Catching History's Criminals: The Forensics Story

Original version

BBC Four HD

BBC Four

Gabriel Weston

Tim Niel

Graeme Thomson

Jacqueline Smith

Catching History's Criminals: The Forensics Story: Episode 2: Traces of Guilt

Documentaries

Blood

Episode 2

Episode 2: Traces of Guilt

Traces of Guilt

BBC Four - Catching History's Criminals: The Forensics Story, Traces of Guilt

A look at cases that were solved by examining the smallest traces of forensic evidence.

Gabriel Weston looks at cases that were solved by examining the smallest traces of forensic evidence, and investigates the cutting-edge techniques being used today.

There will always be those who think they can commit the perfect murder. In reality it's virtually impossible to leave no evidence at the scene of a crime. Fingerprints, hair, fibres and blood can all lead to the killer. In this second episode, surgeon Gabriel Weston explores the cases that were solved by examining the smallest traces of forensic evidence, from the first murder case solved in the UK based on fingerprint evidence to the patterns of blood in a bedroom which helped overturn an infamous murder conviction.

As well as looking to the past, Gabriel investigates the cutting-edge techniques that are proving vital in catching the killers of today. Amazingly, forensic science can now detect with pinpoint accuracy where someone has walked across an area the size of Scotland, based on nothing more than the soil stuck to the sole of a suspect's shoe.

Knowledge, arts, music and culture from the UK and the world.

BBC Four reflects arts, music and culture with an ambitious range of intellectually and culturally enriching programmes, taking an expert and in-depth approach to its subjects.

Factual: Science & Nature: Science & Technology

Surgeon Gabriel Weston explores the history and development of forensic science.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Catching History's Criminals: The Forensics Story

Episode 2: Traces of Guilt

Contributors

Genres

Formats

Series

BBC Four HD

About BBC Four