Shadow World: Sarah Payne: Unforgotten explores how the murder of eight-year-old Sarah Payne led to significant changes in UK law and public attitudes towards child protection.
The six-part documentary, co-commissioned by BBC Radio 4 and BBC Local, draws on archive material and new testimony from Sarah’s family, detectives, journalists and politicians to revisit the investigation and its aftermath.
Sarah Payne disappeared on 1 July 2000 while playing near her grandparents’ home in West Sussex. Her abduction and murder by a convicted sex offender prompted a nationwide search and widespread public concern.
The series examines the campaign led by Sarah’s mother, Sara Payne, which pushed for the introduction of Sarah’s Law.
This law allows parents to ask police if someone with access to their children has a record for child sexual offences.
Documentary-maker Edmund Coulthard said: “No-one has ever told the bigger story of Sara Payne’s incredible struggle to bring Sarah’s Law into being. It’s a crime that really did change Britain – and it’s a story that looks very different from the perspective of today.”
Daniel Clarke, Commissioning Editor at BBC Radio 4, described the series as “remarkable and profoundly involving”, highlighting the strength shown by Sarah’s family and the impact individuals can have on making change happen.
Chris Burns, Controller of BBC Local Audio Commissioning, highlighted the podcast’s focus on a mother’s courage and the ongoing resonance of Sarah Payne’s legacy within communities.
Shadow World: Sarah Payne: Unforgotten is available as a boxset on BBC Sounds from Sunday 8 November and will air on BBC Radio 4 from Wednesday 11 November at 9.30am.
