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Episode details

Radio Merseyside,20 Apr 2026,40 mins,

SeriesThe Beast of Birkenhead

3. Because She Was A Woman

Crime Next Door
Contains scenes of sexual violence and scenes which some viewers may find disturbing.

Available for over a year

Diane Sindall’s murder ignites a movement with women across Birkenhead. Fueled by anger and grief they challenge police attitudes, confront society’s view of women and demand change. Against this backdrop Peter Sullivan stands trial. We examine the case built against him with contested confessions, disputed forensic evidence and testimony the jury never heard. Presenter: Olivia Graham. Producers: Kate Bissell, Gemma Maull and Olivia Graham. Sound Design and Music Composition: Phil Channell. Mixing: Ivan Eastley. Story Consultants: Neil McCarthy, Jack Kibble-White and Kirsty Williams. Online Producer: Rachael Smith. Development was by BBC Audio Scotland and BBC Merseyside. Executive Editors: Gillian Wheelan and Ben Anderson. Commissioning Editor: Alistair Miskin. There’s graphic descriptions of violence in this series. For details of help and support in the UK, visit bbc.co.uk/actionline.

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