The New Sky Documentary The Pembrokeshire Murders (w/t) Sheds Fresh Light On A Landmark Case
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Carl Roberts 
A high-profile murder investigation leads to a conviction. But could the evidence lead elsewhere? The Pembrokeshire Murders (w/t) will shed fresh light in a Sky documentary.
Sky has today announced the commission of  a documentary series, The Pembrokeshire Murders (w/t), coming to Sky Documentaries and streaming service NOW later this year.
Produced by Magna Studios, this three-part documentary series re-examines evidence from this landmark investigation. It also asks important questions about a case that was closed in 2011.
THE CASE
In the 1980s, the coastal community of Pembrokeshire was shaken by two double murders. Siblings Richard and Helen Thomas were killed at their home in 1985; four years later, Peter and Gwenda Dixon were murdered whilst walking on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path.
For years, the murders remained unsolved until, in 2011, local man John Cooper was convicted following a headline-making police investigation. This investigation was renowned for its pioneering cold-case detective work. A decade later, the case returned to the national spotlight with ITV drama The Pembrokeshire Murders.
Among those watching the drama in 2021 were two Pembrokeshire locals: journalist Andy Chandler and legal assistant Hayley Wood. Independently, both began wondering whether Cooper could have been responsible for more crimes. However, after joining forces, their investigation took an unexpected turn. They uncovered material from Cooper’s original defense case that they believe raises new questions about his convictions and points to other possible suspects. The police, however, remain confident they have the right man. They also question whether material examined decades later, without the full context of the original investigation, can challenge the conclusions reached at the time.
LEGITIMATE CONCERNS?
Do Andy and Hayley’s findings raise legitimate new concerns about Cooper’s convictions, or are there other explanations for what they have uncovered? The Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) is now reviewing material relating to the case.
With access to Hayley and Andy as they pursue their investigation, alongside those involved in the original police investigation, The Pembrokeshire Murders (w/t) brings together previously unseen material and archive, first-hand testimony and expert insight to examine the competing perspectives surrounding the case. At its heart is a question about the line between belief and certainty – and what happens when new questions are raised about something that had appeared settled.
HAYLEY REYNOLDS AND LOUIS MOLE
Hayley Reynolds, Head of Documentary Commissioning at Sky, said:
“Hayley and Andy are two Pembrokeshire locals whose search for answers about crimes that have loomed large in their community for decades takes them somewhere entirely unexpected. What they uncover raises important new questions, turning their investigation into a compelling search for the truth.”
Louis Mole, Creative Director, Magna Studios, said:
“Stories of this scale demand a cinematic sensibility, but also the rigour of journalism and a genuine exploration of the truth. This series embodies Magna’s approach: telling gripping, human stories through the different perspectives of those who lived them, with the craft and integrity to engage and challenge audiences.”
BEHIND THE DOCUMENTARY
The Pembrokeshire Murders (3×60) was commissioned by Phil Edgar-Jones, Executive Director, Unscripted Originals at Sky, for Cécile Frot-Coutaz, Chief Advertising and Content Officer, CEO, Sky Studios. The Head of Documentary Commissioning is Hayley Reynolds. The Commissioning Editor for Sky is Bruce Fletcher. The Pembrokeshire Murders (w/t) is produced by Magna Studios. Tash Gaunt serves as Series Director, with Louis Mole, Sarah Macdonald, and Jonathan Smith serving as Executive Producers. Stuart Bernard serves as Showrunner, Sam Taylor as Producer, and Kiyomi Taylor as Production Executive.
The Pembrokeshire Murders (w/t) comes to Sky and the streaming service NOW later this year.
Introducing Carl! As the News Editor at Future of the Force, Carl has been an invaluable member of our team since early 2016. His expertise and dedication have made him an integral part of our editorial staff. Beyond his professional role, Carl is a fervent supporter of Liverpool F.C. and an avid follower of pop culture. He has a deep passion for Halloween, Friday the 13th, and the iconic movie franchises Star Wars and Star Trek.
He can be found either at his neighborhood cinema, enjoying the latest releases on the big screen, or at home streaming the newest blockbuster movies.
