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Daily Mail
5 days ago
- General
- Daily Mail
The prison life of twisted serial killer the 'Man in Black': How Peter Moore, 78, befriended Dr Death Harold Shipman, is 'extremely fit' and blames his murder of four men 30 years ago on fictional gay lover 'Jason'
For the monstrous 'Man in Black', life at one of Britain's most notorious prisons is a doddle compared to what he put his victims through. Horror film-obsessed Peter Moore, who was convicted in 1996 of the savage, sexually-motivated murders of four men, is currently an inmate at HMP Wakefield. According to a former prison mate who receives 'regular' letters from Moore, the killer is 'extremely fit' and leaves his cell 'daily' for exercise. A little over 20 years ago, it was during those trips out of his cell that the former cinema chain owner got to know fellow serial killer Harold Shipman - 'Dr Death' himself. Shipman - who in his role as a GP murdered an estimated 250 people, took his own life in 2004 - a day before his 58th birthday. Moore admitted in a letter that he was 'going to miss' Shipman, who he described as an 'educating and interesting person to talk to'. Shipman, who Moore said had been 'normal' when he saw him the day before his death, had allegedly been writing a book about famed French leader Napoleon Bonaparte. Police later interviewed Moore over the death of the monstrous doctor, who hanged himself in his cell just four years into his whole-life sentence. Moore had been at HMP Wakefield for more than two decades, having previously served time at Walton Prison. HMP Wakefield, in West Yorkshire, houses up to 750 of the most dangerous prisoners in the country. Each inmate has their own cell and most get a TV set in the rooms. Prisoners also get access to the gym and can do distance learning courses with the Open University. Wakefield also houses a braille shop, where prisoners work to convert books so they can be read by blind people. Moore is among the inmates who have helped out there. As well as Shipman, HMP Wakefield has also held double child murderer Ian Huntley and notoriously violent inmate Charles Bronson. And it was, until this year, home to 'Hannibal the Cannibal' Robert Maudsley, who was moved just weeks ago to HMP Whitemoor in Cambridgeshire after going on hunger strike over the removal of his PlayStation. Maudsley, 71, has killed a total of four people. He got his nickname after murdering a fellow prisoner and leaving the body with a spoon sticking out of the skull and part of their brain missing. It gave rise to the false belief that he ate the organ, prompting the moniker. Other killers currently held alongside Moore include Jeremy Bamber - who was jailed for the killing of his adoptive parents, sister and nephews in 1985 - and paedophile former Lost Prophets frontman Ian Watkins. Between September and December 1995, Moore stabbed to death and then mutilated Henry Roberts, 56, Edward Carthy, 28, Keith Randles, 49 and Anthony Davies, 40. Moore, who owned a chain of cinemas and picked up his nickname because his choice of black shirt and matching trousers, carried out all the murders in north Wales, where he lived. Although he initially admitted to the killings to his lawyer and the police, Moore later retracted his confession. Instead, he blamed the murders on a fictional lover called 'Jason', who he is said to have named after the terrifying antagonist in the Friday the 13th horror franchise. Unsurprisingly, police and jurors did not buy Moore's claims. He was convicted on all counts and told he would never leave prison. Prosecutor Alex Carlile described him as having had 'black thoughts' and having carried out the 'blackest of deeds'. Moore admitted to his lawyer Dylan Rhys Jones that he had carried out one of his murders - the stabbing of Keith Randles - 'for fun'. Mr Rhys Jones recounted in his book, The Man in Black: Wales' Worst Serial Killer, that Moore told him of the killing: 'I just thought it was a job well done, and left and returned to my van.' In 2019, more than 20 years after acting for Moore, Mr Rhys Jones wrote to his former client in the hope of getting more material for his book. To his surprise, Moore sent him a 'jovial, friendly' reply and even agreed to see him in person. He later sent the lawyer turned author a 'resumé' containing details about his early life and background. The four-page letter began with Moore insisting that Mr Rhys Jones include an acknowledgement in the preface of his book stating that he 'apologises to the people of north Wales for his actions, but that "I don't admit being responsible for the four murders". The demand for an inclusion of a bizarre apology for crimes he claimed to not be responsible for left Mr Rhys Jones stunned. He wrote: 'Clearly I couldn't make any such promises – and didn't do so – but the main question I was left asking myself was, what was Moore apologising for? 'It seemed he was apologising for his conduct and saying sorry for the murders but also absolving himself of any responsibility at the same time. 'Was this an attempt, weak and ridiculous though it seemed, to relieve himself of the feeling of guilt?' Mr Rhys Jones went on to receive a Christmas card from his former client in December 2019. He had been due to meet Moore at Wakefield on February 10, 2020. But just a few days before the meeting, the serial killer told him in a typed letter that his legal advisors had told him 'not to attend visits from you and not to provide case material to you, as they don't want any further publicity prior to my case going to appeal.' Mr Rhys Jones, who admitted he was 'disappointed' to receive the letter, added in his book: 'I have no knowledge as to whether Moore really intends to lodge an appeal against either his conviction or his sentence.' In 2024 book Inside Wakefield Prison: Life Behind Bars in the Monster Mansion, authors Jonathan Levi and Emma French shed more light on Moore's life behind bars. A former fellow prisoner told them: 'Peter Moore I knew very well. He actually writes to me now on a regular basis. He has some minor health issues but is in good shape for his age. 'A very tall man with a full head of grey hair with a huge 1980s grey tash. Although he is from Wales, he speaks very well [posh] in a London accent. He is very articulate, clever man.' 'As sick as it sounds, but you want the truth, he actually jokes about his crimes. He claims they were committed by his alter ego Jason. 'His favourite sick joke about his crimes are he once dressed in a policeman's uniform, stopped a car and tied up a couple, male and his female partner. 'He said the man pleaded with him not to sexually assault the woman, he then said, "Sir, how dare you, I'm not here for her, it's you I want." 'Peter actually thinks this was funny. I have spent hours with him revealing all the details of his crimes. 'His voice is so polite and professional, very well spoken, and it is so odd to listen to a well-spoken man talk so much horror. 'Not the sort of thing you would expect from someone so well spoken. 'He is extremely fit. He goes out on exercise daily. He has no visits and when not working he cooks and keeps himself to himself.' 'He must have some personality issues because when he tells his stories he will give the impression it was him that committed the crimes all the way through the conversation, then he will blame Jason.' In 2013, Moore unsuccessfully appealed his whole-life tariff at the European Court of Human Rights.
Business Mayor
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Mayor
The doctors will see you now! It's the all-time top 20 TV medical dramas
I t's been hailed as the greatest TV show of 2025 so far and the best medical drama in a generation. The Pitt has become the US's most talked-about TV show. It has also become talked-about in the UK, mainly thanks to outrage that it hasn't crossed the Atlantic yet. As speculation builds about The Pitt finding a British broadcaster – and ITV medi-thriller Malpractice returns – we've counted down the top 20 greatest TV medical dramas ever. From the Sherlock Holmes of hospitals to Dr Doug Ross, these are the finest fictional physicians to consult. Prepare to describe your symptoms. The TV doctors will see you now … 20. The Good Doctor (2017-2024) Actor Daniel Dae Kim (AKA Jin from Lost) saw the success of the South Korean original and snapped up the rights for a US remake. It followed Dr Shaun Murphy (Freddie Highmore), a gifted young surgical resident with savant syndrome at San Jose's St Bonaventure hospital. The West Wing's Richard Schiff added heft as his mentor. Although its portrayal of autism came in for criticism, it ran for seven hit seasons. Not bad, doctor. 19. Dr Death (2021-23) Unsettling … Joshua Jackson as Christopher Duntsch AKA Dr Death. Photograph: Peacock/Karen Kuehn Based on the Wondery podcast of the same name, this true-crime anthology told unsettling tales of medical malpractice. The debut run starred Joshua Jackson as Dallas neurosurgeon Christopher Duntsch, who permanently mutilated 31 patients, killing two. The sequel starred Édgar Ramírez as Swiss surgeon Paolo Macchiarini, whose unethical experimentation resulted in seven fatalities. I think I'll seek a second opinion, actually. 18. Dr Kildare (1961-66) This 60s phenomenon created a heartthrob in Richard Chamberlain, who made his name as a dashing young intern at Blair general hospital. It spawned novels, comic books, radio plays, board games, candy bars, a prequel spin-off and even pop hits for Chamberlain. The pioneering NBC series ended the TV dominance of westerns, establishing medical drama as a mainstream staple. 17. No Angels (2004-06) Racy … Sunetra Sarker as Anji, Louise Delamere as Lia, Jo Joyner as Beth and Kaye Wragg as Kate in No Angels. Photograph: Channel 4 This Life did it for lawyers. Teachers did it for, well, teachers. No Angels did it for nursing. With a title nodding to 70s medical soap Angels, the racy Channel 4 dramedy followed four healthcare pros at a Leeds hospital – played by Jo Joyner, Sunetra Sarker, Kaye Wragg and Louise Delamere – with messy work and private lives. Read More Taylor Swift's return to TikTok puts her at odds with Universal 16. Temple (2019-21) Sky's underrated medical crime drama saw a gifted surgeon (Mark Strong) set up an illegal clinic in the tunnels beneath Temple tube station to secretly research a cure for his terminally ill wife. He funded it with a sideline in treating criminals and other desperate patients. Gory and gripping, with Daniel Mays as a cracking sidekick. 15. St Elsewhere (1982-88) A young Denzel Washington … with Cynthia Sikes in St Elsewhere. Photograph: Album/Alamy It became infamous for its bonkers 'it all happened inside a snowglobe' finale, but this NBC classic – originally pitched as 'Hill Street Blues in a hospital' – was a standout drama of the 80s. Set at the rundown St Eligius in Boston, it numbered a young Denzel Washington among its cast. There was even a Cheers crossover episode, which saw three doctors visiting the legendary bar. Sometimes you wanna go … 14. Call the Midwife (2012-present) It's often written off as a cosy exercise in nostalgia but Heidi Thomas's reliable ratings-grabber, following nurses and nuns in post-second world war east London, is quietly one of the most radical dramas on air. Where else would you find issues such as abortion, incest, slum landlords, domestic violence, racism and female genital mutilation in Sunday night primetime? Not on Countryfile, that's for sure. 13. Chicago Hope (1994-2000) It was unlucky to be overshadowed by 90s rival ER – which premiered the very next night – but this CBS series was high-class fare. An early hit for super-producer David E Kelley (of Ally McBeal and Big Little Lies), it was set at the titular midwestern hospital, where hotshot surgeons included Mandy Patinkin and Adam Arkin, son of Alan. 12. Nip/Tuck (2003-10) Camply eccentric … Nip/Tuck. Photograph: Everett Collection Inc/Alamy 'Tell me what you don't like about yourself.' Before turning his attention to serial killers and horror stories, showrunner Ryan Murphy scored a hit with this blackly comic cosmetic surgery drama. Best friends Dr Sean McNamara (Dylan Walsh) and Dr Christian Troy (Julian McMahon) set up a cutting-edge Miami clinic together. Cue camply eccentric patients and lurid private lives. Murphy insisted that the medical cases were '100% based on fact'. 11. Casualty (1986-present) It has launched so many stars … Kate Winslet in Casualty. Its spin-off Holby City might have gone to the great sickbay in the sky, but the world's longest-running primetime medical drama remains a fixture of BBC One's schedules. Conceived in response to the decline of the NHS under the Conservative government, it continues to blend soapy storylines with hard-hitting themes. Stats show that Casualty has launched the careers of more future stars then any other British show, with the likes of Kate Winslet, Jodie Comer and Tom Hiddleston passing through those ward doors. 10. The Knick (2014-15) A rare foray into TV for director Steven Soderbergh, this handsomely shot period piece was set at New York's Knickerbocker hospital circa 1900. Clive Owen was charismatically troubled as surgeon Dr John W Thackery, juggling his cocaine and morphine addictions with saving lives and modernising medicine. It was cancelled after two intense seasons but a Harlem-set, Barry Jenkins-run spin-off is in development. 9. A Very Peculiar Practice (1986-92) Satirical … Peter Davison (left) with Graham Crowden and John Bird in A Very Peculiar Practice. Photograph: Network DVD He's now the go-to writer for bonnets-and-breeches literary romps, but Andrew Davies scored an early hit with this satirical drama, based on his experiences as a lecturer at Warwick University. Viewing Thatcher's Britain through the prism of a campus health centre, it starred a post-Tardis Peter Davison as an idealistic GP, surrounded by a grotesque gallery of sexed-up, boozy, grasping capitalist colleagues. 8. Cardiac Arrest (1994-96) Unflinching … Helen Baxendale as Claire with Andrew Lancel as Andrew in Cardiac Arrest. Photograph: BBC Line of Duty creator Jed Mercurio was still working as a physician when he wrote his debut drama. It was so scathingly cynical about the realities of the NHS that he scripted it under a pseudonym. Following junior doctors at a Glasgow hospital, it was unflinchingly gritty and darkly comic, making a star of Helen Baxendale as a battle-scarred house officer. Politicians hated it. Real-life medics loved it. 7. Nurse Jackie (2009-15) Tour de force … Edie Falco as Jackie Peyton in Nurse Jackie. Photograph: Cinematic/Alamy Pill-popping nurse Jackie Peyton made for a compellingly flawed protagonist in this provocative Showtime drama. Across seven seasons, she battled her demons in a chaotic New York emergency department. The Sopranos' Edie Falco won an Emmy for her tour de force performance as the self-destructive antiheroine. 6. This Is Going to Hurt (2022) Pulls no punches … Ambika Mod and Ben Whishaw in This Is Going to Hurt. Photograph: PA Doctor turned comic Adam Kay adapted his searing medical memoir into an equally searing BBC drama. Grimly hilarious and righteously angry, it pulled no punches in its portrayal of life on an NHS obstetrics and gynaecology ward. Ben Whishaw was electrifying as the frazzled protagonist, while Ambika Mod delivered a heart-rending breakthrough turn as trainee doctor Shruti. Jarvis Cocker's soundtrack was just a bonus. 5. Grey's Anatomy (2005-present) Soapy and addictive … Ellen Pompeo and Sandra Oh in Grey's Anatomy. Photograph: Michael Desmond/five Shonda Rhimes' medical melodrama has aired an astonishing 446 episodes and counting, making it ABC's longest-running scripted show. The Seattle hospital saga is routinely underestimated but remains a ratings juggernaut. Its heyday was the early years when intern Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo) got her stethoscope in a tangle over neurosurgeon 'Dr McDreamy' (Patrick Dempsey), but it has survived wholesale cast changes across 21 seasons. Soapy, addictive and shamelessly romantic. 4. Bodies (2004-06) Career-peak performance … Max Beesley in Bodies. Photograph: PR Jed Mercurio outdid his earlier creation Cardiac Arrest with this pulverising drama, again based on his experiences as a hospital doctor. Max Beesley delivered a career-peak performance as a beleaguered registrar in an 'obs and gynae' ward, horrified that his bungling boss (Patrick Baladi) was killing patients, but protected by the principle of 'Doctors look after doctors'. With the pair's feud punctuated by gruesome surgical scenes, it built into a terrifying picture of incompetence, arrogance and underfunding. 3. The Pitt (2025) Connected by the reassuring presence of actor Noah Wyle, The Pitt is the spiritual successor to ER. High-pressure action in a chaotic Pittsburgh emergency ward unfolds in real time over 15 hours, with each propulsive episode playing out across a single hospital shift. As overworked staff run on adrenaline, it's a blistering portrayal of a post-pandemic healthcare system under attack from its own government. The acclaimed debut run saw mass shootings, stolen ambulances, nursing shortages and rats in the corridors. A second season is due next year, all unfolding over a Fourth of July weekend. Hurry up, UK broadcasters. 2. House (2004-12) A diagnostic genius … Hugh Laurie as Dr Gregory House in House. Photograph: NBC/Getty Images 'Everybody lies'. Not just the title of the pilot episode but the entire ethos of Fox's New Jersey hospital whodunnit. A Vicodin-addicted misanthrope who happened to be a diagnostic genius, Dr Gregory House uncovered patients' secrets and deduced what was ailing them. Clue: it was never lupus. Except when it was. Hugh Laurie dazzled as the Sherlock Holmes of medicine, forever clashing with colleagues over his wild theories and habitual rule-breaking. 1. ER (1994-2009) The making of a megastar … George Clooney as Dr Doug Ross in ER. Photograph: NBCUPHOTOBANK/Rex Features What else could it be? Michael Crichton's medical masterpiece took the ensemble formula of forerunner St Elsewhere and cranked it up several levels. Set in a Chicago emergency room, it skilfully mixed multiple patients, life-or-death stakes and ethical debates into a breathlessly thrilling package. Cinematically shot, jargon-packed and kinetically paced, ER became the US's top-rated show with 35 million viewers and an all-round pop cultural blockbuster. The Pitt's Noah Wyle made his name as a baby-faced student doctor, Julianna Margulies made for a magnificent nurse manager and it turned jobbing actor George Clooney into a megastar. Clear!
