey - full transcript
The story of Alan Jermey, a martial arts expert from Surrey who murdered his partner after she told him she had fallen in love with her boss.
(PHONE RINGS)
Fire and rescue?
(NARRATOR)
There are 80,000 emergency calls
made every day in the UK.
Hello. What's the problem?
It's the police.
Who stole your money?
Some are more serious than others.
(PHONE RINGING)
Lay the little boy
flat on his back for me now.
I just laid him flat on his back.
On rare occasions,
the call is to report a death.
Emergency Service.
(SIRENS)
But what if the caller...
Right, she's not moving at all?
..is in fact, a killer?
On the evening of August 26, 2008,
emergency services received
a call to report a house fire.
(ALARM RINGING)
Request is reported.
Greenmeads, Steve.
Do you know it?
Yeah, I know where that is.
OK, let's go.
The person's reported fire,
so, we're really anxious,
we want to get there
as quickly as possible.
We know that members of the public
are potentially inside a building
um, with flame and smoke.
(SIRENS)
As the fire service
arrived on the scene,
they immediately began to search
for people inside the home.
We had been informed
by a member of the public
that there was potentially
somebody still in the property.
Firefighters searched
the living room.
They made a shocking discovery.
A burned body with no sign of life.
Alan was quite smart, um...
He always seemed a bit aloof,
a bit alone.
I think Alan was very private.
He kept himself to himself.
Morning, love.
You right to pick
the kids up from school today?
Kirsty was vibrant, loving,
energetic, funny.
You going to training this weekend?
Thought we could take
the kids to the cinema.
Long blonde hair, tall, slim.
She was just great, really.
Cartoon, something musical,
you know the things I like.
Although the couple had been
together nearly eight years,
they had never married,
but had two young children together.
Both Kirsty and Alan had successful
careers in the car industry.
Kirsty was the manager
of a Mercedes dealership.
A lot of people worked under her.
I think she had about 10 or 12 chaps
working under her.
Morning, boss.
Hi, Ryan.
How you doing?
Yeah, good.
She used to go to Germany,
test all the new cars,
so, she had a really,
really good job, you know.
Well, if you need me
to help you close the deal,
you know where to find me.
Will do.
Good luck.
Keep me posted.
Alan also worked
in the car industry
as the manager of a VW dealership
near Heathrow airport.
According to his friends,
it was an unexpected career choice
for a man of such few words.
Back at home, Alan's spare time
was taken up by his passion
for martial arts.
I could see him practising
if I was upstairs in our bedroom,
which overlooked their back garden.
I'm back!
The meeting got cut short,
thank god.
Alan!
To him, she was so outgoing.
You know, so vivacious
and so full of life.
You know? She would talk
and chat to anybody.
Alan!
Come and have a drink with me.
I'm getting lonely in here.
We didn't see them
together very much.
Count the times really.
Spoke to Mum today.
She's desperate to see the kids.
Wondering when we're going to go up.
I thought maybe next weekend.
But then half term's
only two weeks away,
we could go then, make a
couple of weeks of it.
Might be quite nice.
Take the kids to the farm.
Alan, I haven't finished.
Oh, yeah. Sorry.
Anyway...
Yeah, I thought maybe Mum and Dad
could have the kids one night.
We could go for dinner.
What do you think?
Next weekend or shall
we wait till half term?
Whatever you think.
The children seemed well-behaved
and you wouldn't think
anything was wrong, really,
to be honest.
If there's a bond, you can see...
There's something, isn't there?
Don't stay up too late.
I won't.
I wouldn't have thought
they were matched at all, no.
I wouldn't have put them together if
they were the last people on earth.
But you don't know what
goes on behind closed doors, do you?
Ever.
To those who knew Alan and Kirsty,
it was clear the spark
had gone out of the relationship.
At Kirsty's workplace, a new
friendship had begun to blossom.
Hi, Simon, how are you?
Great, thanks.
How's things?
All good.
Simon Goddard
was the managing director
at Kirsty's
Mercedes-Benz dealership.
They had met years earlier,
when Kirsty began as a trainee.
We should be getting
the new line any day now.
Amazing.
I can't wait.
Do you want to
grab some lunch later?
Absolutely.
I've got a possible client at 12:00.
1:00?
I'll come knocking.
See you later.
You're home late.
Meetings.
Anything interesting?
No.
Just a standard day.
I'm off to bed.
Exhausted.
(PHONE BUZZES)
As work colleagues,
Kirsty and Simon Goddard
spent ever more time together.
Are we offering part
exchange on these?
Absolutely.
It's a great model.
I think they'll sell really well.
Can we do lunch again?
Really?
I like spending time with you.
You make me happy.
Where's this going, Simon?
I...
..like you Kirsty.
I'm with Alan.
And you're married,
we've both got children.
Are you happy?
Yes.
No.
Sometimes.
I think we'd be happy together.
How can you say that?
I'm sorry.
But Simon's interest
in Kirsty
had opened her mind
to the possibility of happiness
in a relationship beyond Alan.
(AN ALARM BEEPING)
Oh, my God.
Alan!
What?
You've burnt the dinner.
What on earth have you been doing?
I forgot.
Oh, for God's sake,
I don't ask a lot from you.
I was upstairs.
Really?
Just pathetic!
We did hear a massive row going on.
I like you, Kirsty.
Any plans for the weekend?
Probably mow the lawn.
I meant with me and the kids.
No.
Alan.
Hmm?
Do you ever think that we might not
always be together?
What do you mean?
We've got two
beautiful children together
and that's never going to change
but maybe we're just not the same
people we were ten years ago.
Have you met someone?
Alan.
This is about you and me
and our future happiness.
Yeah, and I want to be with you.
But you never say that.
Oh, I don't know how
to do that kind of...
Alan.
I'll always love you.
But I just think our relationship's
run its course.
Some people do fall out of love
and they're not going to make it.
I'm going to start sleeping
in the spare room from now on.
Personally, I didn't think
they got on, really.
I don't think they did.
What was evident to people was that
Kirsty intended to leave Alan.
What was clear at that point, was
that the relationship had finished.
(SIRENS)
(PHONE RINGING)
After nearly 10 years together
and two children,
Alan and Kirsty's relationship
had reached its end.
I'll always love you.
But I just think our relationship's
run its course.
Simon, how are you?
But for Kirsty,
a fresh chance at happiness
had emerged in the form of her
work colleague, Simon Goddard.
I like you, Kirsty.
You make me happy.
What was evident to people was that
Kirsty intended to leave Alan.
What was clear at that point was
that the relationship had finished.
I cooked.
I can see.
Candlelit dinner for two.
Alan.
It is hidden talents.
I really appreciate
what you've done here Alan,
but it's not going to change
the way I feel about things.
I'm not going to lose you.
I've met someone, Alan.
But I can change.
I can do more round the house,
I can stop going to martial arts.
I just needed you to pay me
some attention.
It's like you don't even live here.
You're so distant,
it's like living with a stranger.
I just wanted someone
to share things with.
For Kirsty, she had made her choice.
She had decided that
she wanted to be with Simon.
Clearly, her relationship
with Alan had failed.
They'd had two children,
they'd been together for some years,
but as far as she was concerned,
it had now run its course.
Having confessed her feelings
to Alan,
Kirsty now felt she could pursue
a relationship with Simon.
I think it's going to be OK.
How is he?
As you'd expect, I suppose.
It's caused a bit of a shock.
I can't tell you how happy I feel.
Let's just take it slow.
OK?
Kirsty had obviously met
Simon through work.
That relationship had
developed from a friendship
clearly into a relationship.
Hi, how are you?
Where are you?
At a demonstration.
How's it going?
That was fairly obvious
to those around Kirsty.
But I do recall that many
people around Alan,
didn't, even themselves, know.
You going to come out with the lads
on Friday?
No, I've got
a family thing happening.
Come on Alan,
you see your wife all the time.
Just see some of the girls
at this bar down in town.
There is no one
prettier than Kirsty, mate.
No, I think Alan had
kept it to himself.
Whether that was because
he was a very private individual
or perhaps in denial,
only Alan will know.
But certainly,
those around Alan
weren't as aware about the split
as those that were around Kirsty.
The couple continued to live
together and as the months passed,
it appeared that Alan had finally
accepted the relationship was over.
Hi.
Kirsty didn't want to hide
the relationship,
she was very honest with Alan
and very upfront.
Did you have a good day?
Not bad thanks.
Kids alright?
Yeah, I've just put them down now.
Thanks.
Alan had even composed
a letter to Kirsty,
outlining his past mistakes
and offering his blessing
for her future happiness.
"I'm sitting, writing this card"
"and I can only imagine
the pain and torment"
"I have caused you over the years."
"If only I knew then
what I know now."
"Yes, I am finding it difficult"
"to come to terms
with you leaving me"
"but I do accept
this is what you want."
"If only I could
turn back the clock."
"Alan."
It's from Alan.
What's it say?
That he's sorry.
Basically.
That he wants the best for me.
Do you think he means it?
Yeah.
What does that mean for us?
Now?
That we can be together.
Simon was probably
the love of her life,
and he, the love of hers,
I think.
I would say the relationship
was very serious.
Kirsty wanted to be with him
and she was looking forward
to the next chapter of her life.
As Alan and Kirsty's separation
looked to become permanent,
the couple discussed
the practicalities
of going their
separate ways.
So, I was thinking we should
put the house on the market.
What do you think?
I just haven't really
thought about it.
Fresh start, you know.
Can't stay living like this forever.
It's probably a good idea.
Are you OK with this?
I just thought you'd want to get on
and find your own place.
Yeah, sure.
I think we should decorate it
before we put it up.
Sure.
I'll call the agents
if you can sort out the decorator.
No problem.
I'll speak to Clive.
Yeah, OK.
Bye.
See you tonight.
So, Kirsty and Alan,
for all intents and purposes,
were going to go
their separate ways.
They were decorating the house,
the house was going to be sold.
They said, oh know, could you
decorate a couple of bedrooms?
There was no reason.
But obviously, the reason was
they wanted to sell the house.
With the children put to bed
and Kirsty watching TV
in the lounge,
Alan retired to bed.
But woke around 11:40 PM
by the smell of smoke.
With the staircase
filling with smoke,
Alan rushed to wake his children.
Girls, wake up, there's a fire.
We need to get in the bathroom,
come on.
With the children
safely in the bathroom,
Alan telephoned
to alert the fire service.
Get in the bath,
you're going to be safe.
(PHONE RINGING)
Fire and rescue.
Hello.
I've got, um, smoke in my house.
I've got two young
children in the house.
OK, what's the address?
Greenmeads.
Greenmeads in Woking, Mayford.
Just in the bath.
I'm upstairs,
the fire was downstairs.
I'm not sure if it was just smoke
coming from upstairs.
Right. OK. So, you're not able to
get out at the moment?
I don't...
I'm... Not at the moment.
And I've got two young
children upstairs.
Right, OK.
Hello. If, if you just
stay on the line with me.
The fire brigade
are on their way, OK?
They're going to be with you
in a couple of minutes.
Have you got anything you can put
just under the door?
Yes, I've got towels.
OK.
You shut the door?
OK. Have you... Is that the bottom
of the door you've blocked up there?
I've just, yeah...
Yeah, that will just
prevent any smoke coming in.
Now, one other thing...
The only thing is...
Yeah?
(SIRENS)
(PHONE RINGING)
On the night of 26 August, Alan
woke to the smell of smoke.
He immediately woke up his children
and called the emergency services.
I'm upstairs,
the fire was downstairs.
I'm not sure if it was just smoke
coming from upstairs.
Right, OK. So, you're not able to
get out at the moment?
I don't...
I'm... Not at the moment.
And I've got
two young children upstairs.
Right, OK.
Hello. If, if you just stay
on the line with me.
The fire brigade are on their way,
OK?
They're going to be with you
in a couple of minutes.
10 kilmetres across town,
the local fire service received
a call to a house fire.
(ALARM SOUNDING)
On this particular incidence,
crew would have
be there within five minutes.
Request is reported.
Greenmeads, Steve.
Do you know it?
Yeah, I know where that is.
OK, let's go.
We know that members of the public
are potentially inside a building
with flame and smoke.
(SIRENS)
Still on the phone
to the emergency operator,
Alan revealed a shocking detail.
The only thing is...
Yeah?
I don't know where my partner is.
Right.
Um...
Do... Is, is... Um, do you think
she's in the house? Or...
Yeah, she's...
I went to bed early.
Right. Yeah, what's,
what's the name of your partner?
Kirsty. Kirsty.
Kirsty.
OK, alright.
We'll let the crews know.
(SIRENS)
All I just thought
there's a house fire.
That the house was on fire,
'cause there was smoke everywhere.
On my arrival,
there was a large amount of smoke
coming out of the property.
Which indicated a significant fire.
I just heard this awful scream.
It was really awful.
But then I got up to the window,
to see a ladder
up to the bathroom window
with a fireman
carrying this child out.
Watch your footing.
We had been informed
by a member of the public
that there was potentially somebody
still in the property.
Obviously, it raises significant
pressure to me and the crews
because we don't like losing people.
We sent crews upstairs
because it's quite late at night.
So, the logic would be that people
will be upstairs in bedrooms.
We also then deployed
crews to tackle the fire
to protect the fire crews.
We asked the gentleman, after we'd
rescued him from the property,
and he'd indicated that there was
somebody in the building,
we then later asked him
who that person was
and he said it was his wife.
The fire service immediately swept
the house looking for Kirsty.
At which point,
she was discovered by fire officers
downstairs in the lounge.
And it was at that stage,
we identified a...
unfortunately,
a lady laying on the floor.
There's been heat and flame and
there's a damage to the building.
So, the survival is unlikely.
She's gone.
My recollection
of the casualty's injuries
was that there was significant
skin damage
and burning to the head and arms
and a bit on the shoulder.
And that was quite
close to the sofa.
So, it wasn't a casualty
laying on the floor, as an example,
overcome with smoke.
There had been some fire
damage as well.
(SIRENS)
(PHONE RINGING)
Within minutes of the fire service
discovering Kirsty's body,
the police were
summoned to the scene.
(SIRENS)
The police were
called by the fire brigade.
I think it was about just after
midnight on 28 August.
And of course, the police
would be called in any event
where there's
a fatality in a house fire.
Because, of course,
that has to be investigated.
Fire brigade had already been there,
paramedics were there.
What we knew then was that
Kirsty, sadly, had died, um,
Alan and the children
had gone off to hospital,
and at that point
we start our investigation.
The fire crews' initial instincts
were that the fire
had been started deliberately.
To cause significant damage
of some casualty's skin,
there has to be a heat source.
There was quite a strong
smell of some form of vapour.
From experience,
it would indicate to me that it
was a fuel type vapour.
The police also pick up
on inconsistencies
between Alan's account...
Yeah, there's smoke everywhere.
There's fire downstairs.
And what the first responders
witnessed at the scene.
(SIRENS)
The account was given by Alan
on the phone call
certainly wasn't
what the firefighters found
when they arrived
at the scene.
Now, Alan has described
an awful lot of smoke
when he phoned the operator,
he talked about a bang,
he talked about lots of smoke.
But what the firefighters
say was very evident
when they got in, was that there was
not a lot of smoke.
They could breathe quite easily,
and they could see quite easily,
certainly in the hallway.
So, it... That again, didn't add up.
They found a smouldering petrol
can in the downstairs toilet.
Um... So, straight away,
your suspicions are aroused
because there is a petrol
canister in a downstairs toilet,
a fire, and sadly, Kirsty,
who's died.
So, straight away you know
this isn't an accident.
A key bit of information
very early on
was that the paramedics themselves
were concerned because the condition
in which they found Kirsty
suggested she may have been dead
longer than what the fire
and the phone calls would suggest.
So, that in itself
was highly suspicious.
When you speak
to the firefighters,
when you speak
to the ambulance crew,
they all described Alan
as being very calm.
Some of them say that he didn't
ask about Kirsty for some time.
But the second thing, for me,
that you do
is try and understand,
"How's Kirsty?"
"Where is she? Can I get to her?
Is she alive?"
There was none of that.
It just didn't seem right.
But very quickly,
we formed the view
that Kirsty had been murdered
and that we suspected
Alan may have been involved.
So, by about 3:00 that morning,
Alan was arrested for murder.
Alan, I'd like you to build
a picture...
Despite the accusations
levelled against him,
Alan remained calm
under questioning by the police.
Ah, well, I went to bed
quite early,
not long after the kids, we'd...
I'd just given them bath time,
tea time...
He talks about taking one of his
daughters to bed around about 8:30.
And we know that
that daughter would watch
the Disney Channel before going
to bed, as a matter of routine.
When I attended the scene,
I turned on the telly,
and when I turned it on I discovered
it was paused on the Disney Channel.
Now, that was a vital bit of
evidence because Alan's account
is that he left Kirsty downstairs
in the front room
watching television.
She was still watching
'Big Brother',
so, it's probably about 9 PM.
Yet the television showed
that it was paused
on the Disney Channel
which probably was the same program
that his daughter was watching
before she went to bed.
So, the suggestion that Kirsty
was watching telly, was a lie.
Well, what alerted you to the fire?
It was 11:00. I woke up
'cause I could smell smoke
and I was first
concerned with the kids,
so, I went and grabbed them
and got them into the bathroom.
And did you go downstairs
to inspect the fire?
No, I stayed upstairs.
Alan was interviewed...
and in his interview,
Alan says he hears the bang,
he sees the smoke,
he takes the children
out of the upstairs bathroom window,
and is rescued by the fire brigade.
Completely denies being
involved in her murder.
He denies setting the fire,
denies knowing anything about it.
That's right.
But what do you think
caused the fire?
Ah, could have been anything,
really.
If she was cooking and fell asleep,
that could have caused it, or...
You know, we have a lot
of electrical things plugged in.
The feedback coming from the team,
and certainly what I witnessed, was
one of a very cold and clinical man.
That's right.
If I'd been sat
in an interview room,
having been arrested
for the murder of my partner,
which I hadn't done,
I think it's fair to say
I would be beside myself.
I think any reasonable person
would be devastated.
Alan was just very controlled,
calm, and cold.
(SIRENS)
(PHONE RINGING)
The discovery of Kirsty's
scorched body
prompted
a police investigation.
They found a smouldering petrol
can in the downstairs toilet.
There was quite a strong
smell of some form of vapour.
Almost immediately, investigators
believed Kirsty was murdered.
And the fire deliberately set.
Her partner, Alan, was arrested
on suspicion of her murder.
Well, of course,
during the investigation,
Alan is in police
custody for some days.
And during that investigation,
as we get new evidence,
new information,
we put that to Alan.
So, he would have been
subject
to maybe several interviews
through that time.
I can sleep through most things...
It was clear that Alan had motive.
Kirsty was looking to leave him,
there was some inference that he
wasn't accepting of that,
and clearly, she had experienced
one or two instances where
she was worried about his behaviour.
The thought of Kirsty
in a new relationship
had driven Alan
to spy on his former partner.
Although now sleeping
in separate bedrooms,
Kirsty told Simon that she suspected
Alan was reading her text messages
while she was asleep.
Kirsty had told a friend
that she was frightened
and her friend had said
for her to get out.
She was scared of Alan.
As the police continued
their investigation,
a more vivid picture began to emerge
of the couple's relationship.
On the surface,
Alan had presented an image
that he had accepted the split.
"...but I do accept this
is what you want."
There was no reason to suspect
that Alan hadn't accepted that news
and himself
was looking to move forward.
He talked about even going on a date
with a dating website,
but nonetheless, for me,
just because someone goes on a date,
doesn't necessarily mean
deep inside that they are accepting
that that relationship is over.
We looked on his laptop
and what was clear
is that shortly before the days
leading up to her death,
was that there was a letter that had
been written on the computer
which clearly was a... for me,
a declaration of love
from Alan to Kirsty,
which effectively was pleading
with her not to go.
"Dear Kirsty,"
"Thank you for the last
nine and a half years."
"I know I could have done
so much more for you"
"and wish I could prove to you that
I can make you my priority."
So, whilst Alan, on the face of it,
appeared to be all,
to those around him, was accepting
of the situation,
I actually don't think that was
necessarily true
underneath the surface.
Clearly, he was still
reluctant to let Kirsty go.
It was clear to police
that Alan was not willing
to let Kirsty fall into the arms
of another man.
A thorough search of the home
revealed a further clue
as to Alan's
state of mind.
During our search of the house,
we found upstairs in the wardrobe,
in Kirsty and Alan's bedroom,
what can only be described
as a stun gun.
Clearly, of interest
to my investigation
and understanding
why that was there.
When we looked at the computers
within the house,
we established that that stun gun
had been bought on Alan's computer,
but it had been bought in Kirsty's
name and on her bank account.
Now, we know or we suspect
that arrived in a parcel
which Kirsty took in.
I just signed for a parcel
but I didn't order anything.
Yeah, sorry.
I must've put the wrong name on it.
Oh, what is it?
Just some DVDs.
Oh. OK.
And certainly, when we tested it,
the stun gun was working
and it was capable
of incapacitating somebody.
Whether that was used on Kirsty
or not, it is difficult to say.
Kirsty's body underwent an autopsy
that confirmed
she was killed
before the fire was started.
Now, anybody that dies in a fire,
you would expect some inhalation of
smoke, soot, or otherwise.
There was none of that
in her airways
and also be found
bruising at the base of her neck.
So, clearly we knew that she wasn't
breathing at the time
the fire was started.
She was clearly dead then.
Um, and it's fair to say that we
believe she'd been strangled.
After five months held in custody,
the murder trial of Alan Jermey
began in August 2009.
There was concern.
I would say, you know,
that I was anxious.
The evidence
that we put before the jury,
some of it was
circumstantial evidence
and some of it on its own,
didn't mean a lot.
So, he was standing
there with a suit on, smug,
unbelievably smug, you know.
Just standing there,
as if butter wouldn't melt in his
mouth, sort of thing, you know?
During the trial,
Alan stuck to his story.
He said, ultimately,
he hadn't done it,
he had no problem
with them separating.
So much so,
that he'd even been on a date.
He talked about, um, that this
must've been somebody else.
Somebody other than him
had come into that house,
had killed Kirsty, and had taken
the time to find a petrol can,
to pour petrol, to set fire,
and leave that property.
There was no way on earth
that this wasn't Alan.
But he stuck through
his story throughout.
He remained cold, considered,
and clinical.
Over the course of the trial,
the prosecution presented
a very different version
of what had happened
on the night of August 26.
It was difficult to know exactly
what happened on that front room.
What we do know,
is that he says he'd put
one of his daughters to bed
just before going out.
Alan had gone out to get
some money from the cashpoint
about 8:30
from the petrol station.
He'd filled up his car.
What I also know...
Kirsty sent a text to Simon about...
About 9:10, 9:11 that evening,
asking him his evening had gone.
He'd been out with a business
associate or a colleague.
Simon texted her back probably
about 9:20 and didn't get any reply.
And he again texted her
about 9:30 to say, "Hey."
And again, didn't get any reply,
which Simon says was highly unusual.
The police believed Alan
returned from the petrol station
and a confrontation began.
(STUN GUN FIRING)
Whatever physical attack happened,
the police pathologist was sure that
Kirsty was strangled to death.
We found bruising
at the base of her neck.
Clearly, we knew
that she wasn't breathing
at the time
the fire was started.
It's fair to say, that we
believe she'd been strangled.
An added clue
to the police's strangling theory
had emerged
during Alan's first interview.
When Alan talks about the events
prior to going to bed,
he also says
and quite interestingly,
is that Kirsty had a...
I think he described it
as a sore neck or a sore back.
But he says he gives her
a back and neck massage.
Given it's quite an intimate
thing between two people to do,
it just didn't feel right
that Alan's suggesting
that Kirsty allowed him to massage
her back and her neck.
So, for me, the reason he's told us
about giving her
a back and neck massage,
I think he's worried about we would
potentially find forensics evidence
on her or otherwise,
that would suggest that he had
his hands in or around on her neck.
The prosecution contested
that Alan had strangled Kirsty
and then set her alight
using the can of petrol
police have found behind
the downstairs toilet.
He could have called the police,
he could have called 999
and said, "It's tragic."
"We've had an argument.
It's gone too far."
"I've hurt Kirsty."
But instead,
he decided to think about
how he was going to
conceal that crime
by setting fire
to that front room.
And I've got no doubt,
he thought that fire would rage
and destroy any evidence.
But it didn't.
It didn't take
as much as he thought it would.
If you talk to any police officer,
anybody involved
in any type of trial,
you sit there
looking at the jury.
Trying to second-guess what's
going through their mind.
Alan, he had motive.
Kirsty was leaving him.
The evidence in the front room.
The lack of smoke in the property.
The accounts that he
gave during interview.
His demeanour on the phone call.
The only thing is...
Yeah?
I don't know where my partner is.
Right. Ah, yeah. What's, what's the
name of your partner?
Kristy. Kirsty.
Kirsty.
When you put it all together,
the big jig-saw,
it presents quite a compelling case.
But it was down to the jury.
And when they're asked by the
court to deliver their verdict,
that moment between that question
and their answer
seems like an eternity.
We the jury, find the accused...
Guilty as charged.
They came back, absolutely right,
with a unanimous verdict.
Guilty.
He had remained cold,
clinical and fairly calculated
to the point their verdict
was delivered, and I think,
in some parts,
that is what the jury saw
and help them
make their decision.
Well, he's never admitted it
anyway, so...
He said, and probably still says,
that he didn't do it.
There's mum, there's never...
Said he didn't do it.
He swore on the Bible that he didn't
kill her and she believes him.
Well, as a mother perhaps you would.
I mean, I don't think
there was a question about it.
When the verdict comes through,
it's an emotional time.
Primarily for the family, of course.
Because this has been
a long journey.
Long time coming.
But that will leave a mark
with them forever.
Simon was devastated.
The family are devastated.
Because even a guilty verdict
doesn't bring Kirsty back.
Kirsty was somebody that had
everything to live for
and tragically
had her life cut short.
Fire and rescue?
(NARRATOR)
There are 80,000 emergency calls
made every day in the UK.
Hello. What's the problem?
It's the police.
Who stole your money?
Some are more serious than others.
(PHONE RINGING)
Lay the little boy
flat on his back for me now.
I just laid him flat on his back.
On rare occasions,
the call is to report a death.
Emergency Service.
(SIRENS)
But what if the caller...
Right, she's not moving at all?
..is in fact, a killer?
On the evening of August 26, 2008,
emergency services received
a call to report a house fire.
(ALARM RINGING)
Request is reported.
Greenmeads, Steve.
Do you know it?
Yeah, I know where that is.
OK, let's go.
The person's reported fire,
so, we're really anxious,
we want to get there
as quickly as possible.
We know that members of the public
are potentially inside a building
um, with flame and smoke.
(SIRENS)
As the fire service
arrived on the scene,
they immediately began to search
for people inside the home.
We had been informed
by a member of the public
that there was potentially
somebody still in the property.
Firefighters searched
the living room.
They made a shocking discovery.
A burned body with no sign of life.
Alan was quite smart, um...
He always seemed a bit aloof,
a bit alone.
I think Alan was very private.
He kept himself to himself.
Morning, love.
You right to pick
the kids up from school today?
Kirsty was vibrant, loving,
energetic, funny.
You going to training this weekend?
Thought we could take
the kids to the cinema.
Long blonde hair, tall, slim.
She was just great, really.
Cartoon, something musical,
you know the things I like.
Although the couple had been
together nearly eight years,
they had never married,
but had two young children together.
Both Kirsty and Alan had successful
careers in the car industry.
Kirsty was the manager
of a Mercedes dealership.
A lot of people worked under her.
I think she had about 10 or 12 chaps
working under her.
Morning, boss.
Hi, Ryan.
How you doing?
Yeah, good.
She used to go to Germany,
test all the new cars,
so, she had a really,
really good job, you know.
Well, if you need me
to help you close the deal,
you know where to find me.
Will do.
Good luck.
Keep me posted.
Alan also worked
in the car industry
as the manager of a VW dealership
near Heathrow airport.
According to his friends,
it was an unexpected career choice
for a man of such few words.
Back at home, Alan's spare time
was taken up by his passion
for martial arts.
I could see him practising
if I was upstairs in our bedroom,
which overlooked their back garden.
I'm back!
The meeting got cut short,
thank god.
Alan!
To him, she was so outgoing.
You know, so vivacious
and so full of life.
You know? She would talk
and chat to anybody.
Alan!
Come and have a drink with me.
I'm getting lonely in here.
We didn't see them
together very much.
Count the times really.
Spoke to Mum today.
She's desperate to see the kids.
Wondering when we're going to go up.
I thought maybe next weekend.
But then half term's
only two weeks away,
we could go then, make a
couple of weeks of it.
Might be quite nice.
Take the kids to the farm.
Alan, I haven't finished.
Oh, yeah. Sorry.
Anyway...
Yeah, I thought maybe Mum and Dad
could have the kids one night.
We could go for dinner.
What do you think?
Next weekend or shall
we wait till half term?
Whatever you think.
The children seemed well-behaved
and you wouldn't think
anything was wrong, really,
to be honest.
If there's a bond, you can see...
There's something, isn't there?
Don't stay up too late.
I won't.
I wouldn't have thought
they were matched at all, no.
I wouldn't have put them together if
they were the last people on earth.
But you don't know what
goes on behind closed doors, do you?
Ever.
To those who knew Alan and Kirsty,
it was clear the spark
had gone out of the relationship.
At Kirsty's workplace, a new
friendship had begun to blossom.
Hi, Simon, how are you?
Great, thanks.
How's things?
All good.
Simon Goddard
was the managing director
at Kirsty's
Mercedes-Benz dealership.
They had met years earlier,
when Kirsty began as a trainee.
We should be getting
the new line any day now.
Amazing.
I can't wait.
Do you want to
grab some lunch later?
Absolutely.
I've got a possible client at 12:00.
1:00?
I'll come knocking.
See you later.
You're home late.
Meetings.
Anything interesting?
No.
Just a standard day.
I'm off to bed.
Exhausted.
(PHONE BUZZES)
As work colleagues,
Kirsty and Simon Goddard
spent ever more time together.
Are we offering part
exchange on these?
Absolutely.
It's a great model.
I think they'll sell really well.
Can we do lunch again?
Really?
I like spending time with you.
You make me happy.
Where's this going, Simon?
I...
..like you Kirsty.
I'm with Alan.
And you're married,
we've both got children.
Are you happy?
Yes.
No.
Sometimes.
I think we'd be happy together.
How can you say that?
I'm sorry.
But Simon's interest
in Kirsty
had opened her mind
to the possibility of happiness
in a relationship beyond Alan.
(AN ALARM BEEPING)
Oh, my God.
Alan!
What?
You've burnt the dinner.
What on earth have you been doing?
I forgot.
Oh, for God's sake,
I don't ask a lot from you.
I was upstairs.
Really?
Just pathetic!
We did hear a massive row going on.
I like you, Kirsty.
Any plans for the weekend?
Probably mow the lawn.
I meant with me and the kids.
No.
Alan.
Hmm?
Do you ever think that we might not
always be together?
What do you mean?
We've got two
beautiful children together
and that's never going to change
but maybe we're just not the same
people we were ten years ago.
Have you met someone?
Alan.
This is about you and me
and our future happiness.
Yeah, and I want to be with you.
But you never say that.
Oh, I don't know how
to do that kind of...
Alan.
I'll always love you.
But I just think our relationship's
run its course.
Some people do fall out of love
and they're not going to make it.
I'm going to start sleeping
in the spare room from now on.
Personally, I didn't think
they got on, really.
I don't think they did.
What was evident to people was that
Kirsty intended to leave Alan.
What was clear at that point, was
that the relationship had finished.
(SIRENS)
(PHONE RINGING)
After nearly 10 years together
and two children,
Alan and Kirsty's relationship
had reached its end.
I'll always love you.
But I just think our relationship's
run its course.
Simon, how are you?
But for Kirsty,
a fresh chance at happiness
had emerged in the form of her
work colleague, Simon Goddard.
I like you, Kirsty.
You make me happy.
What was evident to people was that
Kirsty intended to leave Alan.
What was clear at that point was
that the relationship had finished.
I cooked.
I can see.
Candlelit dinner for two.
Alan.
It is hidden talents.
I really appreciate
what you've done here Alan,
but it's not going to change
the way I feel about things.
I'm not going to lose you.
I've met someone, Alan.
But I can change.
I can do more round the house,
I can stop going to martial arts.
I just needed you to pay me
some attention.
It's like you don't even live here.
You're so distant,
it's like living with a stranger.
I just wanted someone
to share things with.
For Kirsty, she had made her choice.
She had decided that
she wanted to be with Simon.
Clearly, her relationship
with Alan had failed.
They'd had two children,
they'd been together for some years,
but as far as she was concerned,
it had now run its course.
Having confessed her feelings
to Alan,
Kirsty now felt she could pursue
a relationship with Simon.
I think it's going to be OK.
How is he?
As you'd expect, I suppose.
It's caused a bit of a shock.
I can't tell you how happy I feel.
Let's just take it slow.
OK?
Kirsty had obviously met
Simon through work.
That relationship had
developed from a friendship
clearly into a relationship.
Hi, how are you?
Where are you?
At a demonstration.
How's it going?
That was fairly obvious
to those around Kirsty.
But I do recall that many
people around Alan,
didn't, even themselves, know.
You going to come out with the lads
on Friday?
No, I've got
a family thing happening.
Come on Alan,
you see your wife all the time.
Just see some of the girls
at this bar down in town.
There is no one
prettier than Kirsty, mate.
No, I think Alan had
kept it to himself.
Whether that was because
he was a very private individual
or perhaps in denial,
only Alan will know.
But certainly,
those around Alan
weren't as aware about the split
as those that were around Kirsty.
The couple continued to live
together and as the months passed,
it appeared that Alan had finally
accepted the relationship was over.
Hi.
Kirsty didn't want to hide
the relationship,
she was very honest with Alan
and very upfront.
Did you have a good day?
Not bad thanks.
Kids alright?
Yeah, I've just put them down now.
Thanks.
Alan had even composed
a letter to Kirsty,
outlining his past mistakes
and offering his blessing
for her future happiness.
"I'm sitting, writing this card"
"and I can only imagine
the pain and torment"
"I have caused you over the years."
"If only I knew then
what I know now."
"Yes, I am finding it difficult"
"to come to terms
with you leaving me"
"but I do accept
this is what you want."
"If only I could
turn back the clock."
"Alan."
It's from Alan.
What's it say?
That he's sorry.
Basically.
That he wants the best for me.
Do you think he means it?
Yeah.
What does that mean for us?
Now?
That we can be together.
Simon was probably
the love of her life,
and he, the love of hers,
I think.
I would say the relationship
was very serious.
Kirsty wanted to be with him
and she was looking forward
to the next chapter of her life.
As Alan and Kirsty's separation
looked to become permanent,
the couple discussed
the practicalities
of going their
separate ways.
So, I was thinking we should
put the house on the market.
What do you think?
I just haven't really
thought about it.
Fresh start, you know.
Can't stay living like this forever.
It's probably a good idea.
Are you OK with this?
I just thought you'd want to get on
and find your own place.
Yeah, sure.
I think we should decorate it
before we put it up.
Sure.
I'll call the agents
if you can sort out the decorator.
No problem.
I'll speak to Clive.
Yeah, OK.
Bye.
See you tonight.
So, Kirsty and Alan,
for all intents and purposes,
were going to go
their separate ways.
They were decorating the house,
the house was going to be sold.
They said, oh know, could you
decorate a couple of bedrooms?
There was no reason.
But obviously, the reason was
they wanted to sell the house.
With the children put to bed
and Kirsty watching TV
in the lounge,
Alan retired to bed.
But woke around 11:40 PM
by the smell of smoke.
With the staircase
filling with smoke,
Alan rushed to wake his children.
Girls, wake up, there's a fire.
We need to get in the bathroom,
come on.
With the children
safely in the bathroom,
Alan telephoned
to alert the fire service.
Get in the bath,
you're going to be safe.
(PHONE RINGING)
Fire and rescue.
Hello.
I've got, um, smoke in my house.
I've got two young
children in the house.
OK, what's the address?
Greenmeads.
Greenmeads in Woking, Mayford.
Just in the bath.
I'm upstairs,
the fire was downstairs.
I'm not sure if it was just smoke
coming from upstairs.
Right. OK. So, you're not able to
get out at the moment?
I don't...
I'm... Not at the moment.
And I've got two young
children upstairs.
Right, OK.
Hello. If, if you just
stay on the line with me.
The fire brigade
are on their way, OK?
They're going to be with you
in a couple of minutes.
Have you got anything you can put
just under the door?
Yes, I've got towels.
OK.
You shut the door?
OK. Have you... Is that the bottom
of the door you've blocked up there?
I've just, yeah...
Yeah, that will just
prevent any smoke coming in.
Now, one other thing...
The only thing is...
Yeah?
(SIRENS)
(PHONE RINGING)
On the night of 26 August, Alan
woke to the smell of smoke.
He immediately woke up his children
and called the emergency services.
I'm upstairs,
the fire was downstairs.
I'm not sure if it was just smoke
coming from upstairs.
Right, OK. So, you're not able to
get out at the moment?
I don't...
I'm... Not at the moment.
And I've got
two young children upstairs.
Right, OK.
Hello. If, if you just stay
on the line with me.
The fire brigade are on their way,
OK?
They're going to be with you
in a couple of minutes.
10 kilmetres across town,
the local fire service received
a call to a house fire.
(ALARM SOUNDING)
On this particular incidence,
crew would have
be there within five minutes.
Request is reported.
Greenmeads, Steve.
Do you know it?
Yeah, I know where that is.
OK, let's go.
We know that members of the public
are potentially inside a building
with flame and smoke.
(SIRENS)
Still on the phone
to the emergency operator,
Alan revealed a shocking detail.
The only thing is...
Yeah?
I don't know where my partner is.
Right.
Um...
Do... Is, is... Um, do you think
she's in the house? Or...
Yeah, she's...
I went to bed early.
Right. Yeah, what's,
what's the name of your partner?
Kirsty. Kirsty.
Kirsty.
OK, alright.
We'll let the crews know.
(SIRENS)
All I just thought
there's a house fire.
That the house was on fire,
'cause there was smoke everywhere.
On my arrival,
there was a large amount of smoke
coming out of the property.
Which indicated a significant fire.
I just heard this awful scream.
It was really awful.
But then I got up to the window,
to see a ladder
up to the bathroom window
with a fireman
carrying this child out.
Watch your footing.
We had been informed
by a member of the public
that there was potentially somebody
still in the property.
Obviously, it raises significant
pressure to me and the crews
because we don't like losing people.
We sent crews upstairs
because it's quite late at night.
So, the logic would be that people
will be upstairs in bedrooms.
We also then deployed
crews to tackle the fire
to protect the fire crews.
We asked the gentleman, after we'd
rescued him from the property,
and he'd indicated that there was
somebody in the building,
we then later asked him
who that person was
and he said it was his wife.
The fire service immediately swept
the house looking for Kirsty.
At which point,
she was discovered by fire officers
downstairs in the lounge.
And it was at that stage,
we identified a...
unfortunately,
a lady laying on the floor.
There's been heat and flame and
there's a damage to the building.
So, the survival is unlikely.
She's gone.
My recollection
of the casualty's injuries
was that there was significant
skin damage
and burning to the head and arms
and a bit on the shoulder.
And that was quite
close to the sofa.
So, it wasn't a casualty
laying on the floor, as an example,
overcome with smoke.
There had been some fire
damage as well.
(SIRENS)
(PHONE RINGING)
Within minutes of the fire service
discovering Kirsty's body,
the police were
summoned to the scene.
(SIRENS)
The police were
called by the fire brigade.
I think it was about just after
midnight on 28 August.
And of course, the police
would be called in any event
where there's
a fatality in a house fire.
Because, of course,
that has to be investigated.
Fire brigade had already been there,
paramedics were there.
What we knew then was that
Kirsty, sadly, had died, um,
Alan and the children
had gone off to hospital,
and at that point
we start our investigation.
The fire crews' initial instincts
were that the fire
had been started deliberately.
To cause significant damage
of some casualty's skin,
there has to be a heat source.
There was quite a strong
smell of some form of vapour.
From experience,
it would indicate to me that it
was a fuel type vapour.
The police also pick up
on inconsistencies
between Alan's account...
Yeah, there's smoke everywhere.
There's fire downstairs.
And what the first responders
witnessed at the scene.
(SIRENS)
The account was given by Alan
on the phone call
certainly wasn't
what the firefighters found
when they arrived
at the scene.
Now, Alan has described
an awful lot of smoke
when he phoned the operator,
he talked about a bang,
he talked about lots of smoke.
But what the firefighters
say was very evident
when they got in, was that there was
not a lot of smoke.
They could breathe quite easily,
and they could see quite easily,
certainly in the hallway.
So, it... That again, didn't add up.
They found a smouldering petrol
can in the downstairs toilet.
Um... So, straight away,
your suspicions are aroused
because there is a petrol
canister in a downstairs toilet,
a fire, and sadly, Kirsty,
who's died.
So, straight away you know
this isn't an accident.
A key bit of information
very early on
was that the paramedics themselves
were concerned because the condition
in which they found Kirsty
suggested she may have been dead
longer than what the fire
and the phone calls would suggest.
So, that in itself
was highly suspicious.
When you speak
to the firefighters,
when you speak
to the ambulance crew,
they all described Alan
as being very calm.
Some of them say that he didn't
ask about Kirsty for some time.
But the second thing, for me,
that you do
is try and understand,
"How's Kirsty?"
"Where is she? Can I get to her?
Is she alive?"
There was none of that.
It just didn't seem right.
But very quickly,
we formed the view
that Kirsty had been murdered
and that we suspected
Alan may have been involved.
So, by about 3:00 that morning,
Alan was arrested for murder.
Alan, I'd like you to build
a picture...
Despite the accusations
levelled against him,
Alan remained calm
under questioning by the police.
Ah, well, I went to bed
quite early,
not long after the kids, we'd...
I'd just given them bath time,
tea time...
He talks about taking one of his
daughters to bed around about 8:30.
And we know that
that daughter would watch
the Disney Channel before going
to bed, as a matter of routine.
When I attended the scene,
I turned on the telly,
and when I turned it on I discovered
it was paused on the Disney Channel.
Now, that was a vital bit of
evidence because Alan's account
is that he left Kirsty downstairs
in the front room
watching television.
She was still watching
'Big Brother',
so, it's probably about 9 PM.
Yet the television showed
that it was paused
on the Disney Channel
which probably was the same program
that his daughter was watching
before she went to bed.
So, the suggestion that Kirsty
was watching telly, was a lie.
Well, what alerted you to the fire?
It was 11:00. I woke up
'cause I could smell smoke
and I was first
concerned with the kids,
so, I went and grabbed them
and got them into the bathroom.
And did you go downstairs
to inspect the fire?
No, I stayed upstairs.
Alan was interviewed...
and in his interview,
Alan says he hears the bang,
he sees the smoke,
he takes the children
out of the upstairs bathroom window,
and is rescued by the fire brigade.
Completely denies being
involved in her murder.
He denies setting the fire,
denies knowing anything about it.
That's right.
But what do you think
caused the fire?
Ah, could have been anything,
really.
If she was cooking and fell asleep,
that could have caused it, or...
You know, we have a lot
of electrical things plugged in.
The feedback coming from the team,
and certainly what I witnessed, was
one of a very cold and clinical man.
That's right.
If I'd been sat
in an interview room,
having been arrested
for the murder of my partner,
which I hadn't done,
I think it's fair to say
I would be beside myself.
I think any reasonable person
would be devastated.
Alan was just very controlled,
calm, and cold.
(SIRENS)
(PHONE RINGING)
The discovery of Kirsty's
scorched body
prompted
a police investigation.
They found a smouldering petrol
can in the downstairs toilet.
There was quite a strong
smell of some form of vapour.
Almost immediately, investigators
believed Kirsty was murdered.
And the fire deliberately set.
Her partner, Alan, was arrested
on suspicion of her murder.
Well, of course,
during the investigation,
Alan is in police
custody for some days.
And during that investigation,
as we get new evidence,
new information,
we put that to Alan.
So, he would have been
subject
to maybe several interviews
through that time.
I can sleep through most things...
It was clear that Alan had motive.
Kirsty was looking to leave him,
there was some inference that he
wasn't accepting of that,
and clearly, she had experienced
one or two instances where
she was worried about his behaviour.
The thought of Kirsty
in a new relationship
had driven Alan
to spy on his former partner.
Although now sleeping
in separate bedrooms,
Kirsty told Simon that she suspected
Alan was reading her text messages
while she was asleep.
Kirsty had told a friend
that she was frightened
and her friend had said
for her to get out.
She was scared of Alan.
As the police continued
their investigation,
a more vivid picture began to emerge
of the couple's relationship.
On the surface,
Alan had presented an image
that he had accepted the split.
"...but I do accept this
is what you want."
There was no reason to suspect
that Alan hadn't accepted that news
and himself
was looking to move forward.
He talked about even going on a date
with a dating website,
but nonetheless, for me,
just because someone goes on a date,
doesn't necessarily mean
deep inside that they are accepting
that that relationship is over.
We looked on his laptop
and what was clear
is that shortly before the days
leading up to her death,
was that there was a letter that had
been written on the computer
which clearly was a... for me,
a declaration of love
from Alan to Kirsty,
which effectively was pleading
with her not to go.
"Dear Kirsty,"
"Thank you for the last
nine and a half years."
"I know I could have done
so much more for you"
"and wish I could prove to you that
I can make you my priority."
So, whilst Alan, on the face of it,
appeared to be all,
to those around him, was accepting
of the situation,
I actually don't think that was
necessarily true
underneath the surface.
Clearly, he was still
reluctant to let Kirsty go.
It was clear to police
that Alan was not willing
to let Kirsty fall into the arms
of another man.
A thorough search of the home
revealed a further clue
as to Alan's
state of mind.
During our search of the house,
we found upstairs in the wardrobe,
in Kirsty and Alan's bedroom,
what can only be described
as a stun gun.
Clearly, of interest
to my investigation
and understanding
why that was there.
When we looked at the computers
within the house,
we established that that stun gun
had been bought on Alan's computer,
but it had been bought in Kirsty's
name and on her bank account.
Now, we know or we suspect
that arrived in a parcel
which Kirsty took in.
I just signed for a parcel
but I didn't order anything.
Yeah, sorry.
I must've put the wrong name on it.
Oh, what is it?
Just some DVDs.
Oh. OK.
And certainly, when we tested it,
the stun gun was working
and it was capable
of incapacitating somebody.
Whether that was used on Kirsty
or not, it is difficult to say.
Kirsty's body underwent an autopsy
that confirmed
she was killed
before the fire was started.
Now, anybody that dies in a fire,
you would expect some inhalation of
smoke, soot, or otherwise.
There was none of that
in her airways
and also be found
bruising at the base of her neck.
So, clearly we knew that she wasn't
breathing at the time
the fire was started.
She was clearly dead then.
Um, and it's fair to say that we
believe she'd been strangled.
After five months held in custody,
the murder trial of Alan Jermey
began in August 2009.
There was concern.
I would say, you know,
that I was anxious.
The evidence
that we put before the jury,
some of it was
circumstantial evidence
and some of it on its own,
didn't mean a lot.
So, he was standing
there with a suit on, smug,
unbelievably smug, you know.
Just standing there,
as if butter wouldn't melt in his
mouth, sort of thing, you know?
During the trial,
Alan stuck to his story.
He said, ultimately,
he hadn't done it,
he had no problem
with them separating.
So much so,
that he'd even been on a date.
He talked about, um, that this
must've been somebody else.
Somebody other than him
had come into that house,
had killed Kirsty, and had taken
the time to find a petrol can,
to pour petrol, to set fire,
and leave that property.
There was no way on earth
that this wasn't Alan.
But he stuck through
his story throughout.
He remained cold, considered,
and clinical.
Over the course of the trial,
the prosecution presented
a very different version
of what had happened
on the night of August 26.
It was difficult to know exactly
what happened on that front room.
What we do know,
is that he says he'd put
one of his daughters to bed
just before going out.
Alan had gone out to get
some money from the cashpoint
about 8:30
from the petrol station.
He'd filled up his car.
What I also know...
Kirsty sent a text to Simon about...
About 9:10, 9:11 that evening,
asking him his evening had gone.
He'd been out with a business
associate or a colleague.
Simon texted her back probably
about 9:20 and didn't get any reply.
And he again texted her
about 9:30 to say, "Hey."
And again, didn't get any reply,
which Simon says was highly unusual.
The police believed Alan
returned from the petrol station
and a confrontation began.
(STUN GUN FIRING)
Whatever physical attack happened,
the police pathologist was sure that
Kirsty was strangled to death.
We found bruising
at the base of her neck.
Clearly, we knew
that she wasn't breathing
at the time
the fire was started.
It's fair to say, that we
believe she'd been strangled.
An added clue
to the police's strangling theory
had emerged
during Alan's first interview.
When Alan talks about the events
prior to going to bed,
he also says
and quite interestingly,
is that Kirsty had a...
I think he described it
as a sore neck or a sore back.
But he says he gives her
a back and neck massage.
Given it's quite an intimate
thing between two people to do,
it just didn't feel right
that Alan's suggesting
that Kirsty allowed him to massage
her back and her neck.
So, for me, the reason he's told us
about giving her
a back and neck massage,
I think he's worried about we would
potentially find forensics evidence
on her or otherwise,
that would suggest that he had
his hands in or around on her neck.
The prosecution contested
that Alan had strangled Kirsty
and then set her alight
using the can of petrol
police have found behind
the downstairs toilet.
He could have called the police,
he could have called 999
and said, "It's tragic."
"We've had an argument.
It's gone too far."
"I've hurt Kirsty."
But instead,
he decided to think about
how he was going to
conceal that crime
by setting fire
to that front room.
And I've got no doubt,
he thought that fire would rage
and destroy any evidence.
But it didn't.
It didn't take
as much as he thought it would.
If you talk to any police officer,
anybody involved
in any type of trial,
you sit there
looking at the jury.
Trying to second-guess what's
going through their mind.
Alan, he had motive.
Kirsty was leaving him.
The evidence in the front room.
The lack of smoke in the property.
The accounts that he
gave during interview.
His demeanour on the phone call.
The only thing is...
Yeah?
I don't know where my partner is.
Right. Ah, yeah. What's, what's the
name of your partner?
Kristy. Kirsty.
Kirsty.
When you put it all together,
the big jig-saw,
it presents quite a compelling case.
But it was down to the jury.
And when they're asked by the
court to deliver their verdict,
that moment between that question
and their answer
seems like an eternity.
We the jury, find the accused...
Guilty as charged.
They came back, absolutely right,
with a unanimous verdict.
Guilty.
He had remained cold,
clinical and fairly calculated
to the point their verdict
was delivered, and I think,
in some parts,
that is what the jury saw
and help them
make their decision.
Well, he's never admitted it
anyway, so...
He said, and probably still says,
that he didn't do it.
There's mum, there's never...
Said he didn't do it.
He swore on the Bible that he didn't
kill her and she believes him.
Well, as a mother perhaps you would.
I mean, I don't think
there was a question about it.
When the verdict comes through,
it's an emotional time.
Primarily for the family, of course.
Because this has been
a long journey.
Long time coming.
But that will leave a mark
with them forever.
Simon was devastated.
The family are devastated.
Because even a guilty verdict
doesn't bring Kirsty back.
Kirsty was somebody that had
everything to live for
and tragically
had her life cut short.