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BBC Radio Ulster

The teams assume nothing as they examine events through fresh eyes.

Assume Nothing

A hush-hush factory opening. No photographs allowed. A story of cover-ups, corporate espionage, fightbacks – and death ...

In this series, casually scanning old newspaper archives, Ophelia Byrne comes across an odd headline: “Hush hush process in Ballyclare firm.” 

The newspaper was printed in 1967. “Strictly no photographs” was the order issued at the opening of the new factory. 

“90 guests steered clear of a top-secret process.” All workers “will have to sign an oath of secrecy.” 

What, she wonders, is this factory making? 

Ophelia doesn’t know it when she starts out, but her subsequent investigation into this company, Turner and Newall, will take her from a small town in Northern Ireland across the Irish Sea to places like Rochdale, Leeds and London. 

It will bring her to one million documents released for a transatlantic trial – papers which show cover-ups and even corporate espionage. 

The product, of course, is asbestos. You may think you know the story – it’s a dangerous substance.

But Ophelia marries previous journalistic investigations to new documents which reveal what government agencies knew about its risks, and when. 

She combs through company correspondence which the manufacturers claimed did not exist, and clearly never imagined would become public. 
 
This is the story of Killer Dust, from mountains of the material in mines still operating in countries today, to the skyscrapers of Manhattan, and the terraced streets of the north of England. 

It is the story too of the people who fought and died for the truth to expose the reckless pursuit of profit in the making of one of the most dangerous building materials on the planet. 

Presenter/ Producer: Ophelia Byrne
Studio Engineer: Gary Bawden
Executive Editor: Andy Martin

1. A Very Strange Event

Strikes, panic, stock market shares in freefall. Corporate espionage has some very odd results.

In this series, casually scanning old newspaper archives, Ophelia Byrne comes across an odd headline: “Hush hush process in Ballyclare firm.” 

The newspaper was printed in 1967. “Strictly no photographs” was the order issued at the opening of the new factory. 

“90 guests steered clear of a top-secret process.” All workers “will have to sign an oath of secrecy.” 

What, she wonders, is this factory making? 

Ophelia doesn’t know it when she starts out, but her subsequent investigation into this company, Turner and Newall, will take her from a small town in Northern Ireland across the Irish Sea to places like Rochdale, Leeds and London. 

It will bring her to one million documents released for a transatlantic trial – papers which show cover-ups and even corporate espionage. 

The product, of course, is asbestos. You may think you know the story – it’s a dangerous substance.

But Ophelia marries previous journalistic investigations to new documents which reveal what government agencies knew about its risks, and when. 

She combs through company correspondence which the manufacturers claimed did not exist, and clearly never imagined would become public. 
 
This is the story of Killer Dust, from mountains of the material in mines still operating in countries today, to the skyscrapers of Manhattan, and the terraced streets of the north of England. 

It is the story too of the people who fought and died for the truth to expose the reckless pursuit of profit in the making of one of the most dangerous building materials on the planet. 

Presenter/ Producer: Ophelia Byrne
Studio Engineer: Gary Bawden
Executive Editor: Andy Martin

4. Panic

A woman types an anonymous letter. She’ll never know - but it will trigger a battle from red brick England, to the skyscrapers of Manhattan.

In this series, casually scanning old newspaper archives, Ophelia Byrne comes across an odd headline: “Hush hush process in Ballyclare firm.” 

The newspaper was printed in 1967. “Strictly no photographs” was the order issued at the opening of the new factory. 

All workers “will have to sign an oath of secrecy.” 

What, she wonders, is this factory making? 

Ophelia doesn’t know it when she starts out, but her subsequent investigation into this company, Turner and Newall, will take her from a small town in Northern Ireland across the Irish Sea to places like Rochdale, Leeds and London. 

It will bring her to one million documents released for a transatlantic trial – papers which show cover-ups and even corporate espionage. 

The product, of course, is asbestos. You may think you know the story – it’s a dangerous substance.

But Ophelia marries previous journalistic investigations to new documents which reveal what government agencies knew about its risks, and when. 

She combs through company correspondence which the manufacturers claimed did not exist, and clearly never imagined would become public. 
 
This is the story of Killer Dust, from mountains of the material in mines still operating in countries today, to the skyscrapers of Manhattan, and the terraced streets of the north of England. 

It is the story too of the people who fought and died for the truth to expose the reckless pursuit of profit in the making of one of the most dangerous building materials on the planet. 

Presenter/ Producer: Ophelia Byrne
Studio Engineer: Gary Bawden
Executive Editor: Andy Martin

5. The Bodies Pile Up

A new campaign - and a return to that small town story where it all began.

In this series, casually scanning old newspaper archives, Ophelia Byrne comes across an odd headline: “Hush hush process in Ballyclare firm.” 

The newspaper was printed in 1967. “Strictly no photographs” was the order issued at the opening of the new factory. 

“90 guests steered clear of a top-secret process.” All workers “will have to sign an oath of secrecy.” 

What, she wonders, is this factory making? 

Ophelia doesn’t know it when she starts out, but her subsequent investigation into this company, Turner and Newall, will take her from a small town in Northern Ireland across the Irish Sea to places like Rochdale, Leeds and London. 

It will bring her to one million documents released for a transatlantic trial – papers which show cover-ups and even corporate espionage. 

The product, of course, is asbestos. You may think you know the story – it’s a dangerous substance.

But Ophelia marries previous journalistic investigations to new documents which reveal what government agencies knew about its risks, and when. 

She combs through company correspondence which the manufacturers claimed did not exist, and clearly never imagined would become public. 
 
This is the story of Killer Dust, from mountains of the material in mines still operating in countries today, to the skyscrapers of Manhattan, and the terraced streets of the north of England. 

It is the story too of the people who fought and died for the truth to expose the reckless pursuit of profit in the making of one of the most dangerous building materials on the planet. 

Presenter/ Producer: Ophelia Byrne
Studio Engineer: Gary Bawden
Executive Editor: Andy Martin

10. Back to Ballyclare

Now the jury finds out why…

The inside story of a crime that rocked Northern Ireland’s equestrian community. When a promising showjumper Katie Simpson is found hanged at her Lettershadoney home – all is not as it seems. This is a podcast that exposes what can happen behind the stable doors and raises questions about the safety of young women in a world to which many are attracted. 

If you have any further information which you would like to share with the producers who made this series, you can get in touch by emailing assumenothing@bbc.co.uk

Episode 9: The Trial

Katie will never get justice, but the fight for her legacy begins

The inside story of a crime that rocked Northern Ireland’s equestrian community. When a promising showjumper Katie Simpson is found hanged at her Lettershadoney home – all is not as it seems. This is a podcast that exposes what can happen behind the stable doors and raises questions about the safety of young women in a world to which many are attracted. 

The actors featured include: Conor O’Donnell, Maeve Bradley, Mary Lindsay, Patrick Buchanan, Paul Mallon and Richard Clements.

If you have any further information which you would like to share with the producers who made this series, you can get in touch by emailing assumenothing@bbc.co.uk

Episode 10: Justice Denied

The verdict is in and the country is stunned. Further revelations on the actions of Dr Adams become apparent but they do little to change the direction of his fate. We follow Dr John Bodkin Adams to his grave and delve into the repercussions of the case. Changes are made to the law as a result of what happened in Eastbourne, back in the 1930’s 40’s and 50’s. 
 
But, where does your final judgment lie?
 
Presented by Vinny Hurrell. 
Produced, edited and mixed by Vinny Hurrell. 
The Executive Editor is Andy Martin
A BBC Northern Ireland Production

Episode 7: The Final Judgement

A possible new motive becomes apparent. After all this time, was the driving force behind Dr John Bodkin Adams actually compassion and kindness? Have we been basking in the presence of an ‘Angel Of Mercy’ since day one? Or, is this about the ultimate control one human-being can have, over another? The grim reaper in a crisp white doctor’s coat? 
 
The jury is out. 
 
Presented by Vinny Hurrell. 
Produced, edited and mixed by Vinny Hurrell. 
The Executive Editor is Andy Martin
A BBC Northern Ireland Production

Episode 6: The ‘Double Effect’

Salacious gossip of an ignorant era, or the underlying’s of corruption and control? We discover surprising claims of passion and companionship that sweep the Eastbourne landscape. However, exactly who is involved and where do their tentacles of power lead? An investigation within an investigation highlights direct moves from within a high profile medical association, that may change the course of the case. But what are the true motives? Conspiracy with a capital C?
 
‘Professional Secrecy’ rears its head. 
 
Presented by Vinny Hurrell. 
Produced, edited and mixed by Vinny Hurrell. 
The Executive Editor is Andy Martin
A BBC Northern Ireland Production

Episode 5: A Gay Love Triangle?

Doctor John Bodkin Adams finds himself in the Old Bailey, in front of the imposing Judge Lord Devlin. The country is hooked by revelation after revelation leading to titillating newspaper headlines across the tabloid front pages. Arrogance and secrecy is laid out for all to see, as medical professionals, scientists and a barrage of other ‘justice thirsty witnesses’, reveal their truths. 
 
A shocking twist to the interrogations in the witness box, surprise almost everyone in the room. 
 
Presented by Vinny Hurrell. 
Produced, edited and mixed by Vinny Hurrell. 
Executive Editor: Andy Martin
A BBC Northern Ireland Production

Episode 4: The Trial of the Century

One of the UK’s most high profile cyber-attacks: Some think it’s the work of cyber jihadis, but the truth is much closer to home. The story of how teenage clicks crippled a communications giant.

Episode 1: Data Kidnap

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