For the first time, the chilling confession tapes of convicted murderer and sex offender Colin Howell have been broadcast to the public, revealing his stated desire to 'put right what was wrong'. The 65-year-old, along with his former lover Hazel Stewart, 62, committed the brutal murders of their respective spouses in May 1991, a crime that remained concealed for nearly two decades under the guise of a double suicide.
The Gruesome Murders and Lengthy Cover-Up
Howell and Stewart murdered Lesley Howell, 31, and police officer Trevor Buchanan, 32, in a calculated plot. Both victims were discovered in a fume-filled garage in Castlerock, County Londonderry, with Howell meticulously orchestrating the scene to appear as a suicide pact. This deception successfully misled police, who initially believed the deaths resulted from the discovery of the extra-marital affair between Howell and Stewart.
In reality, the victims had been drugged before being murdered, with their bodies deliberately arranged to support the false narrative of taking their own lives. This elaborate cover-up persisted until 2008, when Howell finally confessed to elders at his church and subsequently to the police, bringing the horrific truth to light.
Legal Consequences and Additional Crimes
Colin Howell was imprisoned for at least 21 years in 2010 for the double murder. His confession also implicated former Sunday school teacher Hazel Stewart, who was jailed for at least 18 years in 2011. Stewart was informed last July that she cannot appeal her sentence.
Adding to his notoriety, Howell received a further five-and-a-half-year sentence in 2011 for indecent assaults on five female patients at his dental practice. This sentence runs concurrently with his murder conviction. He continues to serve his time at the high-security Maghaberry Prison.
BBC Documentary Sparks Family Criticism
A new documentary titled 'Confessions of a Killer', airing on BBC Two this Sunday, has now broadcast Howell's confession tapes publicly. In these recordings, Howell discusses Stewart's role in the murders, describing her as 'a victim' and claiming she acted out of fear.
However, the BBC faces criticism from Howell's daughter, Lauren Bradford-Clarke, who claims the corporation denied her request to hear the tapes before broadcast. She told BBC News NI's Evening Extra programme that hearing her father's voice brought back feelings of 'shock, horror and trauma', making it 'very, very difficult to come to terms with'.
Bradford-Clarke expressed that being given an opportunity to prepare by hearing the tapes in advance would have provided 'a slight bit of distance from it being broadcast'. The BBC responded that their production team had been in touch with immediate family members about the documentary series and invited them to contribute.
Howell's Confession and Motives
In the confession tapes, Howell reveals his motives for finally coming forward after 17 years. He cites changes in his marriage, financial pressures, and 'a sudden inability to function with patients' at his dental practice as catalysts. The killer, who attended church in Coleraine, admits to 'intermittent sexual behaviours with patients' and describes realizing 'as a Christian I was a fake'.
Howell states: 'My world fell apart. I walked in here probably believing that this was the only way that I could be real and that it would put right what was wrong, that's why I came and confessed.' He adds that he believes his justice in law would be 'deserved' and had prayed the consequences would be 'bearable to the people who I've said sorry to'.
Media Coverage and Dramatizations
The case continues to capture public attention through various media formats. A separate ITV documentary titled 'Killers in the House: The Murders of Lesley Howell and Trevor Buchanan' will air on ITV1 next Tuesday at 9pm, featuring Howell's three children discussing their belief that their mother had committed suicide.
Previously, the case was dramatized in a 2016 ITV mini-series called 'The Secret', starring James Nesbitt as Colin Howell and Genevieve O'Reilly as Hazel Stewart. The new BBC documentary 'Confessions of a Killer' airs on BBC Two this Sunday at 9pm and will be available on iPlayer.
The BBC spokesperson addressed the sensitivities involved, stating: 'We understand the continuing effects of what happened. Our programmes explore issues of public interest and they have been made with care for those most directly impacted and in line with relevant BBC editorial guidelines.'
