Body Of Proof
Show notes
The case of David Gilroy is one of the most unusual convictions - a murder case with no witnesses, no weapon, no forensic evidence and no body.
Journalists Darrell Brown and Sophie Ellis investigate the case and search for the clues which could help to reveal what really happened.
EPISODE 1 – JUSTICE
It’s May 2010 and a woman seemingly vanishes into thin air from the centre of Edinburgh, Scotland. The case quickly moves from a missing persons inquiry to a murder investigation. The main suspect is her jealous ex-lover and colleague, David Gilroy.
EPISODE 2 – LOVE ME OR LEAVE ME
Darrell and Sophie meet David Gilroy from behind bars in Scotland. They examine his turbulent relationship with Suzanne Pilley, and how the police came to the conclusion of foul play.
EPISODE 3 – VANISHED
CCTV led to David’s conviction. But David also believes it’s one of the pieces of evidence which is the key to proving his innocence. Darrell and Sophie question how far can the CCTV evidence be trusted?
EPISODE 4 – SEEDS OF DOUBT
It seems impossible that someone could disappear without a trace from a Scottish city. But, in 2010, two women vanish from Edinburgh. Darrell and Sophie investigate the sighting of a mysterious blue car close to the scene where Suzanne vanished, a lead that was never traced….
EPISODE 5 – SEVEN MINUTES
Darrell and Sophie visit the basement of the David and Suzanne’s Thistle Street office – the crime scene, according to the prosecution. And they dissect the day of the alleged murder, moment by moment.
EPISODE 6 – GOING WEST
Darrell and Sophie head west from Edinburgh to the remote forests of Argyll, re-tracing the steps David Gilroy is said to have made on the day he disposed of Suzanne’s body.
EPISODE 7 – EVERY CONTACT LEAVES A TRACE
Forensic evidence is the cornerstone of most prosecution cases. Darrell and Sophie ask one of the UK’s leading forensic scientists what happens when there isn’t any?
EPISODE 8 – THE TRIAL
David Gilroy’s conviction was based on circumstantial evidence. Darrell and Sophie bring his trial to life, and examine the unique aspects of the Scottish Justice System.
EPISODE 9 – APPEAL
How do wrongfully convicted people gain their freedom? How does the criminal justice system attempt to safeguard against mistakes? Euan McIlvride from miscarriage of justice organisation Mojo shares his insights.
EPISODE 10 – NO WAY OUT
Is David Gilroy innocent? Darrell and Sophie explore the ripple effect of his case, look for alternative burial sites, and learn about a proposed law which could mean David’s sentence will never end. We also realise there is more than one victim in this story….