In Detail...
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Podcast Overview
<p>Exploring and explaining news stories from across England.</p><p>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.</p><p>Previously on In Detail...</p><p>Series 1. The Pub Bombings Exploring the impact of two Birmingham pub bombs in a 50 year evolving story.</p><p>Series 2. The Toxic Waste Scandal Explore the shocking events that ripped through a steelworks community in Corby.</p><p>Series 3. Felled: The Sycamore Gap Story Hairy Biker Si King investigates who felled the tree at Sycamore Gap in Northumberland.</p><p>Series 4. The Jesus Army Uncovering the rise and unravelling of one of the biggest religious cults in Britain.</p><p>If you want to be notified as soon as new episodes are available, make sure you've subscribed on BBC Sounds.</p>
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
11/1/2024
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Recent Episodes
November 4, 2025
6. Requiem
<p>Karen plots Viraj’s escape from Sri Lanka and finds a new home for them both in Germany.</p><p>A new posting in Yorkshire proves troubling for Father John.</p><p>Viraj’s friend Charlie Baker finds some peace after his experience in Sri Lanka.</p><p>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.</p><p>Photograph of Viraj Mendis: Paul Mattsson.</p>
October 28, 2025
5. Back to Sri Lanka
<p>Viraj is deported to Sri Lanka despite his supporters’ best efforts to stop the plane.</p><p>One friend, Charlie Baker, is determined to show the world the dangers by risking his own life.</p><p>Karen makes a life changing decision when she joins Viraj in Sri Lanka and they get married.</p><p>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.</p><p>Photograph of Viraj Mendis: Paul Mattsson.</p><p>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.</p>
October 21, 2025
4. The Raid
<p>Viraj and his supporters’ worst nightmare comes true when Greater Manchester Police carry out a dawn raid on the church and take him away.</p><p>Father John is left broken and picking up the pieces.</p><p>Father Azariah meets the woman who stayed by Viraj’s side all through Sanctuary and beyond, the love of his life, Karen.</p><p>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.</p><p>Photograph of Viraj Mendis: Paul Mattsson.</p>
44 total episodes available
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- What is In Detail...?
<p>Exploring and explaining news stories from across England.</p><p>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.</p><p>Previously on In Detail...</p><p>Series 1. The Pub Bombings Exploring the impact of two Birmingham pub bombs in a 50 year evolving story.</p><p>Series 2. The Toxic Waste Scandal Explore the shocking events that ripped through a steelworks community in Corby.</p><p>Series 3. Felled: The Sycamore Gap Story Hairy Biker Si King investigates who felled the tree at Sycamore Gap in Northumberland.</p><p>Series 4. The Jesus Army Uncovering the rise and unravelling of one of the biggest religious cults in Britain.</p><p>If you want to be notified as soon as new episodes are available, make sure you've subscribed on BBC Sounds.</p> - How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates daily.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 9 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
Information about guest appearances is not available.
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