"The Gay Slayer" - Colin Ireland wanted to be a serial killer

In the spring and summer of 1993, fear quietly moved through London’s gay community - although, at first, hardly anyone realised a serial killer was already hunting in plain sight.He wasn’t lurking in alleyways. He wasn’t breaking into homes. Instead, he walked into pubs, struck up conversations, bought drinks, flirted, and blended in. Charming when he wanted to be, organised to an almost terrifying degree, he specifically targeted men who enjoyed BDSM and the passive role during sex, knowing they would initially trust him, believing they were stepping into a consensual encounter. But behind closed doors, what began as fantasy would turn into something unimaginably sinister.This week on REDRUM, I dive into one of Britain’s most disturbing yet lesser-known serial killers: Colin Ireland, later dubbed “The Gay Slayer” by the press. A man who made a chilling New Year’s resolution - to become a serial killer - and then methodically set out to achieve it.From the coded world of London’s 1990s gay scene and the now-infamous Coleherne Arms pub, to a deeply troubling investigation riddled with missed opportunities, assumptions, and devastating failures, this case raises uncomfortable questions about prejudice, vulnerability, and whether these murders could have been stopped sooner.Why were multiple deaths initially ruled accidental? How did a killer manage to evade capture while returning to the same hunting ground over and over again? And what happens when the person police are searching for starts calling them directly?This is a story of manipulation, control, hidden lives, and a predator who understood exactly how to weaponise trust.Stonewall: ⁠https://www.stonewall.org.uk/about-us/who-we-are⁠Sign up for the free REDRUM newsletter, full of all things true crime, as well as a run down of all the latest REDRUM cases. This will only ever come to you once a month... I'm no fan of spam. ⁠⁠⁠https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/W79H87S⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/redrumtruecrime/⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/redrumtruecrime/⁠⁠⁠Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/redrumtruecrime⁠⁠⁠You can email me: ⁠⁠⁠redrumtruecrimepodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠SHOP MERCH: ⁠⁠⁠redrumtruecrime.myshopify.com⁠⁠⁠Podcast versions of all episodes if you prefer to listen on the go:⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/1FCoeRZQeDkEJ5i8bGuFpy?si=ec5c7c4c945c4952⁠⁠⁠Sources & Accuracy: Information in these videos is gathered from publicly available sources such as news reports, interviews, court documents, and online discussions. While I do my best to present accurate and up-to-date information, some details may be incomplete, outdated, or disputed. Statements made by individuals are presented as claims or allegations unless officially confirmed.Opinion & Commentary: All content is created for informational and commentary purposes. The views expressed are my own and should not be taken as fact. This content is not intended to harm, accuse, or misrepresent any individual or group. Viewers are encouraged to do their own research and form their own conclusions.No Professional Advice: Nothing in this content should be considered legal, professional, or expert advice. Duhh guys I'm no lawyer.Fair Use Notice: This content may include clips, images, or references used under fair use for commentary, criticism, and educational purposes.Liability: I make no guarantees about the completeness or accuracy of the information presented and accept no liability for any errors, omissions, or outcomes related to its use. All information is provided “as is,” and it is your responsibility to verify any details independently.If you're able, please support me on Patreon/buymeacoffee/YouTube membership to continue bringing REDRUM content to YouTube. Thanks, Grace xPatreon monthly subscription- ⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/redrumtruecrime⁠⁠⁠A one off donation- ⁠⁠⁠www.buymeacoffee.com/redrumhumans⁠⁠⁠Youtube monthly membership levels- ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvGzDaluex7D_hPe7exgKhQ/join⁠⁠⁠Thanks,Grace xSee Privacy Policy at ⁠⁠⁠https://art19.com/privacy⁠⁠⁠ and California Privacy Notice at ⁠⁠⁠https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.