Episode Six

Episode Six

Author: BBC Local Radio November 4, 2025 Duration: 29:35

Karen plots Viraj’s escape from Sri Lanka and finds a new home for them both in Germany.

A new posting in Yorkshire proves troubling for Father John.

Viraj’s friend Charlie Baker finds some peace after his experience in Sri Lanka.

Presenter: Father Azariah France-Williams. Producer: Jen Dale. Sound design: Kasel Kundola. Online producer: Rachael Smith. Executive producer: Ciaran Tracey. Additional sound recording by Seb Rabas, Graham Kirk and Jan Seebeck. Original material recorded and licensed by Big City Nights. Executive editor: Andrew Bowman. Commissioning editor: Alistair Miskin.

Photograph of Viraj Mendis: Paul Mattsson.


From BBC Local Radio, In Detail... is a podcast that takes a single, significant story and holds it up to the light, examining every facet. It moves beyond the headlines to explore the profound human experiences, historical echoes, and societal ripples contained within one event. Each series is a deep, narrative dive, focusing on a specific case that resonates far beyond its immediate circumstances. You'll hear archival tape, firsthand testimony, and thoughtful analysis, all woven together to build a comprehensive picture of how a story unfolded and why it matters. The podcast lives up to its name, offering the context and depth that daily news often cannot. For instance, one series investigates the decades-long impact of the Birmingham pub bombings, tracing an evolving story of grief, justice, and community over fifty years. Another meticulously unpacks a shocking toxic waste scandal, revealing the events that exposed systemic failures. A particularly gripping series, "Sanctuary: An Act of Defiance," recounts the story of Viraj Mendis, a man from Sri Lanka who sought refuge in a church, and the vicar, Father John Methuen, who made the extraordinary decision to protect him, directly challenging the government of the time. This is a podcast about the stories that shape England, told through the people who lived them, focusing on themes of society, culture, history, and personal journal. It’s for anyone who believes the true weight of a story is found in the details.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 44

In Detail...
Podcast Episodes
2. Panic on the Streets [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:45
The story of the blasts told by those first on the scene.Emergency services crew and local reporters describe the aftermath of two city-centre pub bombings in Birmingham that killed 21 people.
1. A Night Like Any Other [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:28
Thursday 21 November 1974 was a normal night in Birmingham city centre until two city-centre pub bombs were detonated.We hear the story of the night from those who were there and the families of some of the 21 people kil…
Trailer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:32
Exploring the impact of two Birmingham pub bombs in a 50 year evolving story that's affected countless people. The series looks into who bombed Birmingham and asks why no one has been rightfully brought to justice. It al…