For more than four decades, Jeremy Bamber has been incarcerated at HM Prison Wakefield, known as the "Monster Mansion," which houses some of Britain's most dangerous offenders. He was sentenced in October 1986 for the horrific murders of his adoptive parents, his sister, and her two young sons at an Essex farmhouse. However, fresh evidence now suggests that the real perpetrator may have died on that fateful night in August 1985, raising the possibility that Bamber is innocent.
New Documentary Examines Evidence
A new Channel 5 documentary, Jeremy Bamber: Proof of Innocence - The Missing Phone Call, airing tonight at 9pm, takes a fresh look at evidence that has convinced campaigners Bamber did not commit the crimes. The programme focuses on new ballistic tests that contradict the original police investigation's conclusions.
Three days after the bodies of Nevill and June Bamber, their daughter Sheila Caffell, and her six-year-old twin sons Daniel and Nicholas were discovered at White House Farm, a silencer was found in the property's gun cupboard. It was contaminated with blood that may have originated from Sheila. Firearms expert Malcolm Fletcher concluded the blood was back-spatter from a close-range shooting, contradicting Bamber's claim that Sheila had "gone berserk" with a rifle and then turned it on herself.
Ballistic Tests Challenge Prosecution
It would have been physically impossible for Sheila to reach the trigger with the silencer attached due to its extra length. However, a new experiment featured in the documentary casts doubt on this. Using pig skin, a ballistics expert examined wound profiles with and without the silencer. Rounds fired with the silencer left ragged entry wounds, while those without produced clean, circular wounds identical to those found on all victims. This test alone makes a compelling case for re-examination.
Questions Over Evidence Handling
Questions have also been raised about how the silencer was discovered. It was found by Bamber's relative, David Boutflour, but another family member had written notes about a silencer being found prior to that. Allegations of mishandling by Essex Police have emerged, with campaigners suggesting more than one silencer may have been recovered.
Bamber's legal team plans to submit a report demanding the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) reconsider its objection and refer the case. Essex Police maintain that numerous appeals and reviews have concluded Bamber is guilty, while the CCRC says it is considering additional matters raised in his application.
Jeremy Bamber remains in prison, steadfastly protesting his innocence and fighting for the right to appeal his whole-life tariff.
