Exploring and explaining news stories from across England.
Series 5: Sanctuary: An Act of Defiance
Viraj Mendis from Sri Lanka begs for sanctuary in an Ascension church. The vicar, Father John Methuen, agrees to protect him defying Thatcher's government.
Previously on In Detail...
Series 1. The Pub Bombings
Exploring the impact of two Birmingham pub bombs in a 50 year evolving story.
Series 2. The Toxic Waste Scandal
Explore the shocking events that ripped through a steelworks community in Corby.
Series 3. Felled: The Sycamore Gap Story
Hairy Biker Si King investigates who felled the tree at Sycamore Gap in Northumberland.
Series 4. The Jesus Army
Uncovering the rise and unravelling of one of the biggest religious cults in Britain.
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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.
28 Oct 2025
5. Back to Sri Lanka
Viraj is deported to Sri Lanka despite his supporters’ best efforts to stop the plane.
One friend, Charlie Baker, is determined to show the world the dangers by risking his own life.
Karen makes a life changing decision when she joins Viraj in Sri Lanka and they get married.
Presenter: Father Azariah France-Williams.
Producer: Jen Dale.
Sound design: Kasel Kundola.
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.
This episode deals with issues of torture and murder which some may find distressing. For information and support on issues covered in this episode, visit bbc.co.uk/actionline.
21 Oct 2025
4. The Raid
Viraj and his supporters’ worst nightmare comes true when Greater Manchester Police carry out a dawn raid on the church and take him away.
Father John is left broken and picking up the pieces.
Father Azariah meets the woman who stayed by Viraj’s side all through Sanctuary and beyond, the love of his life, Karen.
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.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
4.2 / 5
5 ratings
Spotify
3.8 / 5
25 ratings
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