Double murderer Colin Howell has denied any connection to child pornography found on his computer, despite his previous admissions of killing two individuals. The disturbing images were discovered on a computer located in a caravan where Howell resided. Howell had orchestrated the murders of his wife Lesley and her husband Trevor Buchanan, both 32 years old at the time of their deaths. Following his voluntary confession to the authorities, investigations unveiled the incriminating images in 2009, over 17 years after the double homicide.
A recent documentary series titled “Confessions Of A Killer” sheds light on the grim details of Howell’s crimes, featuring original recordings from extensive police interrogations surrounding the tragic events of May 19, 1991. Howell’s confession not only triggered a fresh police inquiry leading to his conviction but also implicated his accomplice, Hazel Stewart, who was later sentenced to life imprisonment alongside him.
In addition to the murder convictions, Howell was also found guilty in 2011 of sexually assaulting five female patients at his dental practice, resulting in an additional prison term of five and a half years. Despite the damning evidence on his computer, labeled by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) as Police Item DS1, Howell was never prosecuted specifically for the child abuse images.
The computer housing the illicit material was seized during the investigation into Howell’s criminal activities. During a police interview, Howell professed ignorance of the images and denied any prior knowledge or involvement in accessing such content. Despite the revelations, Howell maintained his innocence regarding the child pornography found on the device.
The exchange between Howell and the lead PSNI investigator regarding the incriminating photos highlighted Howell’s denial of ever encountering such content online. The documentary, “Confessions Of A Killer,” produced by Below The Radar Television with backing from Northern Ireland Screen, will be available for viewing on various dates on BBC channels.