WOMAN'S VOICE:
The police didn't seem very interested.
So when I saw you on one of your American telly shows...
You made a decision to seek the truth.
Thank you so much for coming, Christoph.
Please, call me Christ.
Barbara, do you have a photo of Polly I could use?
Oh, yes, of course. Um...
Ooh. Now, this one was taken just last month.
Do you have a less recent photo?
Um...
There's this holiday shot from when she was much younger, but...
Perfect.
In cases like this, the public can get fired up.
That can lead to a witch-hunt
and a witch-hunt can lead to a wrongful conviction.
- He's never been accused of anything before, has he, Brian? - No.
Hello?
PHONE HANGS UP
She was saying stuff like,
"I'm sick of this... I said no olives...
"This will be the last time..."
"This will be the last time"?
What do you think she meant by that?
Probably just because of the olives.
In cases like this, the public can get fired up very quickly,
and that can lead to a witch-hunt,
and a witch-hunt can lead to a wrongful conviction.
According to the statistics,
the most common profile for wrongful convictions
is a white, heterosexual male
aged between 25 and 35.
They often live alone, low-key social life.
These are the sort of men that,
they like to keep themselves to themselves.
According to our research, that narrows down to just one person -
someone named Tom Jessop.
And you're saying that
it's only a matter of time before he's accused of murder.
Well... Well, no, no, not necessarily,
- but statistically speaking... - He's screwed.
..there's a higher probability
that he might be wrongfully accused of murder.
How high a probability? Say 100%?
No...
About 100% probability?
Well, that would mean that
he's definitely going to be accused of murder.
- Yes? - What?
Oh, yeah. Tom's a lovely young man.
Has Tom ever been wrongfully accused of a crime before?
What? Has he been accused of this?
Not yet, but it's just a matter of time.
Well...
Tom Jessop is innocent!
A local resident started a poster campaign today
to try and stop people from accusing someone called Tom Jessop
of being involved in the disappearance of Polly Worcester.
- Mr Jessop, can we have two minutes of your time, please? - Yeah?
- Are you aware of the campaign for your innocence? - The what?
In the disappearance of Polly Worcester?
Oh, I don't know who that is.
- Your neighbour. - Oh, her. Um...
She's missing? Blimey.
Sorry, hang on, innocence campaign?
La-la-la-la-la. "Vicious murder. Vicious murder. Lives alone."
HE POPS HIS TONGUE
"Only suspect. Only suspect."
Tell me, Tom, did you ever have any disagreements with Polly?
I didn't really know her, to be honest.
I mean, she parked her car across the drive sometimes.
That's quite annoying.
But never enough to brutally or viciously murder her,
like, throw her off a cliff or pour lime on her
- or punch her in the face... - No! God, no. - Hydrochloric acid?
Sorry, hang on, do we even know if she's been killed?
Not yet, but it's just a matter of time.
Right, and I'm the one being accused of killing her.
Not yet, but it's just a matter of time.
Right, so you're defending the innocence of a man who isn't
actually being accused of a crime we don't even know has happened.
HE CHUCKLES
You're welcome.
Right, cool. Well, if you'll excuse me, I've got to get to work now.
Great. We should totally shoot that. I'll ride with you.
No, I'm done. We're finished. I just want you to leave.
Shotgun! I called it.
- In what? - Work. - I go on the bus. I don't know what you're shotgunning.
'Spinetti case notes, end of day one.'
After meeting Tom, I'm even more convinced of his innocence.
This cherub, this wonderful person.
If he's going to be accused of this crime,
it'll be a sad day for justice,
not only here in Britain but for the entire world.
I feel like there is... DOOR OPENS
Fuck's sake! I asked you people to leave. What are you doing?
- Well, indoors is better for sound. - I don't care. Get out.
All right, let's do it in the dining room, guys.
No, we're not doing it in the dining room. Get out.
- OK, let's go in the kitchen. - Just get out, mate, yeah?
What have we got here?
'What's the best way to prove a man's innocence?'
Press Zoom on the door.
Well, there are many ways one can be proved innocent.
Forensic evidence, an alibi.
Reconstructions have often been shown to make
a difference in proving someone's case.
Reconstructions, like with slow-mo?
- Well, I'm not sure how that... - Dramatic music?
If anything, that could be misleading, no. No.
It's vital that reconstructions are absolutely accurate.
- Accuracy, got it. - Yes.
Actors retracing steps, using the actual crime scene.
Using the actual cr... No.
No, that could be extremely contaminating.
THEY LAUGH
I would NEVER contaminate a crime scene!
HE LAUGHS
GLASS ON DOOR SMASHES
OK, hand sanitiser, guys. We must not contaminate the crime scene.
DRAMATIC MUSIC
Once one has an accurate reconstruction of events, one can
start to form legitimate theories about what actually took place.
The temperature on the night Polly Worcester went missing was
three degrees Celsius.
It was dry but, yes, it was very cold, certainly.
I was standing here, I was.
Not being nosy or anything.
Did it look like it was cold out there?
Oh, yes, it looked very chilly.
I mean, you couldn't have gone out without a big coat.
Realistically, without adequate protective clothing, three degrees
would get uncomfortably cold within 30 minutes.
PHONE RINGS
Oh, you, Christ.
TOM SIGHS
Tell me, Tom, what were you doing on the night Polly went missing?
I stayed in. I watched some TV. I went on the internet.
Yes, we have access to your internet history, and that indeed checks out.
Wait, what?
Going by this, we can confirm that you were in the house,
and more than likely...alone.
Wait, you can't just go through my internet history.
Which, alongside the results of the reconstruction, should be all
the proof we need to prove your innocence.
What reconstruction?
HAMMERING ON DOOR
Open up! This the police!
- REPORTER: - Police have made an arrest in the case of Polly Worcester,
the 45-year-old who went missing from her home six days ago.
Tom Jessop, the subject of a recent innocence campaign, has been taken
into custody in a case the police are now investigating as murder.
This is following the discovery of new evidence today,
when passers-by spotted a suitcase in nearby woodland.
When officers investigated further, they discovered that it contained
a dismembered mannequin wearing Miss Worcester's bloodstained clothes.
Witnesses are saying this is clearly the act of a sick mind.
And that mind is Tom Jessop's.
Sometimes, in cases such as this,
you get what's called a trial by the media.
This is where the press try to paint a portrait of someone,
usually negative or vilifying.
And what gets lost in all of that is who this person really is.
The whole thing has...
I mean, it's all really come as a great shock.
I imagine it's very painful
to read the newspapers.
Actually, we've made a decision to avoid the papers.
"Creep".
"Deviant".
"The Real Life Norman Bates"?
"Sick Bastard"?
Oh, this stuff is terrible. SUSAN CRIES
Could you tell me a little bit about Tom's childhood?
We've made a decision,
we're not going to talk about private things like that.
- I understand absolutely. - Thank you very much.
Hypothetically, if you DID talk about Tom's childhood,
what sort of things might you say?
Um... W...
Well, I guess we'd both say that Tom's always been a very nice boy.
He always played them computer games and whatnot.
Oh, yes. He does love his games.
- He's never been accused of anything before, has he, Brian? - No.
- Apart from the cat thing. - Oh, Brian, really.
What cat thing?
Well, the kids at school said he touched up a cat.
It was nothing, just childish silly nonsense.
Tom just went to pick up the cat,
and before he knew it they were calling him all sorts of names.
- Kitty Fiddler. - Yes, OK, Brian.
So, this was the second time that Tom has been accused of
a crime he didn't commit?
I wouldn't say that, no, it was nothing.
- No, it was nothing? - No. Nothing.
Nothing. THEY LAUGH
Or something.
He saw a cat and he wanted to stroke it,
so he just leaned down to pick it up.
FIERCE MEOW
- FROM RADIO: - It's the case everyone is talking about...
Uh...
- REPORTERS: - An alarming story has emerged
from Tom Jessop's past...
The story of Tom Jessop's cat-meddling past
is sweeping the nation...
What constitutes sexual interference with an animal?
- CALLERS: - Well, this just confirms it, really, doesn't it?
Well, if he can fuck a cat, then he can definitely kill a woman.
- TOM: - 'How in God's name has that become a news story?'
I know! It's unbelievable!
- Bloody journalists! - 'How would that even work?
'How are you meant to touch up a cat?'
Rub its balls?
Miss Arkwright!
Jessica Arkwright is probably
the most sought-after and expensive defence lawyer in the country
and now she will be representing Tom Jessop,
the man accused of the murder of Polly Worcester.
How do you feel about Tom's new lawyer?
Brian and I are delighted with Jessica.
I mean, we are going to have to sell the house in order to afford her
but what's it all for if you can't be together as a family?
Isn't that right, Brian?
Brian!
Yes, definitely well worth it.
Definitely.
And you know, with the way the neighbours are feeling about us
right now, maybe it's a good thing.
Wankers!
- Jessica. - Yes, hi. - Spinetti.
The Jessop family has been finding themselves victims of
a public backlash. Why do you think this is?
I think the media have created a bit of a storm around this case
and Brian and Susan are unfortunately finding themselves
at the centre of that, but I intend to strip away all of the hyperbole
and get straight to the truth.
"Hyper-bole".
I'm sorry?
The word is "hyper-bole", but don't worry, I've got it.
No, it's hyperbo-lee. I can assure you that's how it's said.
Hey, guys. What's happening?
We got home and there it was.
Third time in a week.
"Go Jessops." That ain't so bad. It's very positive.
Oh.
So tell me, how do you both feel about Polly?
We both care very deeply about Polly.
We've lit these candles in remembrance of Polly and her life.
(Great. Great job.)
You don't think there's too many, do you?
(No. This is great. You look really sympathetic.)
PHONE RINGS
A fire broke out today at the home of Brian and Susan Jessop.
Whilst no-one was harmed in the blaze,
we can confirm that the house has been completely destroyed.
I would like to offer my deepest sympathies to Brian and
Susan Jessop at this difficult time.
I'm now more determined than ever
to see this case through no matter what.
Considering the Jessops were selling their home
to be able to afford your fee,
will you be continuing to represent Tom on an unpaid basis?
HE CHUCKLES
Sorry. Gosh!
I'm ready for my close-up.
Get my good side.
Yes, sorry.
Mr Schinwald, how do you feel about taking on Tom Jessop's case?
Well, you know... Just my luck to get a guilty one!
Only kidding. Kidding.
Yes?
The trial of Tom Jessop finally gets under way.
The prosecution are confident of securing a conviction.
Mr Jessop's defence lawyer has a challenging task ahead.
I'll be in my trailer. Sorry.
ELECTRIC BUZZER SOUNDS
All rise, please - the court is now in session.
(Are you getting this?
(Stay low.
(Don't stop shooting.
(Get the cuffs.
(Oh, yeah, that's great!)
Well...
here we go.
Um, Mr Jessop, could you perhaps tell the court where you were
at 9:21 on the evening that Polly was...
uh, went missing?
Um, I was at home playing computer games online.
Oh, right, OK.
And you're... Sorry, how old are you? 25?
- I'm 28. - 28, 28.
Oh, wow, OK.
And were you...?
- Were you on your own, did you have friends round? - I was on my own.
- Just completely alone? - Yep.
- And you live... No housemates or anything like that? - No.
No, OK. Girlfriend?
No.
Right, so no... No alibi what...whatsoever.
- Um... - No.
That's the problem, isn't it?
Uh, God, it's difficult, isn't it?
Oh, I'm going out tonight.
That's going to be good.
KETTLE WHISTLES
- Cup of tea? - I'll take coffee.
Uh...
That's all we've got left. There's probably only one more.
Perfect, thanks.
Tell me about Tom's gaming.
Oh, he always loved his computer games.
Didn't half say some naughty things when he was playing them, though.
I mean, the language, it didn't bear repeating.
- Slag. - OK.
- Arsehole. - Yes, thank you.
- And the C-word. - Yes, yes, thank you very much.
- C... - BLEEP. - Oh...
COMPUTER GAME GUNFIRE
Can you tell me some of the games that you and Tom play?
Immersive simulations.
- Sure. - Crimson Strike, Zombie Onslaught, Deathkill 7...not 8!
Slaughter Squad, the usual.
Oh, yes!
.50 cal to the face!
All mission communications are logged in the headsets,
with good reason, obviously.
- CREW MEMBER: - So there's a recording of what Tom did that night?
So there's a recording of what Tom did that night?
Zombie Onslaught. What have we got? Tom Jessop,
AKA BatmanVSSupermanRulez.
Yeah, that was before he'd seen the film.
There, there! We've got it! That's going to prove Tom's innocence!
- Yeah! Fuck, yeah! - Yeah! - WHOOPING
Human contact!
THEY CHANT: Tom! Tom! Tom! Tom!
You nailed it!
WHOOPING AND SHOUTING CONTINUE
Your Honour, I would like to present exhibit 17B, if that's OK.
Sometimes you just need that one piece of irrefutable evidence
to exonerate your client and I just could not wait to play the tape
and see the look on the prosecution's faces.
The prosecution say that Polly was murdered at 9:21pm.
What you're about to hear is a recording made
of the defendant Tom Jessop made at 9:21.
PM.
On the day that... Same day.
'Fucking take that, bitch, how do you like that?
'Die, you stupid fucking twat!' SHOCKED MURMURS FROM GALLERY
'You shouldn't fuck with me, noob!
- 'Stay down or I'll do it again. Stay the fuck down!' - OK, all right.
Yep, that...
Yeah, I probably should have listened back to that first.
But, you know, you don't always...
No, no, that's... It's just a game.
MURMURING CONTINUES
It's a computer game, computer game.
Your Honour, I must object on the grounds of speculation.
Can the defence prove that the suspect was actually playing
a computer game at the time?
No, she's good, she's really good, actually.
Certainly not HER first time.
(Don't look like that, you look guilty.)
- NEWS ANCHOR: - It's the day the nation's been waiting for,
as a verdict is reached in the Polly Worcester murder trial,
where Tom Jessop could be facing a life sentence.
- JUDGE: - Have you, the jury, reached a verdict? - Yes, Your Honour.
On the count of murder, how do you find the accused?
Guilty.
- Is that the verdict by majority? - Yes, it is.
Thank you.
Given the verdict of the jury, and the nature of the crime,
I have no option than to sentence you here and now to life in prison,
serving a minimum of 30 years.
GAVEL BANGS
I am...
..so sorry. I...
It's OK.
LAWYER MOANS
I'd better...
..go...
- because... - Yeah, got somewhere to be, have you, yeah? - Yeah, I do.
We've got the, um... We do, like, a family sort of, um...
Do you know Jimmy Spices,
- the all-you-can-eat kind of chain that you can, um...? - Yeah, yeah.
We do, like, a family thing every week,
and mix it all up with all the, sort of, different cuisines.
You just pile everything on the plate, really.
What do you feel went wrong?
There was all that weird stuff they found in Tom's cellar,
which he didn't even put there.
- I mean, who would have done that and why? - But what about the future?
And the cat story getting out in the press.
- I mean, how the bloody hell did that happen? - OK.
- Let's talk a little bit about... - The audio recording in court.
And the audio recording.
What the bloody hell was that lawyer thinking about?
- I guess, in summary, a lot of things went wrong. - Our house burning down.
That was the hardest thing that we've had to face.
- Wouldn't you say, Brian? - Yeah.
Still, we're making the best of it.
TOOTHBRUSH HUMS
PRISON BUZZER SOUNDS
BALL BOUNCES
They've got a few old games consoles in here. I play them sometimes.
Apart from that, it's an absolute living hell.
- Have you made any friends since you've arrived? - No, I'm...
- I'm just trying to keep my head down. - Oh, come on.
Surely somebody would want to be your friend, a nice guy like you?
This isn't the sort of place I'd want to be making friends.
Do you want to be Tom's friend?
Who?
- This guy's in here? - Mm-hm.
Yeah, sure.
I'll be his friend, all right.
I'll be his friend.
We'll be his friends, all right.
Oh, yeah.
Great!
'Personally, I don't believe this is the end of Tom's story.
'This is just the end of the beginning.
'Or the beginning of the end, before a new end can begin.'
I think it's most important to remember that,
in all my efforts to prove Tom's innocence,
I had almost forgotten the most important thing.
That a woman lost her life.
Her flame stamped out.
Cruelly extinguished in a moment.
Maybe she was held somewhere.
Down an old mining shaft.
Starved.
Shot.
Beaten and bludgeoned.
Eventually succumbing to the cruellest of all fates.
Murder.
I think the least we can all do
is remember Polly in our prayers tonight,
whatever horrific state her body's in.
- FROM THE DOOR: - Hello?