TV producer jailed for plot to murder partner

A “ruthless and calculating” retired producer on the television soap drama The Bill has been jailed for 17 years for trying to hire three hitmen to kill his partner after becoming infatuated with a lover 40 years his junior.

David Harris, 68, offered £200,000 to murder Hazel Allinson. He planned to sell her £800,000 home and live in luxury with a Lithuanian woman he met in a brothel. After he was caught in an undercover sting, Harris admitted he was a “silly old fool” to fall for the 28-year-old former professional basketball player but denied wanting Ms Allinson dead.

An Old Bailey jury found him guilty on three charges of soliciting murder.