Channel 4 documentary to reinvestigate Louise Woodward’s murder trial in Villain Or Victim?

Louise Woodward’s famous murder case will be explored in a new Channel 4 doc (PIcture: AP)

Channel 4 is set to take a closer look into the world-renowned case of Louise Woodward, a nanny who was charged with murdering eight-month-old Matthew Eappen.

Woodward’s all-or-nothing trial gripped the globe in 1997 when the 19-year-old British childminder faced a no charge lesser than second-degree murder.

The polarising trial saw the jury deliver a guilty verdict, after being presented with evidence of symptoms synonymous with Shaken Baby Syndrome. Justice protest rallies followed in both the UK and US, on separate sides of the argument.

Woodward was jailed for 15 years but released after 279 days as the charge was reduced to one of involuntary manslaughter.

On returning back to the UK, she gave a press conference, which was broadcast live in the UK and Boston, and maintained her innocence.

Woodward was later interviewed by Martin Bashir in a special edition of the flagship programma Panorama.

Matthew Eappen was just eight months when he died (Picture: AP)

Now, a new three-part documentary series, titled Louise Woodward: Villain Or Victim? will examine the murder charge, trial, and appeal in a new context.

‘With unprecedented access to both defence and prosecution lawyers, detectives, paramedics and journalists, Louise Woodward: Villain or Victim? will detail and re-examine the divisive case, the trial and its conclusion which saw the judge throwing out the jury’s decision, reducing Louise’s murder conviction to involuntary manslaughter and releasing her from prison,’ the synopsis teases.

More: Channel 4

Daniel Fromm, Commissioning Editor for Factual Entertainment at Channel 4, said: ‘With privileged access to some of those close to the case, this three-part documentary boxset offers fascinating insights into a trial that gripped the public’s attention on both sides of the Atlantic.’

Louise Woodward: Villain Or Victim will air on Channel 4.

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