“Everything that I was told was a lie”: Lauren Bradford-Clarke, Colin Howell’s daughter

“Everything that I was told was a lie”: Lauren Bradford-Clarke, Colin Howell’s daughter

Author: Belfast Telegraph August 28, 2026 Duration: 47:43

Lauren Bradford-Clarke grew up believing her mother Lesley had taken her own life before finding out the truth – her father was a murderer. She was told her mum Lesley took her own life, eventually being told it was part of a ‘suicide’ pact with a man, Trevor Buchanan – the husband of the woman who would eventually become her stepmother. That woman was Hazel Stewart, how had been having an affair with Lauren’s father, Colin Howell. Ten 18-years after the deaths, Colin Howell walked into a police station and confessed to murdering them, implicating Steward as his partner in crime.


Dr Lauren Bradford-Clarke, now a criminologist, spoke with the Belfast Telegraph’s Claire Williamson. 


This episode of The BelTel originally aired in February 2026.


 


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


For a clear-eyed look at the politics and people shaping Northern Ireland, turn to The BelTel. This podcast moves beyond the headlines, offering context and depth on the stories dominating the conversation. Regular voices include seasoned journalists like Allison Morris, Sam McBride, and Suzanne Breen, who bring their sharp analysis and insider perspectives directly to you. Presented by Ciarán Dunbar, the discussions are timely, informed, and grounded in the region's complex reality. New episodes arrive three times a week, each one serving as an essential briefing that investigates pressing issues, debates differing viewpoints, and informs listeners with nuance. It’s a direct line to the heart of the news from those who know it best. This is a production from the Belfast Telegraph, hosted on Acast.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

The BelTel
Podcast Episodes
GUILTY: Jeffrey Donaldson is now a convicted child rapist [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:33
Jeffrey Donaldson has been found guilty of all charges – the judge said prison is “inevitable”. A jury of seven men and five women had considered its verdicts for more than nine hours over two days, and reached a verdict…