Assume Nothing

Did the Right Man Hang? Introduction 13.11.2020 1p

1933: Harold Courtney is convicted of murdering a young woman, assumed to be pregnant with his child. He is hanged and buried in the grounds of Belfast’s Crumlin Road Gaol. Nearly 90 years later, journalist Gordon Adair investigates a story he was told as a young reporter, about a conspiracy. Turning up files that have been closed for decades he asks, did the right man hang?

Episode 1 14.11.2020 26p

April 1933. Belfast Gaol. Prisoner 1192, Harold Courtney, is executed for the brutal murder of Minnie Reid. Or was he? Did the right man hang?Digging deep, journalist Gordon Adair attempts to find out*, because locally, he’s heard a strange tale. Of plots, threats, deceit and cover-up. It’s a trail that takes the investigation across the globe – and of people who, 90 years on, still believe this is a case that shouldn’t be talked about.Was there a miscarriage of justice? Was justice not done for the young Minnie Reid? And how much of this tale is true? To unravel it takes Gordon back almost a century, and from rural Northern Ireland to urban melting-pot Australia. Tracking down witnesses like the children who found Minnie’s body in a lonely Armagh lane, and uncovering secret records, maps and letters not seen since 1933, Gordon also consults police, pathology, and capital punishment experts.The results surprise him. Shining a light on a ‘lost decade’ in Northern Ireland, they uncover a shadowy taboo history that’s rarely explored. Assume Nothing, BBC Northern Ireland’s new podcast strand goes to air before this increasingly unpredictable investigation is concluded.PRONI documents in the series featured by kind permission of the Deputy Keeper of the Records, Public Record Office of Northern Ireland. (PRONI)

Episode 2 14.11.2020 26p

2/6 April 1933. Belfast Gaol. Prisoner 1192, Harold Courtney, is executed for the brutal murder of Minnie Reid. Or was he? Did the right man hang? Digging deep, journalist Gordon Adair attempts to find out*, because locally, he’s heard a strange tale. Of plots, threats, deceit and cover-up. It’s a trail that takes the investigation across the globe – and of people who, 90 years on, still believe this is a case that shouldn’t be talked about. Was there a miscarriage of justice? Was justice not done for the young Minnie Reid? And how much of this tale is true? To unravel it takes Gordon back almost a century, and from rural Northern Ireland to urban melting-pot Australia. Tracking down witnesses like the children who found Minnie’s body in a lonely Armagh lane, and uncovering secret records, maps and letters not seen since 1933, Gordon also consults police, pathology, and capital punishment experts. The results surprise him. Shining a light on a ‘lost decade’ in Northern Ireland, they uncover a shadowy taboo history that’s rarely explored. Assume Nothing, BBC Northern Ireland’s new podcast strand goes to air before this increasingly unpredictable investigation is concluded.PRONI documents in the series featured by kind permission of the Deputy Keeper of the Records, Public Record Office of Northern Ireland. (PRONI)

Episode 3 14.11.2020 26p

3/6 April 1933. Belfast Gaol. Prisoner 1192, Harold Courtney, is executed for the brutal murder of Minnie Reid. Or was he? Did the right man hang? Digging deep, journalist Gordon Adair attempts to find out*, because locally, he’s heard a strange tale. Of plots, threats, deceit and cover-up. It’s a trail that takes the investigation across the globe – and of people who, 90 years on, still believe this is a case that shouldn’t be talked about. Was there a miscarriage of justice? Was justice not done for the young Minnie Reid? And how much of this tale is true? To unravel it takes Gordon back almost a century, and from rural Northern Ireland to urban melting-pot Australia. Tracking down witnesses like the children who found Minnie’s body in a lonely Armagh lane, and uncovering secret records, maps and letters not seen since 1933, Gordon also consults police, pathology, and capital punishment experts. The results surprise him. Shining a light on a ‘lost decade’ in Northern Ireland, they uncover a shadowy taboo history that’s rarely explored. Assume Nothing, BBC Northern Ireland’s new podcast strand goes to air before this increasingly unpredictable investigation is concluded.PRONI documents in the series featured by kind permission of the Deputy Keeper of the Records, Public Record Office of Northern Ireland. (PRONI)

Episode 4 14.11.2020 26p

April 1933. Belfast Gaol. Prisoner 1192, Harold Courtney, is executed for the brutal murder of Minnie Reid. Or was he? Did the right man hang? Digging deep, journalist Gordon Adair attempts to find out*, because locally, he’s heard a strange tale. Of plots, threats, deceit and cover-up. It’s a trail that takes the investigation across the globe – and of people who, 90 years on, still believe this is a case that shouldn’t be talked about. Was there a miscarriage of justice? Was justice not done for the young Minnie Reid? And how much of this tale is true? To unravel it takes Gordon back almost a century, and from rural Northern Ireland to urban melting-pot Australia. Tracking down witnesses like the children who found Minnie’s body in a lonely Armagh lane, and uncovering secret records, maps and letters not seen since 1933, Gordon also consults police, pathology, and capital punishment experts. The results surprise him. Shining a light on a ‘lost decade’ in Northern Ireland, they uncover a shadowy taboo history that’s rarely explored. Assume Nothing, BBC Northern Ireland’s new podcast strand goes to air before this increasingly unpredictable investigation is concluded. PRONI documents in the series featured by kind permission of the Deputy Keeper of the Records, Public Record Office of Northern Ireland. (PRONI)

Episode 5 14.11.2020 26p

April 1933. Belfast Gaol. Prisoner 1192, Harold Courtney, is executed for the brutal murder of Minnie Reid. Or was he? Did the right man hang? Digging deep, journalist Gordon Adair attempts to find out*, because locally, he’s heard a strange tale. Of plots, threats, deceit and cover-up. It’s a trail that takes the investigation across the globe – and of people who, 90 years on, still believe this is a case that shouldn’t be talked about. Was there a miscarriage of justice? Was justice not done for the young Minnie Reid? And how much of this tale is true? To unravel it takes Gordon back almost a century, and from rural Northern Ireland to urban melting-pot Australia. Tracking down witnesses like the children who found Minnie’s body in a lonely Armagh lane, and uncovering secret records, maps and letters not seen since 1933, Gordon also consults police, pathology, and capital punishment experts. The results surprise him. Shining a light on a ‘lost decade’ in Northern Ireland, they uncover a shadowy taboo history that’s rarely explored. Assume Nothing, BBC Northern Ireland’s new podcast strand goes to air before this increasingly unpredictable investigation is concluded. PRONI documents in the series featured by kind permission of the Deputy Keeper of the Records, Public Record Office of Northern Ireland. (PRONI)

Episode 6 14.11.2020 28p

April 1933. Belfast Gaol. Prisoner 1192, Harold Courtney, is executed for the brutal murder of Minnie Reid. Or was he? Did the right man hang? Digging deep, journalist Gordon Adair attempts to find out*, because locally, he’s heard a strange tale. Of plots, threats, deceit and cover-up. It’s a trail that takes the investigation across the globe – and of people who, 90 years on, still believe this is a case that shouldn’t be talked about. Was there a miscarriage of justice? Was justice not done for the young Minnie Reid? And how much of this tale is true? To unravel it takes Gordon back almost a century, and from rural Northern Ireland to urban melting-pot Australia. Tracking down witnesses like the children who found Minnie’s body in a lonely Armagh lane, and uncovering secret records, maps and letters not seen since 1933, Gordon also consults police, pathology, and capital punishment experts. The results surprise him. Shining a light on a ‘lost decade’ in Northern Ireland, they uncover a shadowy taboo history that’s rarely explored. Assume Nothing, BBC Northern Ireland’s new podcast strand goes to air before this increasingly unpredictable investigation is concluded. PRONI documents in the series featured by kind permission of the Deputy Keeper of the Records, Public Record Office of Northern Ireland. (PRONI)

Episode 7 14.11.2020 26p

April 1933. Belfast Gaol. Prisoner 1192, Harold Courtney, is executed for the brutal murder of Minnie Reid. Or was he? Did the right man hang? Digging deep, journalist Gordon Adair attempts to find out*, because locally, he’s heard a strange tale. Of plots, threats, deceit and cover-up. It’s a trail that takes the investigation across the globe – and of people who, 90 years on, still believe this is a case that shouldn’t be talked about. Was there a miscarriage of justice? Was justice not done for the young Minnie Reid? And how much of this tale is true? To unravel it takes Gordon back almost a century, and from rural Northern Ireland to urban melting-pot Australia. Tracking down witnesses like the children who found Minnie’s body in a lonely Armagh lane, and uncovering secret records, maps and letters not seen since 1933, Gordon also consults police, pathology, and capital punishment experts. The results surprise him. Shining a light on a ‘lost decade’ in Northern Ireland, they uncover a shadowy taboo history that’s rarely explored. Assume Nothing, BBC Northern Ireland’s new podcast strand goes to air before this increasingly unpredictable investigation is concluded. PRONI documents in the series featured by kind permission of the Deputy Keeper of the Records, Public Record Office of Northern Ireland. (PRONI)

Episode 1: The First Good Source 21.05.2022 28p

Dramatised memoir of a Special Branch officer operating at the outset of the Northern Ireland Troubles. James (not his real name) runs a network of informers and sources operating along the border area of South Down and South Armagh during the worst years of violence. For both handler and source, it’s a matter of life and death. Some names, dates and details have been changed to protect the living.Episode 1: The First Good SourceJames sees an opportunity when a young IRA volunteer is arrested on a burglary charge. Working together, they are soon disrupting IRA activity – but it’s a high stakes game, and the informer’s life is soon in grave danger. Cast:James – Jonathan Harden Interviewer – Michael Patrick Source – Marty Maguire Military Intelligence Officer – Paul Mallon Army Radio Voice – Marty MaguireA BBC Northern Ireland Production.

Episode 2: The Interrogation 21.05.2022 34p

A dramatised memoir of a Special Branch officer operating at the outset of the Northern Ireland Troubles. James (not his real name) runs a network of informers and sources operating along the border area of South Down and South Armagh during the worst years of violence. For both Handler and Source, it’s a matter of life and death. Some names, dates and details have been changed to protect the living.Episode 2: The InterrogationA key informer continues to provide invaluable intelligence and helps James escape a murder attempt in Newry – but the informer isn’t so lucky. When an IRA headcount leads to his abduction and interrogation, the source’s life hangs in the balance.Cast:James – Jonathan Harden Interviewer – Michael Patrick Source – Marty Maguire Wife – Megan Armitage Military Intelligence Officer – Paul MallonA BBC Northern Ireland Production.

Episode 3: Dangerous Liaisons 21.05.2022 27p

A dramatized memoir of a Special Branch officer operating at the outset of the Northern Ireland Troubles. James (not his real name) runs a network of informers and sources operating along the border area of South Down and South Armagh during the worst years of violence. For both Handler and Source, it’s a matter of life and death. Some names, dates and details have been changed to protect the living.Episode 3: Dangerous LiaisonsFrustrated by the lack of cooperation between governments north and south, James decides to take matters into his own hands and makes a dangerous trip across the border. Meanwhile, he develops a friendship with Captain Robert Nairac and is soon liasing with the SAS – but this leads to serious friction between the two jurisdictions when Gardaí grow suspicious of an intelligence operation.Cast:James – Jonathan Harden Interviewer – Michael Patrick Garda Special Branch officer – Faolan Morgan Captain Robert Nairac – Patrick Fitzsymons Source – Marty Maguire Wife – Megan ArmitageA BBC Northern Ireland Production.

Episode 4: Internment day 21.05.2022 34p

A dramatized memoir of a Special Branch Officer operating at the outset of the Northern Ireland Troubles. James (not his real name) runs a network of informers and sources operating along the border area of South Down and South Armagh during the worst years of violence. For both Handler and Source, it’s a matter of life and death. Some names, dates and details have been changed to protect the living.Episode 4: Internment day James recalls the chaos of the 9th August 1971, when hundreds of men were arrested by the Army after the introduction of internment. Meanwhile, an informer operating close to the border provides valuable intelligence on changes within an IRA unit, giving James an unusual opportunity – but the Provisionals soon grow suspicious, leading to unforeseen consequences. Cast:James – Jonathan Harden Interviewer – Michael Patrick Prisoner – Faolan Morgan Lieutenant – Paul Mallon Source – Marty Maguire Wife – Megan ArmitageA BBC Northern Ireland Production

Episode 5: The Quartermaster 21.05.2022 26p

A dramatised memoir of a Special Branch officer operating at the outset of the Northern Ireland Troubles. James (not his real name) runs a network of informers and sources operating along the border area of South Down and South Armagh during the worst years of violence. For both Handler and Source, it’s a matter of life and death. Some names, dates and details have been changed to protect the living.Episode 5: The Quartermaster James is working late at Newry Police Station when a shot is fired. Amid the confusion, a crucial IRA suspect is arrested – but how did he get there? Captain Robert Nairac invites James to join him on a trip, but James is shocked when he discovers their destination.Cast: James – Jonathan Harden Interviewer – Michael Patrick Source – JD Ruddy Robert Nairac – Patrick Fitzsymons Newry Police officer/phone police officer – Michael Patrick A BBC Northern Ireland Production.

Episode 6: The Irish Englishman 21.05.2022 31p

Dramatised memoir of a Special Branch officer operating at the outset of the Northern Ireland Troubles. James (not his real name) runs a network of informers and sources operating along the border area of South Down and South Armagh during the worst years of violence. For both handler and source, it’s a matter of life and death. Some names, dates and details have been changed to protect the living.Episode 6: The Irish Englishman When James and the Military Intelligence officer meet a source in a Dublin department store, he tells them PIRA chief of staff Seán Mac Stíofáin will address an IRA meeting that same evening. They attend and gather valuable intelligence, but the Military Intelligence officer makes a mistake, placing them both in peril.Cast: James – Jonathan Harden Interviewer – Michael Patrick Source – J D Ruddy Military Intelligence Officer – Paul Mallon A BBC Northern Ireland Production

Episode 7: Blurred Lines 21.05.2022 31p

A dramatized memoir of a Special Branch Officer operating at the outset of the Northern Ireland Troubles. James (not his real name) runs a network of informers and sources operating along the border area of South Down and South Armagh during the worst years of violence. For both Handler and Source, it’s a matter of life and death. Some names, dates and details have been changed to protect the living.Episode 7: Blurred linesJames is worried that too many agencies have become involved in intelligence gathering, and shares his thoughts on allegations of collusion between the security forces and loyalist paramilitaries. Captain Robert Nairac assists James by helping a new IRA Officer Commanding have a change of heart, but Nairac’s risk-taking is placing him in ever increasing danger.Cast:James – Jonathan Harden Interviewer – Michael Patrick Robert Nairac – Patrick Fitzsymons PIRA Officer Commanding – Michael PatrickA BBC Northern Ireland Production

Episode 8: The Enemy Within 21.05.2022 32p

Dramatised memoir of a Special Branch officer operating at the outset of the Northern Ireland Troubles. James (not his real name) runs a network of informers and sources operating along the border area of South Down and South Armagh during the worst years of violence. For both handler and source, it’s a matter of life and death. Some names, dates and details have been changed to protect the living.Episode 8: The Enemy Within James is shocked to discover his home phone has been tapped by British Intelligence, and grows even more disillusioned when he is ordered to hand over one of his best sources to London in the aftermath of the Old Bailey Bombing of 1973. Cast: James – Jonathan Harden Interviewer – Michael Patrick Tommy – J D Ruddy Wife – Megan Armitage Source – Marty MaguireA BBC Northern Ireland Production.

Episode 1: A Nightmare About to Dawn 20.08.2022 25p

Irish journalist Martin Barry was only 30 years old when he died at the Dignitas Clinic in Zurich, accompanied by his ex girlfriend Laura McDaid.The night before he died, he asked Laura to fulfil his last request: to track down his birth mother and pass on a message.Martin had been born in a mother and baby home in Co. Cork in Ireland. He'd never met his birth mother.Twenty years later, along with her producer Kerry Jamison, Laura embarks on a search that will take her from the top of this island to the bottom and across the Irish sea, to fulfil the promise she made to Martin.

Episode 2: Absolutely Terrified 20.08.2022 26p

BBC reporter Laura McDaid held Martin Barry's hand as he died at the Dignitas Clinic. 17 years later, she begins a search to fulfil his last request: to find his birth mother and pass on a message.To move forward with the search, Laura first needs to explain why it's taken her 17 years to have the strength to search for Martin's mother.She takes Kerry back to the aftermath of Martin's death, and how it was handled by the press at the time.Will the records provide her with any further information?

Episode 3: The Prodigal Son 20.08.2022 25p

Laura McDaid held her ex's hand as he died at the Dignitas Clinic. Seventeen years later, she begins a search to fulfil his last request: to find his birth mother and pass on a message.As the search intensifies, Laura speaks to a Bessborough survivor who tells her that she suspects records were deliberately falsified at the institution.As Laura makes contact with a woman she think's could be Martin's mother, a chance phone call could change everything.

Episode 4: The Celebrity 20.08.2022 25p

Laura McDaid is searching for the birth mother of a close friend who died 17 years ago at Dignitas.As concerns surface that his birth mother may have already told him she didn't want to meet, Laura explores what rejection can feel like with another Bessborough survivor. Could a DNA link to a UK celebrity be on the cards?