Retired Gloucestershire police superintendent John Bennett has criticised ITV's drama Appropriate Adult, calling it 'inaccurate and sensationalist'. Bennett, who led the investigation into serial killer Fred West, said the programme 'glossed over facts' and gave 'undeserved' credit to Janet Leach, the appropriate adult assigned to West.
Bennett's main objections centre on Leach's 'exaggerated role', including her breaking confidentiality by speaking to the media and receiving payment, and her 'continually contacting' West while he was on remand. The drama also omitted her later unsuccessful lawsuit against Gloucestershire Constabulary, he said.
However, Bennett acknowledged that the portrayal of Fred and Rose West was 'hauntingly accurate', providing 'an even deeper insight' into their psyche. He noted that some dramatic liberties were taken, such as West providing information about victim Alison Chambers that was unnecessary.
An ITV spokesman defended the drama, stating it was 'balanced' and did not attempt to 'whitewash' Leach's character. The force also expressed concern over how Leach was 'shown to have a gravitas which did not exist'.
Fred West was charged with 12 murders but died by suicide in prison before trial. His wife Rosemary was convicted of 10 murders in 1995 and is serving a life sentence.
