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Shadow World

Shadow World

By: BBC Radio 4
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Shadow World - Stolen Years: Andrew Malkinson's wrongful conviction of a brutal rape in 2003 has been recognised as one of the worst miscarriages of justice in UK history. He's angry and says the criminal justice and appeal systems let him down. Now that the right man has been convicted, he wants answers, and reform. So why did he spend all those years in prison while the perpetrator remained free? And what does his case tell us about the justice system that failed him? In Shadow World: Stolen Years, filmmaker and journalist Jemma Gander (co-director of The Wrong Man: 17 Years Behind Bars) follows the next chapter of this extraordinary case. As Andrew tries to rebuild his life, fresh questions emerge about the role of the police, the courts, and the institutions that failed him. "You don't know what you're capable of withstanding until you are forced to. But it's just horrific". Twenty three years later, a man is found guilty of the crime Andrew Malkinson was falsely accused of. Gripping stories from the Shadows - BBC investigations from across the UK.

(C) BBC 2026 Social Sciences True Crime
Episodes
  • Impulsive: Trailer

    Impulsive: Trailer
    Feb 10 2026

    Early in 2025, BBC Investigations Correspondent Noel Titheradge published his first story about a category of prescription drug with unusual side effects.

    People who take dopamine agonist drugs for conditions like Parkinson’s disease or Restless Legs Syndrome often report impulse control disorders - problems with gambling, compulsive eating or shopping, or hypersexuality.

    He wasn’t expecting the response. After that first article was published more than 200 people got in touch - that’s me, they said, that’s my partner, that’s my dad.

    So Noel started digging.

    Details of organisations offering help and support with some of the issues raised are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline.

    If you have any concerns about medication you’re taking, speak to your doctor.
    Show More Show Less
    3 mins
  • Stolen Years: 4. Closing Arguments

    Stolen Years: 4. Closing Arguments
    May 19 2026

    Will justice finally prevail? For Shadow World: Stolen Years, the trial of Paul Quinn reaches its verdict. After more than two decades will the victim of the brutal rape finally see the right man convicted?

    And at the conclusion of the trial will Andy feel a sense of closure? With two separate investigations still examining the failures in his case, the verdict is not the end of the story.

    Shadow World: Gripping stories from the shadows - BBC investigations from across the UK.

    Presenter and Producer: Jemma Gander Series Producer and Editor: Fran Robertson Assistant Editor: Christopher Whyte Composer: Sholto Sound design and mix: Chris Maclean Executive Producer for Goldhawk: Kate Holland Commissioning executive: Tracy Williams Commissioning editor: Dan Clarke A Two Step Films production in association with Goldhawk for Radio 4
    Show More Show Less
    29 mins
  • Stolen Years: 3. Lucky Man

    Stolen Years: 3. Lucky Man
    May 19 2026

    Why did it take so long to free an innocent man? In Shadow World: Stolen Years, the case against the new suspect in the 2003 rape case gathers pace, while Andrew Malkinson finally receives good news of his own.

    But as the series turns to the role of the Criminal Cases Review Commission and the appeal system, a deeper question emerges - how was he left in prison for so long?

    Shadow World: Gripping stories from the shadows - BBC investigations from across the UK.

    Presenter and Producer: Jemma Gander Series Producer and Editor: Fran Robertson Assistant Editor: Christopher Whyte Composer: Sholto Sound design and mix: Chris Maclean Executive Producer for Goldhawk: Kate Holland Commissioning executive: Tracy Williams Commissioning editor: Dan Clarke

    A Two Step Films production in association with Goldhawk for Radio 4
    Show More Show Less
    28 mins
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