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The Pembrokeshire Murders.

(112 Posts)
Calendargirl Tue 12-Jan-21 07:36:36

Started watching this 3 parter last night. Couldn’t recall the case until I saw the pictures of the murdered couple, and remember thinking at the time how shocking to be killed as you walked innocently on a coastal path.

Found it to be a bit plodding. Probably because there was no ‘who dun it’, as we know who did it.

Grandma2213 Thu 14-Jan-21 00:59:40

I thought the slow pace showing the painstaking search for forensic evidence added to the tension even though we knew the outcome. The two girls in court brought me to tears. They were so brave.

Poppyred Thu 14-Jan-21 00:32:12

Welsh accents were spot on for a change! It would have made better drama if the murders had been re-enacted as well, in my opinion.

Chestnut Wed 13-Jan-21 23:37:00

I was very moved by the plight of the son. He had endured so much and yet had an inner strength which kept him going. How sad that children are born to such evil people and have to suffer the consequences all their lives.

Callistemon Wed 13-Jan-21 23:27:34

Jane10

Very good. Great police work but incredibly expensive by the sound of it. All those man hours and I was amazed at the forensic costs. However, a very bad man was put away. Good.

Yes, amazing.
But that is privatisation for you.

And yes, even knowing the outcome, it was still such a relief to hear the verdicts read out.

Yes, even knowing the ending didn't make it any less compelling.

Bathsheba Wed 13-Jan-21 23:07:39

Yes I recall that about the IRA gunrunner theory as well Luckygirl.

We thoroughly enjoyed this series, found it quite compelling viewing, and so very emotional, especially the scene where the son talked of his spinal injury and how he was left at home, aged 12, when they went on holiday to Spain. I was in tears sad

And yes, even knowing the outcome, it was still such a relief to hear the verdicts read out.

janeainsworth Wed 13-Jan-21 22:54:41

I thought it was fascinating and brilliantly done, not overdramatised. The police come in for so much criticism it’s good to see the other side - the integrity and dedication involved too.
The scenes involving the rape & assault victims were moving & the two women showed such courage giving their evidence.
And then the real-life forensic scientist whose meticulous work was crucial was on the ITN News at 10!

Luckygirl Wed 13-Jan-21 22:41:13

I remember it so well - we walked that coast path every year and found it quite creepy after it happened. I remember that at the time there was a theory that it was done by IRA gun runners who were discovered landing a consignment of weapons by the unfortunate couple.

Jane10 Wed 13-Jan-21 22:33:38

Very good. Great police work but incredibly expensive by the sound of it. All those man hours and I was amazed at the forensic costs. However, a very bad man was put away. Good.

Gwyneth Wed 13-Jan-21 22:33:18

Really enjoyed it and great that it was over three consecutive nights.

Jaxjacky Wed 13-Jan-21 22:28:03

We thoroughly enjoyed it, phew, although I knew the ending, thought it was very well done.

Callistemon Wed 13-Jan-21 22:05:15

Oh, I'm exhausted, this last episode was very emotional.
Even though we knew the ending it was such a relief when he was found guilty on all counts.

We recorded it so we could skip through the adverts, I agree, they are annoying.

Knittynatter Wed 13-Jan-21 21:29:56

There are more advert breaks than episode tonight!

merlotgran Tue 12-Jan-21 23:40:59

Thanks, Calli. There was so much IRA activities in those days we believed there could be a possible connection.

Chestnut Tue 12-Jan-21 23:35:06

I find the psychology behind it fascinating. I'm sure the Police have to be well trained in how to deal with psychopaths. They are liars, manipulators, have no conscience and like to be in control. Cooper exhibited all those traits in his interviews.

Callistemon Tue 12-Jan-21 23:34:34

Your memory doesn't let you down, merlotgran.

An arms stash was found not far away linked to the IRA, so that detectives at one time thought the Dixons could have stumbled on that but that was found to be nothing to do with the case.

merlotgran Tue 12-Jan-21 23:20:07

I remember initial reports pointing to a possible IRA involvement. A cache of arms had been found in Broadhaven, just along the coast. My memory could be letting me down but the farming company that DH worked for owned a farm in Little Haven so we often stayed there. The manager and his family were good friends.

Our children were the same age and we shared many interests. I rode along the coastal path from the farm to Little Haven beach many times.

Blinko Tue 12-Jan-21 20:33:44

I remember the Coastal Path case, it was truly horrific. I'm finding it interesting. I hadn't realized there were other murders and serious assaults all linked to this evil individual. Thankfully he is serving a whole life tariff. Such a person surely never could be trusted to live out in society.

Callistemon Tue 12-Jan-21 18:28:33

I am finding it gripping.

They could have gone back and dramatised the events but I think that would be wrong, victims and their relatives are still suffering today.

Police work on cold cases is a bit slow and painstaking
Yes, it's not as portrayed in some dramas on TV.

Sarnia Tue 12-Jan-21 12:26:21

Police work on cold cases is a bit slow and painstaking , I should imagine. I found the first episode interesting. Thank goodness for the doggedness of the police and the advance of forensics to take monsters like him off the streets.

merlotgran Tue 12-Jan-21 10:52:23

We were looking forward to this because we remember the coastal path murders having spent a holiday in Little Haven just before it happened.

It was so slow DH fell asleep and I messaged a friend while keeping half an eye on it.

Callistemon Tue 12-Jan-21 10:35:57

tanith

Bit slow but I enjoyed it, I remember the murders as I have family in that area found the ‘Welsh’ accents a bit iffy but hey ho I’m being picky ?

Most of the cast are Welsh although, as I've pointed out before, there is not just one Welsh accent smile

Rosalyn69 Tue 12-Jan-21 10:11:01

Dull that should be

Rosalyn69 Tue 12-Jan-21 10:10:37

I really wanted to enjoy this but we switched off about half way through. Full and tedious. Very disappointing.

honeyrose Tue 12-Jan-21 09:58:46

... decide later, not late.

honeyrose Tue 12-Jan-21 09:58:11

DH was rapt, but I wasn’t. I’m not particularly keen on murder dramas (although it was based on real murders). Too many of them on tv. Might give it a miss this evening - I’ll decided late. Luke Evans worth watching though!