Christopher Berry-Dee, the UK's all-time bestselling true crime author, is facing multiple allegations of assault and child sexual abuse, according to a six-month Guardian investigation. The 78-year-old writer, known for his ability to get inside the heads of serial killers, denies all accusations, citing a recent stroke and medical advice to avoid stress.
Allegations from family and former associates
Berry-Dee's second wife, Tracey Dee, and their daughters allege he was violent and abusive. Tracey says he put out a cigar on her face during an argument when she was pregnant, knocked her unconscious, and pointed a loaded shotgun at her. His daughter Zoe describes him as "absolute evil." Another daughter, Sasha, says she remembers her father touching her inappropriately when she was three or four, an allegation Berry-Dee calls "unfounded."
In 1983, his stepdaughter from his first marriage, Tracy Hurdle, went to the police alleging rape when she was 12. Berry-Dee was arrested and charged in 1984, but the case was dropped when the prosecution offered no evidence.
Former art student reports rape
Helen, a former art student (pseudonym), says Berry-Dee raped her repeatedly from when she was 13, starting in 2000. She reported the abuse to Hampshire police in 2006, but no charges were brought due to time limits under the Sexual Offences Act 1956. In 2009, the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority awarded her £18,480, finding she was a victim of violent crime on the balance of probabilities.
Berry-Dee denies a sexual relationship with Helen and says her claims are "total fiction."
Family of murder victims also allege mistreatment
Berry-Dee has been repeatedly accused of mistreating victims' families. In 1995, Diana Lamplugh said she was appalled to see her missing daughter's photo on his book cover without permission. In 2007, Ian Heffron, uncle of murder victim Nicola Fellows, sued Berry-Dee for libel over blog posts accusing the family of a cover-up; Heffron later recovered his legal costs from Berry-Dee's royalties.
Berry-Dee's books have been criticized for graphic descriptions of violence and derogatory language about victims. He has also been accused of inventing quotes attributed to serial killers, including Ted Bundy and Kenneth Bianchi.
Berry-Dee declined to be interviewed but insisted, "I have not once committed any of the crimes you accuse me of."
