A chilling episode of 24 Hours in Police Custody will detail the nightmare a young couple faced at the hands of a cyber stalker. In the episode, which airs tonight (November 25) and aligns with White Ribbon Day – the international campaign to eliminate male violence against women and girls – the harrowing extent of cyber stalking is explored as detectives delve into the case of Daniel Dugdale and Megan Brailsford. They couple was subjected to a terrifying ordeal, including anonymous online death threats, false murder accusations leading to armed police arriving at their door, and constant surveillance that left them living in fear.
The programme titled “The Murder Messages” unveils a complex web of deceit and danger, shining a light on the often-underestimated crime of stalking. As part of White Ribbon Day’s message and the 16 Days of Action Against Domestic Abuse, it serves as a stark reminder of the unsettling reality some face daily and how crucial it is for such crimes to be addressed seriously by authorities. The campaign’s theme this year, #ItStartsWithMe(n), calls on men specifically to confront and challenge misogyny and predatory actions to protect women and girls from abuse.
Over the next 16 days, Cambridgeshire police will be supporting a campaign by sharing a wealth of information on their social media platforms about how to report abuse and what support is available locally. In the last 10 months, the force has recorded an alarming 13,079 domestic abuse incidents, marking a 2.7 per cent increase from the previous year, with women making up 72 per cent of the victims, reports Cambridgeshire Live.
Detective Inspector Alicia Yorke, who leads the tactical response to domestic abuse at Cambridgeshire police, said: “I would like to thank the victim of this stalking ordeal, who went on to support the investigation as well as sharing their story on 24 Hours in Police Custody. We cannot underestimate the huge impact stalking has on victims and how, when not dealt with appropriately, it can escalate and put them in great danger.”
The detective stressed: “This programme really demonstrates what victims go through and I hope it empowers others to come forward and report concerns. White Ribbon Day is a chance for men to reflect on what changes they can make to ensure women and girls are safer.” She continued: “While both women and men experience incidents of domestic abuse, women are far more likely than men to experience all forms of abuse, including coercive control, physical and sexual violence. The force, along with its partners, is wholly committed to ensuring women and girls are safe and feel safe by tackling violence, intimidation and harassment. We urge anyone affected by violence to come forward safe in the knowledge they will be fully supported.”
24 Hours in Police Custody airs tonight at 9pm on Channel 4 and again at 10pm on Channel 4+1. Subscribe to daily newsletters for more updates from across London.
