Cops and Writers Podcast

200 Decoy! The Gripping True Crime Story of Heroism and Groundbreaking Police Work With British Police Officer Michelle Leonard and Bestselling Author and Journalist Rob Murphy

Patrick O'Donnell / Rob Murphy / Michelle Leonard Episode 200

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Today we are traveling across the pond to England to speak to Author, Award-Winning Journalist, and Television Producer Robert Murphy and Retired British Police Officer Michelle Leonard. 

Ron Evans, aka, The Clifton Rapist, had been arrested and convicted of raping and killing a young woman but only served 10 years in prison. In 1979, when he was released from prison, he went back to his criminal behavior and raped at least 7 young women eluding the police for several years.

There was an incredible public outcry for the police to capture this maniac. In complete secrecy, a daring new plan was introduced, unlike anything previously attempted by a UK police force. A small group of young female officers – some just 18 – put their lives on the line, walking the quiet residential roads late at night, acting as bait until one fateful night The Clifton Rapist attacked Undercover Police Officer Michelle Leonard who was acting as a decoy. 

Please enjoy this incredible story told by the police officer who lived it and the journalist who wrote the book and produced the movie, Decoy: The gripping true crime story of one of Britain’s most shocking and secretive historical undercover police operations.

In today’s episode we discuss:

·      How Michelle got interested in police work.

·      How many years she was in the police force when she was approached to become a decoy. 

·      Bristol 1979 being a safe area before the Clifton Rapist started his one-man crime wave. 

·      How the British police force investigated sexual crimes back then without the aid of modern science.

·      What it was like for Michelle when this homicidal manic attempted to assault her.

·      Robert Murphy’s interest in the case and the book he wrote and the documentary he made depicting this case.

 All of this and more on today’s episode of the Cops and Writers podcast.

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