The harrowing true story that captivated the nation and inspired the BBC's critically acclaimed drama 'The Sixth Commandment' reveals a tale of ultimate betrayal, where trust was weaponised for greed.
Benjamin Field, a 28-year-old church warden, meticulously infiltrated the life of retired and deeply religious schoolmaster Peter Farquhar, 69. Under the guise of friendship and intellectual companionship, Field systematically gained the vulnerable pensioner's confidence.
A Calculated Web of Deceit
Field's manipulation was methodical and cruel. He seduced Mr. Farquhar, convincing him their relationship was genuine, all while secretly orchestrating a plan to inherit the elderly man's home and life savings.
In a sinister twist, Field convinced Mr. Farquhar that he was suffering from severe alcoholism, coercing him into writing self-incriminating diary entries that painted a picture of a man in decline. This was a deliberate act to lay the groundwork for making his death appear natural.
The Fatal Act
The court heard how Field spiked Mr. Farquhar's food and drink with a dangerous cocktail of drugs and alcohol, ultimately leading to his death in October 2015. The murder was so calculatingly executed that it was initially not treated as suspicious.
Field's web of deception didn't end with one victim. He had also set his sights on another elderly parishioner, 83-year-old Anne Moore-Martin, employing similar tactics of manipulation. Fortunately, her death was from natural causes, but police discovered sinister notes written by Field outlining his plans for her.
Justice Served
Following a thorough investigation and a dramatic trial at Oxford Crown Court in 2019, Benjamin Field was found guilty of murder and sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 36 years.
The case sent shockwaves through the community of Maids Moreton in Buckinghamshire and raised serious questions about the vulnerability of isolated elderly people. The story's profound impact has now been immortalised in the powerful BBC television series, ensuring the victims are remembered and a stark warning is issued about the darkest forms of exploitation.
