British crime writer Martina Cole takes a close look at some of the most nerve-wracking cases of female serial killers in the documentary series, Lady Killers, on BBC knowledge.
"It is a popularly held belief that women are less capable of murder than men. It has been proven, however, that women killers are meticulous, methodical and quiet in committing their crimes. On average, the time-line of women killers usually spans eight years before they are caught - double that of a male serial killer," says Cole.
The six-part documentary series examines the life histories and careers of some of the most notorious female killers, including high-profile killers like Myra Hindley, who spent 36 years behind bars for murdering five children, to serial child killer nurse Beverly Allitt, who was dubbed "Angel of Death". She was sentenced to life imprisonment for allegedly murdering four children and injuring nine by injecting them with deadly chemicals.
In the first episode tonight, Cole looks at Hindley - who died in 2002 - and her lover, Ian Brady, who were child murderers in the 1960s.
Cole gives an insight into the personality of the murderess, her early life and the years from her childhood that saw her become the infamous killer she became.
- Lady Killers is at 9.30pm on BBC Knowledge
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