Helen Anderson and Danni Howard dive into the world of Britain’s most hated father, Mick Philpott. After serving only three years in prison after being found guilty for a grisly grievous bodily harm attack in his early twenties, famous ‘benefits scrounger’ Mick is living the high life in the noughties in England. Finding fame through touting his government funded lifestyle on daytime TV shows like This Morning and The Jeremy Kyle Show, narcissist Mick thought he had the world in his hands… that was until one of his many long suffering partners decided to leave, triggering him to concoct one of the worst plans of revenge in history. Expect unbelievably arrogant behaviour, tales of dogging in Allestree Park and the story of one very heroic neighbour. 

Devils in The Dark contains graphic details of sexual assault and violence, including violence against children, and is not intended for all audiences. Listener discretion is strongly advised.  

00:00 - Introduction

06:25 - Where Mick’s story begins

07:16 - Mick’s first assault 

09:06 - Mick leaves prison to start a new life

10:22 - Mick meets Mairead Duffy and Lisa Willis

15:05 - Mick goes to his local newspaper

16:27 - Mick’s stint on daytime TV

20:29 - Mick sends Mairead and Lisa to work

21:29 - Mick introduces Paul Mosely to Mairead and Lisa

22:01 - Mick goes dogging in Allestree Park

23:52 - Lisa Willis gets out

24:57 - The Plan

27:04 - Brave neighbour, Daniel Stevenson tries to save the children on Victory Road

33:32 - The aftermath of the incident

35:30 - Forensic scientist, Daniel Matthews, arrives to investigate

38:53 - Mick and Mairead hold a press conference

41:05 - Mick’s sick behaviour at the mortuary

42:43 - Mick Philpott and Mairead Duffy are arrested

44:49 - The arrest of Paul Mosely

48:00 - The trial of Mick Philpott, Mairead Duffy and Paul Mosely

53:55 - Outro

This episode is sponsored by…

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Follow Helen Anderson at @helenanderz and Danni Howard at @thatdannihoward. Special thanks to Woodcut Media. See audioboom.com/about/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Produced by Alexandra Jueno at Audioboom Studios. 

If you have been affected by any of the themes in this week’s episode please consider contacting the following resources:

The Samaritans helpline: 116 123

Confidential Emotional Support Line: 01708 765200

Refuge domestic abuse helpline: 0808 2000 247 (live chat is also available at https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/Contact-us *times apply)

Safeline domestic abuse helpline: 01926 402 498 

Safeline national male survivor helpline: 0808 800 5005