Britain's 'Most Dangerous' Killer William Mottershead Explored in True Crime Documentary
A violent killer described by police as "one of the most dangerous criminals in UK history" will be the subject of a chilling true crime documentary airing this week. The programme delves into the horrific crimes of Manchester-born William Thomas Mottershead, whose decades-long criminal career targeted vulnerable elderly women in the Sale area of Greater Manchester.
The Deadly Gentleman: A Case of Pure Evil
The forthcoming episode of Britain's Almost Perfect Murders, titled The Deadly Gentleman, will air on the True Crime channel on Thursday, April 23. Presented by veteran journalist Tim Tate, the documentary examines how Mottershead carried out a series of brutal sexual attacks and burglaries throughout the 1970s and 1980s.
Retired Detective Chief Inspector Paul Bethell provides stark commentary in the programme, stating unequivocally: "William Mottershead is without a doubt one of the most violent and vicious and dangerous criminals in the history of the UK." Bethell reveals how fellow officers described Mottershead as "pure evil" due to the sadistic and brutal nature of his offences.
Targeting the Vulnerable
Mottershead operated primarily in the Manchester area near his home, specifically targeting vulnerable and elderly women living nearby. His modus operandi involved:
- Breaking into victims' homes under cover of darkness
- Pretending to be a police officer to gain entry
- Committing burglary, rape, and violent assault on his fragile, unsuspecting victims
His criminal career began shockingly early, with his first conviction for dishonesty and stealing occurring when he was just 12 years old. This pattern of behaviour would escalate dramatically over subsequent decades.
The Turning Point: Lily Morris's Murder
It was only after the heartbreaking death of elderly mother-of-four Lily Morris in 1984 that Mottershead was finally put behind bars permanently. Morris was viciously attacked in her bungalow, leading to Mottershead's conviction for murder. The presiding judge declared he should never be released from prison.
Presenter Tim Tate explores whether Mottershead possessed an "innate streak of aggression" or whether his behaviour stemmed from time spent at an "extremely violent" young offenders institution, previously known as borstal.
Systemic Failures and Modern Contrasts
The documentary examines several factors that allowed Mottershead to continue committing horrific crimes:
- A life sentence that was commuted to just eight years
- The absence of rehabilitation programmes for sex offenders in British prisons at the time
- The lack of DNA testing and modern forensic evidence collection
Criminologist Dr Jen Hough notes in the programme that Mottershead, like many similar offenders, has never shown remorse for his crimes, committing them purely for his "own gratification."
The documentary suggests such cases would be far less likely today due to technological advances including widespread CCTV coverage and improved forensic techniques. Moreover, changes to the justice system would theoretically prevent criminals like Mottershead from reoffending repeatedly.
William Mottershead remains behind bars where he is expected to remain until his death. Britain's Almost Perfect Murders airs on the True Crime channel on April 23 at 10pm, providing a disturbing insight into one of Britain's most notorious criminal cases.
