MURDER TRIAL: THE KILLING OF DR BRENDA PAGE
23 January 2024
MURDER TRIAL: THE KILLING OF DR BRENDA PAGE
Compelling two-part documentary series, Murder Trial: The Killing of Dr Brenda Page, focuses on the trial of one of Scotland’s most prolific unsolved murders and a family’s quest for justice.
In July 1978, Dr Brenda Page, a 32-year-old leading scientist at Aberdeen University was brutally murdered in her flat. Over four decades later, her 80-year-old ex-husband Christopher ‘Kit’ Harrisson finally stands trial, accused of her killing.
Filmed over several years with access to the prosecution and defence teams, the police investigation and the victim’s family, this series takes viewers inside one of the country’s most long-awaited murder trials.
While Prosecution lawyer Alex Prentice KC paints a troubling portrayal of domestic abuse, defence lawyer Brian McConnachie KC focuses on inconsistencies in the case against Mr Harrisson.
Murder Trial: The Killing of Dr Brenda Page also hears haunting evidence from the victim herself in a letter she wrote described by Alex Prentice KC as “a letter of a death foretold”. In it, Brenda graphically revealed the physical and mental abuse she suffered at the hands of Harrisson, culminating in the haunting statement “if I do depart this earth rather suddenly, do please make sure I get a good post mortem”.
As well as expert testimony and police insights, the documentary includes interviews with Brenda’s sister Rita and nephew, Chris who reflects: “It’s such a strange feeling coming to court and the guy who is accused of murdering Auntie Brenda is there, walking amongst us. He’s so different from what I remember but he looks so old. In other words, it makes you think what Brenda would be like now.”
Filmed over several years, this hard-hitting series takes viewers inside the courtroom of one of the country’s most high-profile murder trials.
There are no embellishments to this look at a murder trial – and it’s all the better for it. This is an engrossing, dramatic take on the justice system which has you hanging on every thrust and parry... In a genre awash with lurid exploitation, this programme makes a convincing case for respectful diligence.... Murder Trial delivers the sort of drama that other crime documentaries have to manufacture.
The Guardian
Murder Trial was in no way just another true-crime documentary served up for our ghoulish titillation. Instead, it was a fascinating insight into how highly skilled barristers operate in the courtroom, as well as a very human story about a bereaved family determined to seek justice.
The i
This latest in a series of courtroom documentaries (on BBC iPlayer) puts you in the place of the jury tasked with delivering a verdict, in Scottish law, of guilty, not guilty or not proven. The jury, like viewers at home, have to follow the evidence, and there is a lot to unpick here, revealing just how complex the real-world pursuit of justice can be.
Daily Mail
A resounding must watch... Incredibly thorough and illuminating...I found it completely fascinating... It's brilliant.
Scott Bryan, Radio Five Live
Pick of the Day
The Guardian, Daily Mail, The Sun, Daily Express, Daily Mirror, Daily Telegraph, The i, Mail on Sunday
Gripping
Daily Telegraph
Absorbing
The Sun
Revealing.... Remarkable
The i
There is no excuse for not permitting the broadcasting and streaming of court proceedings so that we can all see what is done in our name. Your home, your tablet and your phone should be the public gallery.
Nazir Afzal, former chief crown prosecutor, The Times
