The nation was spellbound by the inquest into Sandra Rivett’s death.

For the press the story was a dream. A tale of the aristocracy, gambling, debt and murder was a welcome relief in an era of shortages and strikes. They salivated over the grim details.

Alex von Tunzelmann hears how inquest became a trial, supercharging our obsession with this case.

And she wonders if we can take his guilt as fact when she hears a never before broadcast recording of an interview of Lady Lucan and an incriminating new story from a policeman.

Producer: Sarah Bowen