Month: April 2024

This week Dawn is joined by John from the Persons Unknown podcast, who tells us the story of Ann Heron’s unsolved murder.

This is part one. You can listen to part two straight after by visiting the Persons Unknown podcast.

In the summer of 1990, Ann Heron’s life was tragically cut short. John Dobson from the Persons Unknown podcast tells the story of this unsolved murder, tracing Ann’s early life in Scotland, her move to England, and her marriage to Peter Heron. On a sweltering August day, after shopping in Darlington in the North East of England, Ann returned to Aeolian House. Ann’s body was later found by her husband. With no murder weapon, a questionable sexual motive, and Peter’s affair complicating the investigation, the case grew cold. Key sightings of a blue car and a mysterious jogger yielded no solid leads. Despite extensive efforts, including 5000 interviews and 2700 vehicles being checked, the identity of Ann’s killer remains a mystery, leaving Ann and Peter’s family searching for answers.

In this episode we also hear from Ann’s son, Ralph Cockburn.

Thank you to John Dobson from the Persons Unknown podcast for researching and narrating this episode, and to Ralph for speaking with me and giving an insight into his mum, Ann Heron.

Please Be Advised – This episode may contain content that some may find distressing. As always, we advise listener discretion. This episode it not suitable for anyone under the age of 13.

This week Dawn is joined by John from the Unknown Persons podcast, who tells us the story of Ann Heron’s unsolved murder.

Part Two:
The Unresolved Case of Ann Heron’s Murder

In part two we continue the story of Ann Heron’s murder with an arrest being made in November 2005. However, this person was later released due to insufficient evidence. Despite various leads and suspects, including Christopher Halliwell and others, sadly this case remains open, although Durham Police and Ann’s family continue to seek information, hoping to solve the mystery that has persisted for decades. The case’s complexity is underscored by conflicting theories, the lack of definitive forensic evidence, and the emotional toll on the families involved. The search for justice continues, with the hope that new advances in forensic science will finally provide the answers needed to close the chapter on Ann Heron’s murder.

In this episode we also hear from Ann’s son, Ralph Cockburn, and former Journalist, Chris Webber, who spoke with both Anne Marie (Ann’s daughter) and Peter Heron.

Thank you to John Dobson from the Persons Unknown podcast for researching and narrating this episode, and to Ralph for speaking with me and giving an insight into his mum, Ann Heron.

Please Be Advised – This episode may contain content that some may find distressing. As always, we advise listener discretion. This episode it not suitable for anyone under the age of 13.

This week Dawn sits back again as Caitlin and Sam from The Crime Pod tell us about the murder of Pauline Reilly. 

In 1984, the waiter Shu-Kee Leung, originally from Hong Kong and employed at the Dragonara, faced charges for the heinous murder of Pauline Reilly, aged 19, at Annabel’s disco located in Fountainbridge, Edinburgh. After a trial lasting seven days at Edinburgh’s High Court, Leung received a life sentence. But was there more to this story?

Please Be Advised – This episode may contain content that some may find distressing. As always, we advise listener discretion. This episode it not suitable for anyone under the age of 13.

Trigger Warning – This episode has some strong language.

In the heart of Edinburgh’s Tron Square, a harrowing tale unfolded where George Robertson, fuelled by unresolved anger and accusations, unleashed a brutal attack on his family.

This episode was a listener request from Steven, who also features on this episode due to his own family’s link to the Robertson family. 

Please Be Advised – This episode may contain content that some may find distressing. As always, we advise listener discretion. This episode it not suitable for anyone under the age of 13.

Trigger Warning – This episode covers the topic of child murders.
In Scotland, from 2016 to 2021, females accounted for 9% of homicide accusations. In this episode we tell you about two women, who, in different times and for very different reasons, harmed and murdered very young children; Jean Barclay Waddell in 1961 and Mary Ann Anderson in 1891.

Please Be Advised – This episode may contain content that some may find distressing. As always, we advise listener discretion. This episode it not suitable for anyone under the age of 13.