Her grandfather insisted he had seen her on a bus and shed got off and given him a hug. The following January Det Supt Fulcher was found guilty of gross misconduct and given a final disciplinary warning. What should have been a straightforward double murder investigation became much more complicated as the trial got underway. Ultimately, suspicion fell on a 47-year-old taxi driver called Christopher Halliwell, who had picked up Sian during the early hours of Saturday morning, outside a pub. Detective Superintendent Steve Fulcher was put on the case and his team scoured CCTV in the area to find her leaving the nightclub at 2.52am. "If she had been alive and I had walked away, my offence would have been grotesque.". ITV's A Confession throws up an unimaginable ethical dilemma that real-life Detective Superintendent Steve Fulcher faced in 2011: break police protocol to catch a serial killer . I KNOW HER: Is Lisa Faulkner in A Confession? A Confession on ITV: Who is Steve Fulcher? He went into more detail about his current role, which involves delivering aid from the Foreign Office and Department for International Development (DFID) programmes outside the heavily-guarded green zone. After leading Fulcher to her grave, Halliwell then turned to Fulcher and said: Do you want another one?. Police discovered in excess of 60 items of womens clothing buried in woodland near Marlborough, including Sians brown New Look boots and Beckys cardigan. "It is very unlikely that having killed Becky in 2003 and Sian in 2011 he committed no other offences in those eight years," he told Bradford Zone. If you were in my position, what would you do? he asks. Steve has appeared on the likes of Channel 4 and BBC Radio 4, among others, to talk about the case and his experience. He then calmly offered information about 20-year-old Becky Godden, who had been missing since 2003. But heres where Fulcher tossed away the script. Fulcher currently works for a private company in Mogadishu, Somalia. Theres the track that takes you through to chief constable level and to do that you need to avoid being a detective for any length of time, certainly avoid cases like this. Digital Spy participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Fulcher had elicited a confession from a cold-blooded murderer who had evaded police scrutiny for decades a serial killer who studied forensics so he would be better able to cover his tracks. Code C specifically protects the rights of an individual against the police with regard to questioning and detention. He directed the detective to the field in Gloucestershire where he had buried Becky Godden in a shallow grave in 2003. henever Steve Fulcher is asked to explain his actions during four excruciatingly tense hours on Thursday 24 March 2011 which he often is by former police colleagues, official enquiries and now journalists he always turns the question round. Wednesday, 1st March 2023See today's front and back pages, download the newspaper, order back issues and use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive. It doesn't even sound true.". Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. He said: "What should have been a triumph became a disaster. When do the clocks change in 2023? REVEALED: Pennsylvania cops seized four medical gloves, a silver flashlight and Bryan Kohberger's Under Armour Man dies 'after being shot at home': Police Scotland hunt 'gunman' as they appeal for information. Judge Mrs Justice Fox has regarded the confession evidence as inadmissible as Fulcher had failed to caution Halliwell and denied him access to a solicitor at the time he had confessed. Glamorous top lawyer, 27, is arrested and charged with multi-million dollar fraud: Cops search her flamboyant King Charles is 'evicting Harry and Meghan from Frogmore Cottage leaving them without a UK home - and offering Ukraine 'hits major Russian air base in fresh strike' a day after kamikaze drone crashed down just 68 miles from ISIS fanatic jailed over the gruesome beheading of two Scandinavian women hikers in Morocco that shocked the Police will quiz missing aristocrat and her boyfriend for another 36 hours to try and get answers on missing 'I'm glad the contract expired': Heston Blumenthal's fury as Waitrose ends 12-year partnership with him 'after Theatre issues trigger warning for production which 'involves the handling of a cooked egg'. The taxi driver was eventually convicted of the murder of Becky in 2016 when new evidence arose. He brought Becky back to me'. Express. Show creator Jeff Pope told the press in London, including Express.co.uk said: His [Steve Fulcher] mantra is What could I have done? and it is a good question to ask at the end of the series and we give Steve those words at the end, What should I have done? Born in April 1982, a little sister for Steven, Becky was a sensitive child who was deeply affected when her parents split up when she was six. She went back to the streets, looking for Becky, and got in touch with the police twice. Steve was investigating the disappearance of Sian O'Callaghan, who vanished after leaving a Swindon nightclub on 20 March 2011. Spencer Matthews can't stand Made in Chelsea link, Outer Banks: Where else to watch the cast, Sex Education star's Channel 4 show is axed, Masked Singer UK presenter on "brutal" new show. Judge Mrs Justice Cox ruled both of Halliwell's confessions were inadmissable as evidence because Fulcher had breached Police and Criminal Evidence Act guidelines by not cautioning the killer and giving him access to a solicitor. An official report into a formal complaint about how her case was handled is still pending. Its precarious work, but Fulcher was not exactly inundated with job offers. He said: "I'm still bitter and angry - nothing's changed. He brought Becky home if he hadnt done what he did, Halliwell would never have shown him where she was. That was the source of Becky's father's complaint. Halliwell claimed that the police officer had threatened his family, so his confession was elicited under duress. Ive been described as a maverick, he sighs, which I reject, actually., How so? More info. You can unsubscribe at any time. Same situation, what would you do? Despite Halliwell being jailed for Sian's murder in 2012, his evidence concerning Becky was inadmissible in court because of the way Steve obtained it. I got in touch with all the clubs nothing. She got in touch with the Salvation Army, with Missing Persons charities. Fulcher later said the situation was on a "knife-edge", fearing that Halliwell might change his mind about showing them where the body was located. Fulcher's arrest of Halliwell was made into ITV drama 'The Confession' in 2019, and has been the source of much debate. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. I'm more than happy to give my input if that helps in any way.". He was also reprimanded for speaking to a journalist about details surrounding Halliwell. Fulcher was tasked with investigating the disappearance of 22-year-old Sian OCallaghan, who was last seen leaving a nightclub in Swindon, Wiltshire in the early hours of March 19, 2011. But when Sian's body was recovered in nearby Uffington, Steve couldn't get the double murderer to repeat his confession on tape. Fulcher believed OCallaghan was still alive and argued that if the suspect, Christopher Halliwell was taken to a police station, he would be given a solicitor and would have the right to say no comment to any questions asked. But Mr Fulcher was not prepared for Halliwell's next remark: "Do you want another one?" He then took the investigation team to the exact spot in Gloucestershire, in the remote corner of a field. What could I have done? When a trio of chief constables met to decide his fate, they acknowledged: His record to date has been unblemished., Still, there is something raffish about Fulcher, who is now 50, that doesnt entirely fit with the picture of the by-the-book copper. During the trial, Halliwell also accused the detective of threatening his family during questioning. "Everything about his MO, everything about the calls he received and made from prison - the notion that 'police are investigating me for eight murders', his own words. Fulcher had driven the criminal to a beauty spot and pleaded with him to give up Ms Callaghan's location. Givn him an alternative of what he should have done and got those girls back. Freeman revealed that he met with Fulcher and they kept in touch during filming. ITV drama based on shocking true story. Email us attips@the-sun.co.ukor call 0207 782 4368 . According to the police code, Steve should then have cautioned Halliwell and taken him back to the police station, where he could have spoken to a lawyer. Ahead of the shows premiere, actor Martin Freeman, show creator Jeff Pope and director Paul Andrew Williams spoke to press in London, including Express.co.uk about Detective Fulcher and what happened to him. As a result of being found guilty of gross misconduct in January 2014, Steve Fulcher was given a final written warning, which could have led to his dismissal if hed fallen foul of any more guidelines. ITV's new drama A Confession tells the story of the disappearance of Sian O'Callaghan - and the determination of DS Steve Fulcher (Martin Freeman) to find the missing 22-year-old. But, during his arrest, Halliwell also told Fulcher about another killing he had carried out - and offered to show him the body. He joined aged 21 and ascended smoothly through the ranks: constable to sergeant to inspector and then, in 2007, to detective superintendent, the highest rank for a boots-on-the-ground police officer. It doesnt even sound true. He was given a final written warning at a disciplinary tribunal and in May 2014, Fulcher resigned from Wiltshire Police. Halliwell eventually admitted that he had killed Sian, directing the police to where he had buried her body. I personally have not found him arrogant but I don't know him, I met him for a very short amount of time.". Fulcher had published his book, Catching a Serial Killer: My hunt for murderer Christopher Halliwell, which served as the foundations of Jeff Popes A Confession on ITV. However, the second murder charge, for the death of Becky Godden-Edwards was dropped. Understandably, Karen is still furious that the efforts of the police in the years following the discovery of Beckys remains were focused on taking action against DS Fulcher, rather than making sure the killer was held to account. On claims from critics and former colleagues that Fulcher's behaviour was "arrogant", Freeman asserted that ultimately his motive was well-intentioned and justifiable. Her determination paid off. Halliwell, serving life for killing Sian, was convicted of Beckys murder in September 2016. Then an inquiry found Steve guilty of breaching guidelines so, disgraced, he resigned. A CONFESSION: Where was Sian OCallaghan found? What happened to him? Then he turned to the officer in charge, DS Steve Fulcher, and said: Do you want another one? He then told them where he had buried Becky many years earlier. Steve Fulcher confronted by killer Christopher Halliwell in A Confession finale teaser. It was reported in 2014 that police later found more than 60 items of women's clothing hidden in a forested area near Marlborough. The families of his missing victims, Sian and another girl Becky Godden-Edwards, were given some closure after their tragic deaths. PACE provides a code of practice for police officers which aims to protect a balance between the powers of the police and the rights and freedoms of members of the public. Since 2015, he has "been on contract in Somalia as the adviser to the federal government". Are Perfect Match's Joey and Kariselle together? He was given a final written warning at a disciplinary tribunal and in May 2014, Fulcher resigned from Wiltshire Police. Perhaps his biggest complaint is the failure to investigate further crimes that Halliwell may have committed. There were members of the family on her dads side who said they had seen her. Not only was Becky dead, but she had been for years. Life lost: Sian OCallaghan, 22, was murdered by Christopher Halliwell in 2011. Earlier this year, Karen was invited onto the set as filming got underway on an ITV drama based on the story of how Beckys killer was caught and the extraordinary legal saga that led to his conviction. So why the delay? The taxi driver was convicted of Sian's murder in 2012 and handed life in prison. He has received support from some of the victim's relatives, with the mother of Ms Godden campaigning to David Cameron, the Prime Minister at the time, for more protection from PACE for police. Well go., Its a simple moral issue, he continues. The act was introduced following the 1981 Brixton riots and the Scarman Report, 1981 which recommended changes in police training, law enforcement and the recruitment of more ethnic minorities. Paul Andrew Williams, who directed A Confession told press in London, including Express.co.uk: You can really sort of see the damage that has been done to him and sort of observing him you can see. We are talking about the Sweeney era when suspects would be put in rooms and doors were shut and confessions were beaten out of them, no one wants to go back to that for a second.. After Halliwell was arrested in public at an Asda supermarket, he was driven to Barbury Castle where Fulcher met him in person. Fulcher, now 54, was later found guilty of gross misconduct by a disciplinary panel, and was handed a final written warning. He added: It wasn't ignorance on his part, it was a conscious decision by him to drive a coach and horses through recognised police procedure., Get the biggest TV headlines, recaps and insider knowledge straight to your inbox. But because there had been supposed sightings of her, the police said they couldnt register her as a missing person.. However,. "People don't always do the right thing. That man is a hero. He brought Becky home if he hadnt done what he did, Halliwell would never have shown him where she was. Karen Edwards on Steve Fulcher. Steve is no longer working for Wiltshire police, having left the force back in 2014, but his decision to hand in his notice wasn't one he made lightly. In the final episode,Steve Fulcher (played by Martin Freeman) will face a displinary hearing over his conduct in the case of Sian O'Callaghan and Becky Godden-Edwards. Despite Fulchers questionable methods earning a confession from Halliwell, the Detective Superintendent was charged with gross misconduct for his actions which did not follow the prescribed guidelines. Halliwell was sent down for her murder in 2016, where a judge described the killer as "both calculating and devious". It was an extremely painful period of time for a good three-plus years. She wrapped gifts every birthday. She tried to keep her off the streets, too, supporting her when Becky insisted she was going to get clean. The best hot cross buns for 2023, expert tested, 7 best seafood centrepieces for Easter 2023, The best vegetarian and vegan Easter mains 2023, 7 of the best hotels for a Mothers Day mini-break, Richard Madden stars in first look at spy series, Call the Midwife star on Cyril's words to Matthew, Call the Midwife actress confirms Lucille's future, The 'Friends' women reunite to celebrate Courteney, Stacey Dooley shares rare photo of baby daughter, Stacey Solomon shares sweet new photos daughters, BBC's The Tourist to bring back Jamie Dornan, 'The White Lotus' cast reunites at the SAG awards, A Confession's Martin Freeman: "Playing this role nearly broke me", Good Housekeeping, Part of the Hearst UK Fashion & Beauty Network. His story is a true. I feel I failed her. , updated They've actually become good friends of ours.'. Steve now works as a security contractor in Somalia as he has been unable to find work in the UK since the scandal surrounding his dealings with the convicted killer. "It's one of the times I nearly broke a little bit, and you have to let happen whatever happens "It was Fulcher's fall from grace really that interested me. There were two reasons for this unconventional order. Mug shot: Christopher Halliwell had evaded police scrutiny for decades. The pair worked together on the Ms O'Callaghan case in Swindon 10 years ago. The Detective Superintendent, played by Martin Freeman in the ITV series, finally brought killer Christopher Halliwell to justice for two murders while investigating the disappearance of Sian O'Callaghan. It was the last time she would see Becky alive. To order a copy for 6.79, go tobookshop.theguardian.com, Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning. After hours of talking, Halliwell finally confessed to killing Sian. Fulcher went on to publish his own book and has spoken many times in the press about his experience. What Fulcher already knew was that his informal chat with Halliwell was breaching Code C of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (Pace), which was instituted in the early 1980s in the aftermath of the Brixton riots. Fulcher, then a senior investigating officer for Wiltshire police, was put in charge. Steve knew that not reading the suspect his rights and denying him a lawyer was in breach of the rules, but he believed that preserving the victim's life outweighed that. What does Unforgotten series 5's final twist mean? The newsletter is emailed out first thing every morning, at 12noon and every evening. I'm not a expert in Pace but I'm a person and I'm alive and I can't think of what else he should have done," he ruminated. He appeared on To Catch a Serial Killer with Trevor McDonald on ITV on September 20. Yes, there were happy family memories, too; Karen says Becky was thrilled when she remarried in 1997, adored her stepdad, Charlie, and was a proud bridesmaid. A Confession: What evidence pinned Beckys murder on Halliwell? Afterwards, I know everyone was asking how a clever girl from a loving family could end up as a sex worker, in a shallow grave in a field, and Ive asked that question myself a million times. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. Does Unforgotten work without Nicola Walker? Not once has Karen, a beautician, blamed the detective for jeopardising the pursuit of justice for Becky. And in general, right now, we will not get your daughter back., Fulcher wearily shakes his head, We wont get your daughter back., Catching a Serial Killer by Stephen Fulcher is published by Ebury at 7.99. You can unsubscribe at any time. Sian's disappearance set in motion a series of events which ultimately led to the resignation of investigating officer Steve Fulcher. Pope said: I felt like the process which led to Fulcher being found guilty of gross misconduct was spiteful but I just felt 'was that the right way to deal with someone who acted in the way that he done?' Fulcher resigned in 2014 and quickly moved into conflict resolution, working to reform police forces in places such as Somalia and Libya. A Confession is coming to ITV this September. A Confession concludes tonight (Monday, October 7) at 9pm on ITV. He should also have reiterated the fact that Halliwell had the right to speak to a solicitor. Although Halliwell had already been cautioned twice, Fulcher should have done it again. Its a decent point. The evidence was seen as inadmissible as Fulcher had failed to caution Halliwell and denied him access to a solicitor at the time he had confessed. Relationship with Riley explained, {{#media.media_details}} {{#media.focal_point}}. 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