Case closed?
THE INVESTIGATOR: A BRITISH CRIME STORY ITV, Thursday, 9pm
MARK Williams-Thomas presents an explosive and groundbreaking new investigative series that shows how real-life crime can be far more compelling than fiction.
Williams-Thomas, the former police detective who unmasked Jimmy Savile as the UK’s most notorious paedophile, re-examines a previously ‘closed’ and chilling murder case, which has baffled detectives for more than 30 years.
The murder of Carole Packman, whose body has never been found, continues to affect the lives of many of those involved and, as Williams-Thomas discovers, the shocking tale of murder, fraud, deceit and lies has left family members desperate for answers.
In a UK television first, the series will follow the case over four explosive episodes, combining stylised drama with compelling documentary.
In June 1985 the wife and mother mysteriously disappeared and has never been seen since. Her husband Russell Causley is now serving a life sentence for her murder, yet no body has ever been found. Throughout the case he pleaded his innocence and refused to talk.
During his investigation, Mark sets out to piece together evidence in a bid to find the truth.
He says: “Even though this case is 30 years on, I’m still convinced there’s an awful lot more to find out. And I have no doubt there are people out there who hold vital clues. They hold the missing pieces to the puzzle.”
In the first episode, the couple’s daughter Sam explains why she got in touch with the investigator.
She says: “I’ve got a lot of questions that remain unanswered. My father is serving life for her murder. And I need to know where my mother is. I need to know what exactly happened, if I can. What happened to my mother in June, 1985. My father won’t talk to me, he won’t engage with me.”
Russell had begun an affair with an employee in his new insurance business – Patricia Causley, who at 26 was much younger than him. She moved in with the couple in Westbourne, having sold her own flat and given them the proceeds. According to Patricia, Russell and Carole’s marriage was already breaking up and she felt the arrangement was right for them.
Sam recalls the moment she discovered her mother had gone. She says: “I remember going back home (from a sightseeing trip to London) with my father. There’s a note, with my mother’s wedding ring on there. It says that I’ve had enough and I’m leaving and I’m not coming back. That’s it, that’s all it says.”