Geoffrey Wansell recounts the horrifying events of January 1977 at Pottery Cottage, Derbyshire, where escaped convict Billy Hughes held a family hostage during a brutal blizzard. Over several tense days, Hughes terrorised Gillian Moran, her husband Richard, their daughter Sarah, and her elderly mother Amy, forcing them into a nightmare of fear, manipulation, and violence.

In a chilling charade, Hughes alternates between cruel control and deceptive kindness, making tea and pretending to care — all while his deadly intentions escalate. The ordeal culminates in a deadly standoff with police, leaving only Gillian alive and forever scarred.

A dark, extraordinary tale of survival, psychopathology, and one of the most shocking murder sprees in British criminal history.

CREDITS: 

Presenters: Geoffrey Wansell

Producer: Sam Brain

Artwork: George Leigh

Music: Dan Wansell

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