The manhunt that gripped Rotherham: TV show relives the John Heald case

IT was the manhunt which gripped Rotherham five years ago — now the story of killer on the run John Heald has been given the TV treatment.
By Michael Upton
Published 19th Feb 2019, 12:57 BST
Updated 19th Feb 2019, 15:00 BST
John Heald (left) and Bei CarterJohn Heald (left) and Bei Carter
John Heald (left) and Bei Carter

True crime series What the Killer Did Next will shine the spotlight on how Heald tried to evade justice after raping a woman in Sheffield and killing guest house owner Bei Carter in Bridlington.

The murderer texted a friend, saying: “I think I’ve just killed someone” before going on the run for a week.

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He was eventually arrested near Parkgate Shopping after being spotted by shoppers.

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    Heald admitted to being responsible for Mrs Carter’s death but insisted it was not deliberate or pre-meditated. 

    The jury found otherwise, but before he could be sentenced, Heald hanged himself in his cell. 

    Supported by the accounts of detectives, defence lawyers and expert criminologists and psychologists What the Killer Did Next aims to look behind the crime to try to unpick the killer’s mind-set and understand their motive.

    The John Heald case will be featured in the next episode on the Crime and Investigation channel next Monday at 9pm.

    The series is also available on all catch up and on demand services.

    Related topics:Parkgate