The daughter of serial sex killer Fred West yesterday slammed plans for a new television drama about her father – which she claims prevents his victims from moving on.
Anne-Marie Davies said the ITV programme ‘Appropriate Adult’ would ”open old wounds” and affect those who had lost their ”loved ones”.
She was raped and beaten as a child by her dad and attempted suicide by drowning in 1999 by throwing herself from a bridge in Gloucester, but was rescued.
Anne-Marie’s partner, who asked not to be named, spoke out as she was ”too upset” over news of the programme, which is due to be aired next month.
He said: ”We feel sorry for all the family members and people who have lost loved ones who will be affected by such programmes.
”When this rears its ugly head again it just opens old wounds and prevents those who suffered from being able to put it to bed.
”Sadly these programmes are more about making money than making a point and it has a detrimental effect on us.”
Producers have spent three years painstakingly researching the ‘docu-drama’ that focuses on the period between monster West’s arrest and his suicide in 1995.
The two-part show will focus on how Fred West confided in Janet Leach, the voluntary worker who sat in on his police interviews.
The Wire star Dominic West will play the Cromwell Street mass murderer, while Gosford Park star Emily Watson will take on the part of Janet Leach.
Monica Dolan will play Rosemary West, who is currently serving life at HMP Low Newton, Durham, for the murders of 10 young women.
Appropriate Adult executive producer Jeff Pope said: ”Our intention is to produce a sober and thought-provoking drama based on a true story.
”We have developed the script over the past three years and it provides a unique insight into the police investigation which led to the arrest of Fred and Rose West and the crucial role Janet Leach played as the ‘Appropriate adult’.”
A spokeswoman for Gloucestershire Police said they had been consulted with by ITV over Appropriate Adult.
She said: ”We are assured that the producers are sensitive to the continued distress experienced by those who were both directly and indirectly affected by the horrific crimes committed by the Wests.”
Film director Derek Jones, who made a Channel Five documentary on Fred West in 2001.
He added: ”Anything that rakes up the story is going to be upsetting to the family (of West) and to the families of the victims – I completely understand that.”
Fred and Rose tortured, raped and murdered at least 12 young women and girls, many at the couple’s home at 25 Cromwell Street, Gloucester, between 1967 and 1987.
West confessed, retracted and then re-confessed to the murder of his daughter Heather. Rose West was arrested in April 1994 on sex offences but later convicted of multiple murder.
Fred West was charged with a total of 12 murders and wife Rose with 10.
West hanged himself on January 1, 1995, while on remand in his cell at Winsom Green Prison in Birmingham.
By Janet Leach’s son
Firstly I am absolutely discussed that my
mother is making this program and saddens me the fact we have only just learnt via
the media about the creation of this program. She has had 3 year long years to
do so, as it has been in the pipe line for this length of time. She could not even do us the courtesy to
inform us herself bearing I mind the considerable trauma that this case caused
us as children. Some people’s thoughts maybe that my mother went through a lot
during the case (despite the fact she was free to walk away from this case at
any stage – she chose not to.) It could be preserved this programme allows closure,
I would have to disagree. Is it perhaps potentially causing more upset for Anne
Marie, the family, all victims’ families & anybody else directly involved
in this case by resurfacing horrific memories that perhaps they have fought to
burry? I sadly see that money she is set
to gain from this has clouded her moral judgement yet again, as with her
previous channel 5 documentary. We are so angry and distraught at present as we
were forced to live through this with her everyday for years. However, we
choose to use councillors and not TV. The fact the media portrayed her as “an
ordinary housewife”, even though I was placed in care from an early age. Then
had to take the responsibility of looking after her through out the case. I am myself
am in the process of writing a book about being care, the system, family life, The
West case and how all of these events have effected me mentally over the years.
I would like it noted that all proceeds will be going to charity, no gain will
be made. I would like to take this
opportunity to say to all the families involved in this case, my thoughts are
with you still. On a separate note can I address Anne Marie; this news paper
holds my contact details. I would very much appreciate it if possible you may
be able to contact me with regards a gift my mother received from your father’s
house? Please be assured I am only asking you to make contact with me so I can
show my legitimacy, regarding whom I am and what I am going to say in the near
future.