Vera s09e02 Episode Script
Cuckoo
1 [DISTANT SIREN WAILS.]
ANNOUNCER: The 16:29 train service to Edinburgh will be departing from platform three.
[TRAIN BRAKES SCREECH.]
[HORN HONKS.]
[GULLS SQUAWK.]
- [CREAKING.]
- Steady! Go on! Steady as she goes! That's it.
Come on, we've got it.
Go on.
Steady, go on! That's it.
Whoa! Now you hold it there.
[HE CHUCKLES.]
Good lad.
[PHONE BEEPS.]
[HEAVY RAIN FALLS, THUNDER RUMBLES.]
[LOCK AND CHAIN RATTLE.]
- Aiden.
- Ma'am.
So, what have we got? - Male fatality.
- Mm-hm.
- Teenage lad.
- Ah.
Stabbed sometime late last night.
[SHE SIGHS.]
- Got any ID? - Nothing so far.
No wallet, no phone.
Pockets were empty.
What about CCTV? Apparently all the cameras are on the blink.
Oh, they would be, wouldn't they? Ma'am.
I've just spoken to the yard owner, Gary Mincham.
And he said he locked up last night, left around 9:15.
Yeah, well, I'll need to talk to him soon enough.
Get statements from that lot.
Ma'am.
Morning, Malcolm.
So, what can you tell us? Single stab wound to the lower abdomen.
From the look of all this blood, probably sliced through an artery.
I say he was stabbed behind that boat over there.
Manages to crawl, ends up dead where we found him.
Shoe tread here.
Probably the victim's own trainers.
There's blood all over the soles.
They look brand new.
And there's some bling here.
Where's he getting money for that? I'll leave that one for you to work out, shall I? Murder weapon? Well, be easy to miss in all this junk.
I'll do a full sweep of the yard as soon as you get out from under our feet.
Well, we'll try not to cramp your style, love.
Thank you.
[CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKS.]
So how did the lad get in here, if it's all locked up? Didn't swim here.
Hole in the fence.
Ground's been well-trodden.
There's some fibres snagged here.
Could have been anyone's.
Now, the wire's bent inwards.
So that's caught the clothes of someone stepping out.
That rules out our mystery lad, he's not going anywhere.
So, what? In a hurry, careless, or nothing at all? Get forensics moved over here.
Mr Mincham? DCI Stanhope.
Now, I take it this is your yard? Aye, that's right.
And you were the last to leave last night? Keel repair.
Owner needed his boat back out at sea.
Did you see anyone else when you left, hanging around outside? Not that I remember.
And is there any recent trouble we should know about? Trespassing, break-ins? Local kids sometimes climb through the fence.
You wanna get those cameras fixed.
Never seem to get round to it.
Now, I'm gonna need a list of all your employees, customers, boat owners, anyone who has access to the yard.
That'll all be in the office.
Well, better go see to it, then.
Who was it found the body? A local copper, PC Turnley.
The police were called out on a suspected break-in.
- PC Townley, isn't it? - Turnley, ma'am.
Sean.
Now, DC Lockhart tells me it was you found the body.
Aye, routine callout.
End of shift.
- He's not from round here.
- You seem very sure of that.
I've policed this town for years.
I know most of the local kids.
And they all meet up in the yard, do they, these local kids? That hole in the fence? They know it's somewhere they'll not be disturbed.
I mean, they can pass a bottle around, smoke a bit of weed.
Well, there's never been any trouble.
I mean not like this.
Who was it phoned the police? Roy Brewer.
Bit of a nuisance.
Why do you say that? He calls us out twice a week.
He set himself up as a neighbourhood watch.
Give us ten minutes, we'll get you logged out, we'll go talk to him together.
VERA: You told the police you saw someone acting suspiciously.
I was walking the dog, clocked him loitering around the gate.
- Place was deserted.
- And what time was this? Must have been about ten.
The call was logged at 10:15, ma'am.
I took a few photos.
With my mobile.
Oh, well, let's have a look.
That's the fella.
Jeans and a padded jacket.
AIDEN: That could be anyone.
Can we take this with us? Yeah.
Thanks, love, you've been a great help.
The whole town's gone to the dogs.
- Hmm? - I mean, they've even broken in here.
When was this? Must have been about, what, six weeks ago? Came down to find the door kicked in.
Not that the police did anything.
We followed it up.
Anything taken? Till was empty.
But I still had to replace all the locks.
[SHE SIGHS.]
Well, we know where you are, love, if anything else should crop up.
It's the last thing her dad needs.
- Who? - Kayleigh.
She's Gary Mincham's lass.
Turns up for work whenever she feels like it.
Right.
We'll have a word.
Thanks.
Have you got a minute, love? Kayleigh, isn't it? Dock my wages if I'm not careful.
Ah, you're all right, pet.
Have you been working here long, then? A few months now.
That must have been a shock for your dad, finding that lad in his yard.
Suppose it must have, yeah.
You didn't see him this morning? I haven't lived at home for a while.
Ah, well, you ought to give him a ring, love.
Haven't had the chance.
- Late night, was it? - Bit of a party down at the beach.
Ooh.
, Came straight in to do the breakfasts.
I better get these washed.
You're all right, lass.
Our witness, Roy Brewer, his beef with the police, is that something we should know about? A lad had been giving him some lip.
Roy gave him a clip for his trouble.
He's lucky he got off with a caution.
Right, well, you'd better get off, write up your notes.
Ma'am.
Police find a body in her dad's yard and she doesn't even call to check in? Teenagers.
She was probably busy.
- You'd find time, wouldn't you? - [PHONE RINGS.]
Something like that.
Kenny.
We've got the deceased on camera, ma'am.
He arrived in Peyton yesterday at 16:46.
- 'Travelled alone.
' - 16:46.
Yes.
That would put him on a train out of Newcastle.
Good work, Kenny.
We'll see you back at the station for a briefing.
- 'Will do.
' - What? Took the train out of Newcastle yesterday afternoon.
What's he doing in Peyton? Well, he wasn't building sand castles, I know that much.
The teenage lad fatally stabbed in Mincham's boatyard last night between the hours of 9:15 and 10:30.
Now, he catches the train from Newcastle over to Peyton, and a few hours later, he's murdered.
We've run the victim's prints, ma'am.
No record.
Still no idea who he is.
So, what DO we have? A witness calls the police, reports someone acting suspiciously outside the boatyard.
Now, this is Roy Brewer, who works in the cafe down on the prom.
Fancies himself as the neighbourhood watch.
Took some snaps on his mobile.
Tech are still trying to enhance them.
Yeah, let's have a look.
Well, that could be our victim.
Or the killer.
Could be keeping lookout.
Aye.
Could be unrelated.
I've had some intel back from mispers, ma'am.
Male juveniles currently missing in Newcastle.
Ah.
All just kids.
Six of them.
Ma'am.
He's our lad.
That's him.
Caden Lennon, reported missing from care home six weeks ago.
[SHE TUTS.]
Caden had lived here since he was 11.
Been in care half his life.
What about his parents? Mam's dead.
Dad walked out when he was still a bairn.
Now, you reported Caden missing six weeks ago.
He started staying out late.
Sometimes, he wouldn't come home at all.
He'd always answer my texts eventually, just to let us know he was safe.
The day he disappeared, his phone died.
No word since, nothing.
Did you have any other kind of trouble with him? You all right, love? Caden hated being in care.
The stigma, the rules.
That put you at odds, did it? We talked about a pathway plan to smooth his way for turning 18.
Then he tells us he's got himself a job.
Oh, where was this? Ferry Cross estate.
He grew up there.
I know it.
Then you know it's not a place for an impressionable teenager.
So this job, who's he working for? A fellow called Dave Miller.
Runs the community centre.
- You don't sound too impressed.
- I just don't like his attitude.
Filling Caden's head with ideas.
Have you spoken to this Dave since the lad went missing? He told us Caden had packed it all in.
Hadn't seen him since.
And when was this? Just before he went missing.
It doesn't make sense.
He'd never have abandoned Tyler.
Who's Tyler? His brother.
Sorry, I thought you knew.
The pair of them shared a room.
Police liaison officer called round this morning, I woke him to tell him the news.
He hasn't left his room since.
[KNOCKS SOFTLY.]
Tyler, the police are here.
They need to ask you some questions.
And you hadn't been in touch with your brother since he left? I think he'd lost his phone.
Social services applied for a tracking order.
It was switched off.
So you've no idea why he was up in Peyton? - We used to go there on day trips.
- With their mam.
She always liked it by the sea.
Did Caden have friends there? I dunno.
Now, I need to ask you this, love.
Was your brother involved in any criminal activity? No! Now, we know he got a job over on the Ferry Cross estate.
Can you think of anyone he might have fallen out with? Caden might have had some issues, but he was a good lad.
Right, well, we'll need to go through some of his things.
- I don't want them touched.
- They need to find out what happened.
It was your fault he left! You were always on at him! [DOOR OPENS AND SLAMS.]
There should be some clothes in the wardrobe.
- And boxes under the bed.
- Ah, we'll manage, love.
You go.
[DOOR OPENS AND SHUTS.]
If Caden was homeless, sleeping rough, might explain why no one missed him.
New trainers, gold chain.
Doesn't fit.
See if you can find anything here we can work with.
I thought you might need a photo.
His 16th birthday.
We baked him a cake.
Tyler worshipped his brother.
He fell apart when he left.
He's grieving, love.
He didn't mean those things he said.
I feel like I've failed them both.
Yeah, he showed up here one morning, said he was looking for work.
So what did this job entail? General dogsbody, really.
We get funding for a couple of employment schemes.
Well, we know he grew up on this estate.
Yeah, I think he felt a connection.
Only place he ever called home.
Most people that I know wanna give the place a wide berth.
Do you have a problem with gangs on this estate? Well, most of these kids have been written off.
Gangs, drugs, knife crime.
We do what we can to keep them out of trouble.
Did Caden get involved in any of that? I warned him to stay out of it.
Voice of experience.
So, he asks you for a job, and he packs it in a couple of weeks later.
There must have been a reason.
He started turning up late for his shifts.
Said he had better things to do.
And you've no idea where he might have been this last six weeks? I wish I could tell you.
So, what are we thinking? Gets into trouble with a gang, leaves in a hurry.
They find out where he was, go after him.
Fits with a stabbing, doesn't it? [BICYCLE BRAKES SCREECH.]
Oi! Wouldn't harm to knock on some doors.
No one's going to talk to us.
Send everyone into the cracks.
Aiden.
Get onto the gangs unit.
Any intel they can give us.
We found traces of benzoylecgonine in the victim's urine.
That's crack cocaine.
So if the lad was using, chances are his death was drugs-related.
We found sharps and baggies dumped on the wasteland behind the yard.
He wasn't the only one getting high.
What about his injuries? The knife nicked the common hepatic artery.
Extensive internal bleeding, heart rate spikes, blood pressure rises.
Well, he would have bled out in minutes.
You might wanna take a look at his hands.
No defence wounds.
Exactly.
Nothing to indicate he put up any kind of struggle.
- That suggests he knew his killer.
- Indeed.
Any other injuries I should know about? Hairline fracture on the radius of the right arm here.
Probably years old.
What about those shoe treads we found at the scene? They matched with the victim's trainers.
He's stabbed, staggers forward into his own blood.
So, nothing to help me find his killer? I did recover some fibres from inside the knife wound.
They didn't match what he was wearing.
If the weapon was concealed in the assailant's pocket So, the fibres could have transferred onto the blade? Polyester-cotton mix.
Matches the fibres that were snagged on the fence.
Possibly the lining of the jacket.
It's a good job I spotted those.
Well, you got lucky.
Ah, just caught you.
Now, these kids who meet up in that boatyard, smoking a bit of weed, you said.
Well, you're gonna get that in any town.
Caden Lennon had been using, the night he died, crack cocaine.
- That puts a new slant on things.
- Aye, doesn't it just? Look these past few months, we have been a bit stretched.
This recent spike in crime, robberies, shoplifting, a couple of violent assaults, that's usually drugs in the mix.
Yeah.
People think it's all Z-Cars up here.
Seaside plods with no idea.
Yeah.
Working all hours, no support.
- It's easy to feel overwhelmed.
- Mm-hm.
They've even closed down the front desk.
[VERA TUTS.]
So where was this lad getting the gear from? Right, let's do the rounds with the photo, see if anyone bites.
Doing a bit of covert surveillance? There's no law against it.
You've been cautioned before about community policing.
That lad you assaulted.
I gave the boy a slap, that's all.
There's plenty who'd say he deserved it.
Ever seen this lad? Yeah, I've seen him a few times.
Hanging around outside.
You sure about that? I thought he might have been cadging money.
He's seen him.
I hear the dead lad had been stabbed.
Who told you that? Just talk at the club.
Which club's this? The Yacht Club.
Can I take that? Word of advice, Mr Brewer, leave this to the police.
How did he know the lad had been stabbed? Didn't come from us.
[ARCADE MACHINES RATTLE AND PING.]
Tony Briggs? Who's asking? DCI Stanhope, Northumberland and City Police.
We're trying to trace the recent movements of this lad.
- No one I know.
- Are you sure about that? Face has been seen here.
Several times.
I might have seen him playing the machines.
This place is a magnet for day-trippers.
Oh, aye.
And we've reason to believe he was using drugs.
And you think he bought them off me? We know you've got previous.
Possession with intent to supply.
I've put all that behind us.
Then you won't mind us talking to some of your punters.
- See if someone else can place him.
- Be my guest.
And we'll also need access to your CCTV.
Well, then, you'll need to come back with a warrant.
Ah, no, that'd give you time to wipe the tapes, wouldn't it? This place is legit.
I've got nothing to hide.
Then I suggest you wind your neck in and let us do our job.
And I'll leave that one to DS Healy.
[MAN COUGHING.]
Can you give us a minute, love? Number on the card was unobtainable.
Pay-as-you-go mobile.
No surprises there then, Kenny.
Tech have blown up those pictures from Roy Brewer's mobile, ma'am.
No hope of an ID.
What's this transit van here, parked on the road? Did Roy Brewer mention anything about that in his statement? Mark, see if you can get a fix on those plates.
Let's see.
Erm Vehicle's registered to Gary Mincham.
Is it indeed? Is the gaffer about? Need another word.
I'm gonna go and check in with forensics.
Last time I looked, he was in the office.
Didn't catch your name.
Alan.
Alan White.
You worked here long? Few years now.
Gary took us on as an apprentice.
Don't let me keep you.
[HE SIGHS.]
We've got an ID for the dead lad.
I thought you'd like to know.
Name of Caden Lennon.
Doesn't mean anything to us.
Been using drugs the day he was killed.
Sounds like he was asking for trouble.
And we know this yard is the meeting point for addicts.
If I'd ever clocked drugs in this yard, - I'd have - You'd what, love? I'd have put a stop to it.
Now, you told us you locked up at 9:15, night of the murder.
Aye, that's right.
So how come your transit's still parked outside at 10? I walked home.
I needed to clear me head.
Any particular reason? Bailiffs delivered a summons that morning.
Unpaid debts.
I was working out a way to break it to the wife.
Well, we know you owe the bank thousands.
Ha! Been checking up on us? A body was found here, love.
We do the same with anyone.
So how is business? Not much call for working boats anymore.
We were getting by.
Repairs and maintenance, yachts in the marina.
And then someone started undercutting us.
We'd get a job lined up, customer would pull out without warning.
Orders dried up overnight.
A few more weeks, I'd have found the money.
And then this had to happen.
Well, we'll be out of here soon enough.
Now, can anyone verify what time you got home that night? We know your daughter's not living with you.
Have you been speaking to Kayleigh? We ran into her down at the cafe.
She moved out a couple of months ago.
Bridie can vouch for us.
Me wife.
She was putting the youngest to bed.
[HE SIGHS.]
Some intel's just come through.
You know those recent crimes in the Peyton area? Yeah, go on, I'm listening.
Well, there's also a theft at the Yacht Club, three weeks ago.
- At the Yacht Club? - Mm-hm.
That's Roy Brewer's watering hole, isn't it? Yeah, the manager's car was broken into.
Nita Dajani.
And she gave a description to the police of the suspect.
Male, late teens, early 20s.
Well, let's see what else she can tell us.
The car alarm went off when I was cashing up.
By the time I got out there, he was running away.
But you did give the police a description.
- Was this the lad? - He was wearing a hoodie.
Didn't see his face.
- You say your laptop was stolen? - Mm-hm.
I only bothered reporting it to claim on the insurance.
Has this lad been arrested, then? His body was found in Mincham's boatyard.
I know the yard's been in trouble.
Common knowledge, is it? Club gossip.
And we know the manner of the lad's death - has been a source of speculation.
- Hmm.
Last thing we needed was a murder.
I'm sure the lad didn't ask to be murdered, love.
Opportunistic break-in, he nicks the laptop, sells it on to finance his habit.
She barely looked at that photo.
Makes me think she's hiding something.
Oh, not again.
Is he following us? I've already cautioned you once about snooping.
I'm just enjoying an afternoon drink.
Night of the murder, you rang the police at 10:15.
Soon as I got home.
Why not call them straightaway from outside the yard? Had your mobile on you.
I suppose I felt safer indoors.
Didn't stop you taking pictures.
I was gathering evidence.
I'm warning you, sunshine, don't push your luck.
I can see you in one of them swanky flats.
Oh, yeah? Are you gonna sort me out with a pay rise? No chance.
Doesn't look like a town with a drugs problem, does it? Urban regeneration.
For those who can afford it.
- Mm-hm.
- [PHONE RINGS.]
And that tip of a boatyard is right in the way.
- Kenny? - 'Ma'am.
' We're at Peyton Links.
We might've found a new lead.
'Eyewitness puts Caden Lennon down on the beach.
' Right, give us ten minutes, we'll meet you there.
You'll have to eat that on the way.
A holiday-maker contacted the police.
Her kids were taking lessons at the surf school.
Said they'd been offered drugs.
Fits the description for Caden Lennon.
Well, what are you doing standing here? Get someone over to that address! Let's do a sweep with the photo.
I'll go talk to David Hasselhoff.
A little bird tells me there's been a bit of drug dealing down here.
Who's told you that? A parent whose kids were approached by this fella.
You need to speak to the woman who made the complaint.
She left her kids in your care.
I might have seen him.
Can't be sure.
Beach can get busy this time of year.
This surf school, it's your business, is it? Nah.
I teach a few lessons to pay the way.
- So where's home? - Campervan parked up top.
Saturday night, I hear there was a bit of a party.
We sank a few beers.
You see Kayleigh Mincham on the beach? She's always down here with her mates.
Pass off without incident, did it, this party? - As far as I know.
- All peace and love, was it? Just the surf crowd letting off steam.
If that was all, I've got a class to finish.
How'd you get the fat lip? Came off the board in the shallows.
Can get pretty rough out there.
Oh, aye.
Go on, then.
Go catch some waves.
Come on, guys.
[OFFICE CHATTER.]
AIDEN: We've got proof of that from his notebook.
Ma'am, we got a statement from the woman in Washington.
She has ID'd Caden Lennon as the lad selling drugs.
Yeah, and we know that he's been meeting people outside the arcade.
Roy Brewer kept a log in his notebook.
Well, that would have been a list of his customers.
Beggars Casino, Peyton Links, Mincham's boatyard.
He certainly gets around.
So how does this new intel tie in with his murder? Disgruntled customer, rival dealer? You can't rule out robbery, he would have been carrying cash.
The thing is, where's he getting these drugs in the first place? Hmm? Up in Peyton? Or here, in Newcastle? 17-year-old lad, - he's got to be working for someone.
- Right.
We ran that check on Tony Briggs' employees.
Another one with previous.
Registered addict.
Declan Price.
He's currently on probation with a drug abstinence order.
That's the fellow who was mopping up the floor in the gents.
Get your coat.
HUSHED VOICE: Gotta go, right.
That's all I'm saying, take care of yourself, yeah? All right? I've gotta go.
Declan's been clean for months, ma'am.
Yeah, well, he missed his last meeting with his probation officer.
[KNOCKS ON DOOR.]
Mr Price, it's police.
Could you open the door, please? Mr Price? Can you open the door, love? Ah.
- DCI Stanhope.
Remember me, love? - Now's not a good time.
- Oh, got company, have you? - Yeah.
My sister, she's visiting.
Her and a friend.
You don't have a sister, Declan.
Come here! Hey! No you don't! What's this? Eh? On your feet, the pair of you.
Come on, love, on your feet, yeah? Ma'am.
[SHE BREATHES DEEPLY.]
These phones look like they might be burners, ma'am.
Ah, right.
Well, they might give us some leads.
Well, we can take it from here.
You can go.
Ma'am.
Well, well, well.
[DOOR SLAMS.]
Recognise this face? I've never seen him before.
That's funny, that.
His prints are all over your house.
Two grand in cash, hidden under your fish fingers.
Now, I think this money is from selling drugs.
I keep all the smack I can get my hands on.
That's just for personal use.
Oh.
Well, what about this business card you left in the gents in the Beggars Casino? 'Top gear for sale at knock-down prices.
' I just do as I'm told.
Who by, the boss, Tony Briggs? Tony? Tony's got nothing to do with this.
Oh, well, then, I'll have to assume that you're the brains of this enterprise.
And that Caden Lennon was working for you.
You've broken the terms of your parole.
You're looking at a custodial sentence, sunshine.
[HE SIGHS.]
- I I don't know.
- HE COUGHS A friend introduced us.
He said the lad needed a place to stay.
So which friend was this? I can't say.
You could've said no.
Caden said they'd hurt us if I went to the police.
Who's "they"? Th-they never They never showed their faces round Peyton.
They left all the legwork to Caden.
So can you give us any names? People he talked to? All that smack, it makes you forgetful.
Well, can you remember where you were on Saturday evening? I was working at the arcade.
I didn't get off till ten.
See Caden dealing there? We know that's his patch.
Last time I saw him was back at the house.
And what time was this? Late afternoon.
He'd just got off a train with a load of fresh gear.
And how'd he seem? Bit on edge.
I went into my room to shoot up.
By the time I left for work there was no sign of him.
And you don't recall anyone else dropping by? I might have heard some people talking.
Bit of a kick-off, from the sound of things.
So he's with who? [HE SNIFFS AND COUGHS.]
like I said, I was out of it.
I I I really need to see a doctor.
Ma'am, you might wanna take a look at this.
- What? - Intel from the gangs unit.
"Caden Lennon was running drugs for a county line, "maintained and protected at any cost.
" Perfect profile for gang recruitment.
Care home kid, no record.
Yeah, much less likely to draw attention to himself.
Maybe he did draw attention to himself, maybe that's what got him killed.
Up and down on a train with a pocket full of drugs.
And we know Declan Price was a victim of cuckooing.
Vulnerable addict, they take over his home and use it as a stash house.
Now, here's some intel on a gang called Ferry Boys.
Now, are they the ones who set him up in Peyton? Are they the ones pulling the strings here? We've tracked down the signal on that mobile.
NE6 postcode.
That's the Ferry Cross estate.
Get onto the NCA, I want anything they've got on that gang.
Ma'am.
Can you put me in touch with the right person at the NCA? We've made enquiries on the estate.
Anyone wants me, I'll be in the mortuary.
[SHE SOBS.]
[SHE SIGHS.]
He insisted on coming.
He wanted to see him.
Where'll they bury him? I imagine there'll be a public health cremation, love.
Just as soon as we've released the body.
There needs to be a a stone or something.
A proper grave with his name on it.
Well, we could perhaps try to locate your dad, see if he could - I don't want him there.
- All right.
He threw me brother down the stairs once.
Broke his arm.
- Your dad? - Aye.
He was all set to give us a hiding.
Caden got between us.
He always looked out for me.
Tyler, I think he got in with a gang on that estate.
And he was dealing.
Now, these friends of his, they're not the sort of people you wanna mess with, love.
So maybe he was still looking out for you.
[PHONE RINGS.]
Yeah, we're on our way back now.
Everything OK there? I've been working through those burner phones, ma'am.
Nothing that links us to the Ferry Cross, but Caden did receive three calls, evening he was killed.
Phone number's registered to Kayleigh Mincham.
- Thanks.
- Thank you.
See you later, love.
I think it's time we got a few things straight, don't you? I was always gonna hand over those phones.
I'm not sure I believe you.
If you've been covering for Kayleigh Mincham Let me guess.
You're mates with her dad? Me and Gary go back a bit, yeah.
Something else you failed to mention.
I didn't think it was relevant.
But it was you who found the body in his boatyard! And I did everything by the book.
That search of Declan Price's place, did you call Kayleigh? Warn her we were coming? Er no.
You were on the phone to someone.
I was just checking in with the station.
You knew that lass was involved.
You'd better start sharing, sunshine.
Look, Kayleigh Mincham's an addict.
She's been using for a while now, heroin.
That family's been through enough.
So you thought you'd interfere with a murder enquiry? I was just looking out for her.
Look, if this goes any further, the professional standards I'm looking at a desk job.
[SHE SIGHS.]
Kayleigh Mincham is now a person of interest, and whilst this case is ongoing, you'll have nothing more to do with her.
- Yes, ma'am.
- And you'll talk to no one! Not to witnesses, or suspects, or to any of my team.
And you don't talk to me, come to that, - unless I address you first.
- But I And if I find your actions have compromised this investigation, well, a desk job is gonna be the least of your bloody worries! [KNOCKING.]
DCI Stanhope.
Gary's over at the yard.
Well, it's Kayleigh we're looking for, love.
We need to talk to her in connection with the murder of Caden Lennon.
She spoke to him three times on the night he was killed.
Drug dealer.
We'd better talk outside.
Chloe found the stuff in her bag.
Suddenly it all made sense.
Gary hit the roof, told her to pack her bags.
You didn't know where Kayleigh was getting the drugs? Some lad she got friendly with.
They weren't from round here.
That must've been very hard for you.
Gary won't even talk about it.
The one person that might make her see sense.
- That night the lad was murdered - Sean rang.
PC Turnley.
Told us they'd found a body.
I thought, for a moment You thought it might've been Kayleigh.
When we found out there might've been drugs involved, I asked Sean to keep Kayleigh out of it.
You took advantage of his better nature, love.
Kayleigh had nothing to do with this.
She's been trying to get clean.
We'd even talked about her going to rehab.
So you've been seeing Kayleigh behind your husband's back.
She's my child! I couldn't just write her off.
We need to talk to Kayleigh, love.
Find out where she is.
That is, if you do want to help her.
We own a beach hut.
Lower Headley Cliffs.
Used to rent it out for the summer.
[KNOCK AT DOOR.]
Kayleigh? Someone's definitely been dossing down in here.
Aye.
More than one person, by the look of it.
- [HE SIGHS.]
- So much for her getting clean.
[SHE TUTS.]
No! [SHE LAUGHS.]
- Come on in.
- No way.
It's freezing.
[HE SIGHS.]
The lad's only 15 years old.
You didn't think someone might be looking for him? He turned up last night.
Said he needed somewhere to stay.
Oh, so you must know Tyler pretty well, then? He came up to Peyton a few times.
Wanted to see his brother.
Ah, right.
Yes, the dealer.
You phoned three times on the day he was murdered.
Who was he working for? I didn't care, didn't ask.
- Just as long as you were sorted? - I do drugs now and then.
So what? And you can stop whenever you want to, can you, love? I've heard that one before.
So take me through your movements on Saturday evening.
I've already told you.
Well, I'd like you to tell me again.
- I'd ordered some gear for the party.
- Mm-hm.
I'd arranged to meet Caden down at the Links.
Now we're getting somewhere.
Now, what time was this? Straight after work.
Must've been around seven.
Are you sure Caden didn't go to this party with you? That was the last time I saw him.
So where'd you spend the rest of the night? Hmm? You told us you didn't go back home, you went straight to work.
I got high.
I passed out on the beach.
I don't remember much of it.
And you just woke up in the morning and heard this lad had been murdered? Roy gave us the news when I got to the caff.
Are you letting us go, then? Oh, no, I'll need a statement from you first, pet.
[SHE SIGHS.]
But if I find you've been lying to me, I'll have you straight back in here and up on a charge.
[DOOR SLAMS.]
[SHE SIGHS.]
We've arranged to put him up in temporary accommodation.
Good.
You think he might be in danger? It's better to be safe than sorry.
His brother's death might've been gang-related.
Now, I suggest you confiscate his mobile and make sure he doesn't talk to anyone.
Tyler doesn't know anything.
- TURNLEY: I need a word with the DCI.
- No.
- Just five minutes.
- You've got two minutes.
And counting.
Better make it quick.
I hear you spoke to Nita Dajani.
Well, that's no longer your concern, love.
No, it's just I was the officer who responded to the break in, and she seemed like she was hiding something.
Why do you say that? Well, she was pretty shaken up by the time I got to the club.
Her car window was smashed in.
She wanted this lad apprehended.
A couple of days later, I paid her a follow-up, she said she decided to drop the whole thing.
I think maybe someone leaned on her.
Hmm.
I thought I'd answered all your questions.
Well, I've got a few more, love.
This way.
This lad who broke into your vehicle - Like I said, I barely saw him.
- Yeah, that's not gonna wash, love.
You did recognise Caden Lennon when we showed you that photograph.
The question is, why'd you lie to us? We didn't want any more trouble.
Well, obstructing a murder enquiry, love, is asking for trouble.
So why don't you tell us what did happen that night? They came in for a drink.
There were four of them.
Walked up to the bar like they owned the place.
I told them politely it was members only.
- Asked them to leave.
- And how did that go down? One of them threatened to mark me.
Said I needed to learn some respect.
Was that Caden Lennon? No, this fella was older.
Clearly he was calling the shots.
I said I'd call the police if he didn't leave.
Finally, they got the message.
Drove off in a 4x4.
Did you get a look at the plates? I was just glad to see the back of him.
So, later that night, this fella sends his lackey back.
This is after you've closed.
Smashes the car window to make a point.
Police came, I gave them a statement.
In the cold light of day, I just didn't think it was worth pursuing.
Look, I understand why you were having second thoughts, love.
I get that.
I get it.
But then you hear the lad's been murdered, and still you don't come forward.
I suppose I was scared.
"We didn't want any more trouble," you said.
That suggests you weren't alone when the lad came back.
And I'm guessing it wasn't a lock-in.
Aye, I warned her to drop the whole thing.
Thought it best if the police weren't involved.
- Told her you'd sort it yourself? - What's that supposed to mean? A group of thugs threaten your girlfriend She's not me girlfriend.
And one of them comes back after hours, smashes up her car, and that same lad's found murdered in the boatyard where you work.
Well, you can see how it looks.
OK, I should've come forward when they found the body.
That's the first sensible thing you've said.
Me and Nita, I didn't want Gary to know.
That you were working for the competition? They're opening a franchise for yacht repairs.
I give her the heads up on a few orders.
You gave her everything she needed to finish Gary's business.
The yard was already finished! Only Gary couldn't see that.
So what you get out of it? Apart from the obvious.
She's promised us a job, when we're up and running.
I had my future to think about! Yeah, well, I hope it was worth it, love.
I really do! We need an ANPR check to find that 4x4.
In fact, any vehicle in the area the night of that break-in.
We've got NCA intel on this gang, the Ferry Boys.
They're in the frame for a few recent muggings, smash and grabs, stolen phones.
Yeah, well, we're looking for the kingpins, not kids on bikes.
Recently implicated in an acid attack.
Rival gang member.
It's their method of dealing with any competition.
An acid attack.
I think we need another chat with Tony Briggs.
This is starting to look like harassment.
You didn't decide to give up drug dealing, love.
You were forced out by rival dealers, Newcastle gang who'd set up a county line.
You think I'd feel threatened by a gang of kids? Oh, I think it was more than threats, love, by the look of them scars on your arm.
Check up on his hospital records, see what they can tell us.
Back in my day, the dealers had standards.
You'd look after your clients.
There was loyalty.
Oh, proper gents, I'll bet (!) These inner-city dealers, they'd kill you in a heartbeat to protect their racket.
There's too much money at stake.
Make a complaint.
We can have whoever did this arrested.
Next time, it'll be the face.
Declan Price's house.
You must've known they'd moved in there.
I knew he was scared.
He'd seen too many faces.
Now, if you'd been attacked, you'd be looking for payback, wouldn't you? Name Caden Lennon ring any bells? And there I was, thinking you were concerned about my well-being.
Puts you in the frame for his murder.
I was working here on Saturday night.
With your old mate Declan? He turned up to work.
He wasn't well.
Said he couldn't take much more of Caden's bullying.
I sent him home early.
No use to anybody.
[KNOCKING ON DOOR.]
AIDEN: Mr Price? It's police.
Mr Price? Get that door open.
Respiratory failure as a result of opioid ingestion.
Chronic emphysema from long-term drug abuse.
He would have been predisposed, it was only a matter of time.
So an accidental overdose? Well, it certainly looked like it, till I did some more tests.
The heroin was cut with fentanyl, an opioid 75 times stronger than morphine.
I sent a sample down to the lab for chromatographic analysis and it would've been a lethal dose.
So whoever supplied this heroin would've known that it would kill him? This was murder.
Declan Price's death is now being treated as murder.
A lethal batch of dirty heroin.
So we're ruling out Declan as Caden Lennon's killer? Declan Price didn't kill that lad.
Though he might've known who did.
Pushed him too hard.
Another needless death.
If we are to assume that these two murders are connected, would it put Alan White in the clear? Not necessarily.
It keeps coming back to this gang.
They threatened Dajani, assaulted Tony Briggs.
So, did Caden Lennon do something to make them turn on him? I ran a routine search on Declan Price's finances, ma'am.
Something doesn't add up.
Large amounts of cash have passed through his bank account.
Regular deposits and withdrawals.
There's a few thousand a week, for a fella on benefits.
A withdrawal was made in Peyton this morning.
£500 with his cashpoint card.
Well, that would have been a walking miracle.
They've sent me footage from the ATM camera.
Let's have a look.
Freeze it.
Kayleigh Mincham.
Declan Price's bank card, found in your pocket.
Care to explain? I need it to pay for a deal.
Asked us to get some cash out.
Didn't know you were friends.
Now you do.
He give you his pin number, did he? You can ask him yourself if you don't believe us.
Ah, that might prove tricky, love.
Because Declan was found murdered last night, needle in his arm.
Someone had spiked his heroin.
And then this morning, you are caught on camera stealing 500 quid from a dead man's account.
It wasn't even his money! I'm inclined to believe you there, pet.
Cos someone else was using Declan's bank account to hide drugs money.
I swear, I had nothing to do with it.
No? Well, I think it was you who set Caden up in Peyton.
It was you introduced him to Declan, got him into his house because you knew Declan was an easy target! I never thought they'd hurt him.
Well, both those people are now dead, love.
And sooner or later, you're gonna be surplus to requirements.
And what's gonna happen then, eh? Just give us the name of whoever is running this county line.
Who's pulling the strings? They're the ones we're after.
I can't.
I can't! [SHE SOBS.]
We talked to several witnesses who attended that party.
And no one can remember seeing you after 10 PM that evening.
I told you, I passed out on the beach.
- Well, I don't believe you.
- I did, I swear.
I woke up on Sunday morning in Lee Nadella's camper van.
I found her lying on the beach at the party.
Off her face, as usual.
I couldn't just leave her there.
Nothing happened.
Did you know Caden Lennon supplied her heroin? I told her he was bad news.
Not that she took any notice.
So you lied, when you said you didn't know him.
I didn't wanna drop Kayleigh in it.
Sounds like you've got a soft spot.
She had everything going for her.
And she's just thrown her life away.
You clock Kayleigh on the beach with Caden.
She's desperate for a fix and he's the lad supplying her with drugs.
So what happened, you get between them? I warned him off, that's all.
Got into a fight, by the look of that lip.
And you told us you'd been drinking.
OK, so he took a pop at us.
- Threw a punch and ran.
- And you went after him, did you? Hmm? Decide to teach him a lesson? You seriously think I killed him? I think we should finish this back at the station.
Come on, son.
[SHE BREATHES HEAVILY.]
We've arrested Lee Nadella for murder.
We know about the fight on the beach.
Lee didn't kill anyone.
He hasn't got it in him.
Well, unless you can tell me who did Look, this 'couldn't care less' act is not gonna wash, love.
You're out of your depth and you know it.
This fella doesn't need protecting, he doesn't deserve protecting.
He shows up in Peyton when he feels like it.
Likes to surprise us, he says.
And did he show up in Peyton last night? Went for a drive, that's all.
Did he buy you that chain? So what if he did? Kayleigh, I'm going to need a name.
Result! We're looking for a fella called Nathaniel Halpin, H-A-L-P-I-N.
His friends call him Nat.
He's the leader of this gang and by all accounts, he's a piece of work.
Now, Kayleigh Mincham can place him in Peyton at the time of both murders.
Ma'am, here you are.
He's got previous, ABH and possession of a knife, 18 months ago.
We've got him.
Kenny, I'll need an address.
Get onto DVLA.
I'm guessing he drives a 4x4.
- Ma'am.
- Anyone wants me, I'll be with Dave Miller.
Let's see if we can jog his memory.
Yeah, I know him.
Kicked him out the centre for carrying a weapon.
- Nat knows he's not welcome.
- So he doesn't live on this estate? Not any more.
I hear he's got a plush pad in Jesmond.
Yeah? Well, what about his gang, the Ferry Boys? Look, if anyone round here knew I was talking to the police Nat Halpin is a prime suspect in Caden's murder.
Coerced him into pushing drugs.
And we know the source is from this estate.
I have spent five years looking out for these kids.
I would've done something about it.
Well, maybe you still can, love.
Whatever you may think about the police, I want this fella locked up.
Before he finds another lad to take Caden's place.
Now, do you want that on your conscience? One of his crew serves up from the flat.
Which flat? Back of the tower block.
Number.
Police! Stay where you are! [ALL SHOUT.]
Police! All clear.
- It's still warm.
- [SHE SIGHS.]
[PHONE RINGS.]
Ma'am, we're in Jesmond.
Nat Halpin appears to have gone to ground, ma'am.
[SHE SIGHS.]
Ma'am, forensics are testing the drugs we found at the flat for a chemical signature.
Well, we need a match to this stash seized in Peyton.
Some evidence to tie him to these murders.
Come on, Jack, find us something, anything we can work with.
At least we've closed down their supply line.
They start up somewhere else, find some other kids to exploit.
What? That search we ran on Kayleigh Mincham's mobile.
There was nothing on it, was there? Well, we got access to her social media accounts.
You might wanna take a look at these selfies we found in her direct messages, I think that's what you call bragging rights.
You weren't headed up to Peyton to see your brother.
He was dropping off drugs for this county line.
- Tyler! - I've got nothing to say to you.
Oh, get that attitude from Nat Halpin, did you? The fella you were working for got previous for carrying a knife.
Now, had your brother fallen out with him? Nat was family.
He's blood! Nat Halpin isn't family, whatever promises he might've made you.
Now then, we know that he was up in Peyton the night that Caden died.
And I think he went up there to kill him.
I told you, I don't know anything.
Tyler, you're the one person your brother would've confided in.
Do you know what they do to a grass? Well, if you're worried about reprisals, we'll take care of you.
- Witness protection? - Aye.
I'd rather take me chances.
[DOOR BUZZER.]
She'll be in court first thing in the morning.
Then what? Well, I imagine she'll be bailed, pending charges.
Mr Mincham, your daughter can come back from this, but she will need your support.
She comes home with us, Gary.
Either that, or we're leaving without you.
Car's out front.
Kayleigh! Kayleigh, wait! - WHISPERS:, I'm sorry.
Hey, Tyler.
What the? I just wish you'd called me.
Or at least called for back-up.
He'd have been long gone before any of you lot turned up.
- This is a warning.
- It's just someone being cocky.
Thinking they can run rings around us.
Ma'am, visitor.
Said he'll only speak to you.
I know where you can find him.
[TENSE MUSIC.]
Police, stay where you are! [POLICE CONTINUE SHOUTING.]
[GRUNTS OF COMBAT.]
That's enough, son.
Calm yourself down.
Nathaniel Halpin, you are under arrest on suspicion on murder.
You do not have to say anything, but it may harm your defence if you do not mention when questioned something you rely on in court.
Anything you do say may be given in evidence.
He can't hurt you, love.
He'll know it was me, though.
He'll just know.
Nat was working us too hard.
Once you're going country, you're on call 24/7.
Caden started to smoke a bit of crack.
To stay awake, he said.
I told him he was asking for trouble.
Drugs must've messed with his head.
[HE SIGHS.]
All this cash we were making, Caden was vexed we weren't seeing any of it.
Then Nat finds out the money's short.
Tells us Caden had been taxing off him.
So, stealing off the wrong man.
A couple of days after they found his body, Nat calls us up, and said Caden had got what was coming to him.
And I'd taken on my brother's debt.
And would have to work harder to pay it off.
OK, son.
OK.
We've run a trace on your vehicle, places you in Peyton three days ago.
Yeah, I went up there to visit my girlfriend.
- Ah, Kayleigh Mincham? - Yeah.
Vulnerable lass, who you took advantage of.
You can add sexual grooming to his list of offences.
She's a junkie.
Nothing she says would ever stand up in court.
No, I think you went up to Peyton to see Declan Price.
Another vulnerable adult who you've threatened.
I've never seen him before.
No? You supplied him with two grams of heroin.
Laced with a lethal amount of fentanyl.
Which was in your flat on Ferry Cross estate.
I haven't been back there for a while.
I don't like the neighbourhood.
Ah, you favour the plush pad in Jesmond, right? - Yeah.
- We've searched it.
And we found pricey watches, and designer clothing and some of the items, well, they're still in their wrapper.
And we are satisfied that the money used to buy those items was earned through dealing drugs.
You can add that to the list.
You've got nothing to tie me to any of this.
We've also got a witness, who said they were working for you under duress.
And based on that statement, you're also under arrest on a charge of trafficking a minor.
- Trafficking? - Mm-hm.
Well, we get you on drugs [SHE CHUCKLES.]
I mean, that's almost a badge of honour, isn't it? But trafficking kids, ooh, that doesn't go down too well in prison.
Now, Caden Lennon was working for you, running drugs to Peyton.
We also know he was stealing from you.
Taxing off money from your drugs deals.
So he needed teaching a lesson, didn't he? Now, our forensics team, they found traces of Caden's blood in your vehicle.
And that's all we need to charge you with his murder.
So if there's anything you'd like to add.
No? No comment.
I'd say you'd get 25 years.
Which is a small price to pay, for all those lives you've ruined.
[SHE CHUCKLES.]
We'll call when we get to the safe house.
[CAR ENGINE STARTS.]
All right, love, come on.
We'll give you a lift home.
Now, he's going to be fine, love.
They'll look after him.
Ooh.
I thought you might want your photo back.
Here.
I remember when they first arrived here.
Pair of lost souls.
They'd just lost their mam.
Tyler wouldn't leave Caden's side.
It took him months before he'd trust anyone.
Ah, well, He'd been through a lot.
They both had.
Tyler had these terrible meltdowns.
All that pent-up anger inside him.
Even pushed his brother down them stairs once.
Broke his arm in two places.
Christine? Does Tyler own a dark padded jacket? Yeah.
He loves it.
[PHONE RINGS.]
We're still stuck in town, ma'am.
Traffic's pretty heavy.
Shut up, just listen to me.
'I need you to turn the car round' and come back to the station.
'Jack, I think you're sitting next to our killer.
'Get yourself back here.
- 'Jack!' - Got that, ma'am.
Change of plan.
Boss has requested we head back to base.
DRIVER: OK, righto.
No, you don't! - Argh! - Hey! - Shit.
- Tyler! Tyler, come here! [SHE SNEEZES AND SCREAMS.]
Tyler! Argh! Jeez.
We've done a search of the immediate area, ma'am.
No sign.
[VERA SIGHS.]
Well, put out a call to Control.
Put out a description.
He may be a threat now he knows we're onto him.
Will do, ma'am.
He was out of the car before I could catch him.
None of us saw this coming, Jack.
Now, I need you to get back to the station.
- I'm fine.
- That nose might be broken.
Needs looking at.
Where's a 15-year-old gonna hide? Caden said he wanted to stay here.
Save up some money, buy us a place.
View of the sea.
Just like his mam, eh? I tried to warn him.
Told him we should just disappear.
That why you argued on the day he died, when you were at Declan's house? He said he was too tired to run.
Tired of starting over.
Nat Halpin drove you to that boatyard and took you home afterwards.
Your brother's blood all over your clothes.
He said I needed to prove I was one of them.
He even put the blade in me hand.
Sent a lad to do his dirty work.
He was hiding in one of the boats.
So scared, he was shaking.
I took him in me arms.
He let me hold him.
I told him not to worry, that it'd all be OK.
His look of surprise as I pulled out a knife The one person who always protected you.
- I didn't have a choice! - You killed your own brother to prove you were a man? I was the care kid everyone picked on.
A few steps behind him, getting in his way.
The butt of all the jokes.
The little brother Caden was forced to look after.
Tell us, who's the man now, eh? Ten grand a week, we were clearing.
Base, white, meth, weed, anything! I could get you anything to get high! Yeah, well, that doesn't make you a man, love.
Turning your back on those thugs would've made you a man.
[HE SOBS.]
Come on, son, on your feet.
Got to you, this one, didn't it? And it didn't get to you? Two lads sold the promise of a better life.
What chance did they have, eh? The toerag who sold it to them won't be trading for the foreseeable.
They'll be plenty more of them lining up to take his place.
We didn't even scratch the surface of the problem.
Right, I'm off.
Should you be driving that? Eh? Garage said it's as good as new.
Hardly! I heard that.
Ah, this old thing it's gonna last forever.
ANNOUNCER: The 16:29 train service to Edinburgh will be departing from platform three.
[TRAIN BRAKES SCREECH.]
[HORN HONKS.]
[GULLS SQUAWK.]
- [CREAKING.]
- Steady! Go on! Steady as she goes! That's it.
Come on, we've got it.
Go on.
Steady, go on! That's it.
Whoa! Now you hold it there.
[HE CHUCKLES.]
Good lad.
[PHONE BEEPS.]
[HEAVY RAIN FALLS, THUNDER RUMBLES.]
[LOCK AND CHAIN RATTLE.]
- Aiden.
- Ma'am.
So, what have we got? - Male fatality.
- Mm-hm.
- Teenage lad.
- Ah.
Stabbed sometime late last night.
[SHE SIGHS.]
- Got any ID? - Nothing so far.
No wallet, no phone.
Pockets were empty.
What about CCTV? Apparently all the cameras are on the blink.
Oh, they would be, wouldn't they? Ma'am.
I've just spoken to the yard owner, Gary Mincham.
And he said he locked up last night, left around 9:15.
Yeah, well, I'll need to talk to him soon enough.
Get statements from that lot.
Ma'am.
Morning, Malcolm.
So, what can you tell us? Single stab wound to the lower abdomen.
From the look of all this blood, probably sliced through an artery.
I say he was stabbed behind that boat over there.
Manages to crawl, ends up dead where we found him.
Shoe tread here.
Probably the victim's own trainers.
There's blood all over the soles.
They look brand new.
And there's some bling here.
Where's he getting money for that? I'll leave that one for you to work out, shall I? Murder weapon? Well, be easy to miss in all this junk.
I'll do a full sweep of the yard as soon as you get out from under our feet.
Well, we'll try not to cramp your style, love.
Thank you.
[CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKS.]
So how did the lad get in here, if it's all locked up? Didn't swim here.
Hole in the fence.
Ground's been well-trodden.
There's some fibres snagged here.
Could have been anyone's.
Now, the wire's bent inwards.
So that's caught the clothes of someone stepping out.
That rules out our mystery lad, he's not going anywhere.
So, what? In a hurry, careless, or nothing at all? Get forensics moved over here.
Mr Mincham? DCI Stanhope.
Now, I take it this is your yard? Aye, that's right.
And you were the last to leave last night? Keel repair.
Owner needed his boat back out at sea.
Did you see anyone else when you left, hanging around outside? Not that I remember.
And is there any recent trouble we should know about? Trespassing, break-ins? Local kids sometimes climb through the fence.
You wanna get those cameras fixed.
Never seem to get round to it.
Now, I'm gonna need a list of all your employees, customers, boat owners, anyone who has access to the yard.
That'll all be in the office.
Well, better go see to it, then.
Who was it found the body? A local copper, PC Turnley.
The police were called out on a suspected break-in.
- PC Townley, isn't it? - Turnley, ma'am.
Sean.
Now, DC Lockhart tells me it was you found the body.
Aye, routine callout.
End of shift.
- He's not from round here.
- You seem very sure of that.
I've policed this town for years.
I know most of the local kids.
And they all meet up in the yard, do they, these local kids? That hole in the fence? They know it's somewhere they'll not be disturbed.
I mean, they can pass a bottle around, smoke a bit of weed.
Well, there's never been any trouble.
I mean not like this.
Who was it phoned the police? Roy Brewer.
Bit of a nuisance.
Why do you say that? He calls us out twice a week.
He set himself up as a neighbourhood watch.
Give us ten minutes, we'll get you logged out, we'll go talk to him together.
VERA: You told the police you saw someone acting suspiciously.
I was walking the dog, clocked him loitering around the gate.
- Place was deserted.
- And what time was this? Must have been about ten.
The call was logged at 10:15, ma'am.
I took a few photos.
With my mobile.
Oh, well, let's have a look.
That's the fella.
Jeans and a padded jacket.
AIDEN: That could be anyone.
Can we take this with us? Yeah.
Thanks, love, you've been a great help.
The whole town's gone to the dogs.
- Hmm? - I mean, they've even broken in here.
When was this? Must have been about, what, six weeks ago? Came down to find the door kicked in.
Not that the police did anything.
We followed it up.
Anything taken? Till was empty.
But I still had to replace all the locks.
[SHE SIGHS.]
Well, we know where you are, love, if anything else should crop up.
It's the last thing her dad needs.
- Who? - Kayleigh.
She's Gary Mincham's lass.
Turns up for work whenever she feels like it.
Right.
We'll have a word.
Thanks.
Have you got a minute, love? Kayleigh, isn't it? Dock my wages if I'm not careful.
Ah, you're all right, pet.
Have you been working here long, then? A few months now.
That must have been a shock for your dad, finding that lad in his yard.
Suppose it must have, yeah.
You didn't see him this morning? I haven't lived at home for a while.
Ah, well, you ought to give him a ring, love.
Haven't had the chance.
- Late night, was it? - Bit of a party down at the beach.
Ooh.
, Came straight in to do the breakfasts.
I better get these washed.
You're all right, lass.
Our witness, Roy Brewer, his beef with the police, is that something we should know about? A lad had been giving him some lip.
Roy gave him a clip for his trouble.
He's lucky he got off with a caution.
Right, well, you'd better get off, write up your notes.
Ma'am.
Police find a body in her dad's yard and she doesn't even call to check in? Teenagers.
She was probably busy.
- You'd find time, wouldn't you? - [PHONE RINGS.]
Something like that.
Kenny.
We've got the deceased on camera, ma'am.
He arrived in Peyton yesterday at 16:46.
- 'Travelled alone.
' - 16:46.
Yes.
That would put him on a train out of Newcastle.
Good work, Kenny.
We'll see you back at the station for a briefing.
- 'Will do.
' - What? Took the train out of Newcastle yesterday afternoon.
What's he doing in Peyton? Well, he wasn't building sand castles, I know that much.
The teenage lad fatally stabbed in Mincham's boatyard last night between the hours of 9:15 and 10:30.
Now, he catches the train from Newcastle over to Peyton, and a few hours later, he's murdered.
We've run the victim's prints, ma'am.
No record.
Still no idea who he is.
So, what DO we have? A witness calls the police, reports someone acting suspiciously outside the boatyard.
Now, this is Roy Brewer, who works in the cafe down on the prom.
Fancies himself as the neighbourhood watch.
Took some snaps on his mobile.
Tech are still trying to enhance them.
Yeah, let's have a look.
Well, that could be our victim.
Or the killer.
Could be keeping lookout.
Aye.
Could be unrelated.
I've had some intel back from mispers, ma'am.
Male juveniles currently missing in Newcastle.
Ah.
All just kids.
Six of them.
Ma'am.
He's our lad.
That's him.
Caden Lennon, reported missing from care home six weeks ago.
[SHE TUTS.]
Caden had lived here since he was 11.
Been in care half his life.
What about his parents? Mam's dead.
Dad walked out when he was still a bairn.
Now, you reported Caden missing six weeks ago.
He started staying out late.
Sometimes, he wouldn't come home at all.
He'd always answer my texts eventually, just to let us know he was safe.
The day he disappeared, his phone died.
No word since, nothing.
Did you have any other kind of trouble with him? You all right, love? Caden hated being in care.
The stigma, the rules.
That put you at odds, did it? We talked about a pathway plan to smooth his way for turning 18.
Then he tells us he's got himself a job.
Oh, where was this? Ferry Cross estate.
He grew up there.
I know it.
Then you know it's not a place for an impressionable teenager.
So this job, who's he working for? A fellow called Dave Miller.
Runs the community centre.
- You don't sound too impressed.
- I just don't like his attitude.
Filling Caden's head with ideas.
Have you spoken to this Dave since the lad went missing? He told us Caden had packed it all in.
Hadn't seen him since.
And when was this? Just before he went missing.
It doesn't make sense.
He'd never have abandoned Tyler.
Who's Tyler? His brother.
Sorry, I thought you knew.
The pair of them shared a room.
Police liaison officer called round this morning, I woke him to tell him the news.
He hasn't left his room since.
[KNOCKS SOFTLY.]
Tyler, the police are here.
They need to ask you some questions.
And you hadn't been in touch with your brother since he left? I think he'd lost his phone.
Social services applied for a tracking order.
It was switched off.
So you've no idea why he was up in Peyton? - We used to go there on day trips.
- With their mam.
She always liked it by the sea.
Did Caden have friends there? I dunno.
Now, I need to ask you this, love.
Was your brother involved in any criminal activity? No! Now, we know he got a job over on the Ferry Cross estate.
Can you think of anyone he might have fallen out with? Caden might have had some issues, but he was a good lad.
Right, well, we'll need to go through some of his things.
- I don't want them touched.
- They need to find out what happened.
It was your fault he left! You were always on at him! [DOOR OPENS AND SLAMS.]
There should be some clothes in the wardrobe.
- And boxes under the bed.
- Ah, we'll manage, love.
You go.
[DOOR OPENS AND SHUTS.]
If Caden was homeless, sleeping rough, might explain why no one missed him.
New trainers, gold chain.
Doesn't fit.
See if you can find anything here we can work with.
I thought you might need a photo.
His 16th birthday.
We baked him a cake.
Tyler worshipped his brother.
He fell apart when he left.
He's grieving, love.
He didn't mean those things he said.
I feel like I've failed them both.
Yeah, he showed up here one morning, said he was looking for work.
So what did this job entail? General dogsbody, really.
We get funding for a couple of employment schemes.
Well, we know he grew up on this estate.
Yeah, I think he felt a connection.
Only place he ever called home.
Most people that I know wanna give the place a wide berth.
Do you have a problem with gangs on this estate? Well, most of these kids have been written off.
Gangs, drugs, knife crime.
We do what we can to keep them out of trouble.
Did Caden get involved in any of that? I warned him to stay out of it.
Voice of experience.
So, he asks you for a job, and he packs it in a couple of weeks later.
There must have been a reason.
He started turning up late for his shifts.
Said he had better things to do.
And you've no idea where he might have been this last six weeks? I wish I could tell you.
So, what are we thinking? Gets into trouble with a gang, leaves in a hurry.
They find out where he was, go after him.
Fits with a stabbing, doesn't it? [BICYCLE BRAKES SCREECH.]
Oi! Wouldn't harm to knock on some doors.
No one's going to talk to us.
Send everyone into the cracks.
Aiden.
Get onto the gangs unit.
Any intel they can give us.
We found traces of benzoylecgonine in the victim's urine.
That's crack cocaine.
So if the lad was using, chances are his death was drugs-related.
We found sharps and baggies dumped on the wasteland behind the yard.
He wasn't the only one getting high.
What about his injuries? The knife nicked the common hepatic artery.
Extensive internal bleeding, heart rate spikes, blood pressure rises.
Well, he would have bled out in minutes.
You might wanna take a look at his hands.
No defence wounds.
Exactly.
Nothing to indicate he put up any kind of struggle.
- That suggests he knew his killer.
- Indeed.
Any other injuries I should know about? Hairline fracture on the radius of the right arm here.
Probably years old.
What about those shoe treads we found at the scene? They matched with the victim's trainers.
He's stabbed, staggers forward into his own blood.
So, nothing to help me find his killer? I did recover some fibres from inside the knife wound.
They didn't match what he was wearing.
If the weapon was concealed in the assailant's pocket So, the fibres could have transferred onto the blade? Polyester-cotton mix.
Matches the fibres that were snagged on the fence.
Possibly the lining of the jacket.
It's a good job I spotted those.
Well, you got lucky.
Ah, just caught you.
Now, these kids who meet up in that boatyard, smoking a bit of weed, you said.
Well, you're gonna get that in any town.
Caden Lennon had been using, the night he died, crack cocaine.
- That puts a new slant on things.
- Aye, doesn't it just? Look these past few months, we have been a bit stretched.
This recent spike in crime, robberies, shoplifting, a couple of violent assaults, that's usually drugs in the mix.
Yeah.
People think it's all Z-Cars up here.
Seaside plods with no idea.
Yeah.
Working all hours, no support.
- It's easy to feel overwhelmed.
- Mm-hm.
They've even closed down the front desk.
[VERA TUTS.]
So where was this lad getting the gear from? Right, let's do the rounds with the photo, see if anyone bites.
Doing a bit of covert surveillance? There's no law against it.
You've been cautioned before about community policing.
That lad you assaulted.
I gave the boy a slap, that's all.
There's plenty who'd say he deserved it.
Ever seen this lad? Yeah, I've seen him a few times.
Hanging around outside.
You sure about that? I thought he might have been cadging money.
He's seen him.
I hear the dead lad had been stabbed.
Who told you that? Just talk at the club.
Which club's this? The Yacht Club.
Can I take that? Word of advice, Mr Brewer, leave this to the police.
How did he know the lad had been stabbed? Didn't come from us.
[ARCADE MACHINES RATTLE AND PING.]
Tony Briggs? Who's asking? DCI Stanhope, Northumberland and City Police.
We're trying to trace the recent movements of this lad.
- No one I know.
- Are you sure about that? Face has been seen here.
Several times.
I might have seen him playing the machines.
This place is a magnet for day-trippers.
Oh, aye.
And we've reason to believe he was using drugs.
And you think he bought them off me? We know you've got previous.
Possession with intent to supply.
I've put all that behind us.
Then you won't mind us talking to some of your punters.
- See if someone else can place him.
- Be my guest.
And we'll also need access to your CCTV.
Well, then, you'll need to come back with a warrant.
Ah, no, that'd give you time to wipe the tapes, wouldn't it? This place is legit.
I've got nothing to hide.
Then I suggest you wind your neck in and let us do our job.
And I'll leave that one to DS Healy.
[MAN COUGHING.]
Can you give us a minute, love? Number on the card was unobtainable.
Pay-as-you-go mobile.
No surprises there then, Kenny.
Tech have blown up those pictures from Roy Brewer's mobile, ma'am.
No hope of an ID.
What's this transit van here, parked on the road? Did Roy Brewer mention anything about that in his statement? Mark, see if you can get a fix on those plates.
Let's see.
Erm Vehicle's registered to Gary Mincham.
Is it indeed? Is the gaffer about? Need another word.
I'm gonna go and check in with forensics.
Last time I looked, he was in the office.
Didn't catch your name.
Alan.
Alan White.
You worked here long? Few years now.
Gary took us on as an apprentice.
Don't let me keep you.
[HE SIGHS.]
We've got an ID for the dead lad.
I thought you'd like to know.
Name of Caden Lennon.
Doesn't mean anything to us.
Been using drugs the day he was killed.
Sounds like he was asking for trouble.
And we know this yard is the meeting point for addicts.
If I'd ever clocked drugs in this yard, - I'd have - You'd what, love? I'd have put a stop to it.
Now, you told us you locked up at 9:15, night of the murder.
Aye, that's right.
So how come your transit's still parked outside at 10? I walked home.
I needed to clear me head.
Any particular reason? Bailiffs delivered a summons that morning.
Unpaid debts.
I was working out a way to break it to the wife.
Well, we know you owe the bank thousands.
Ha! Been checking up on us? A body was found here, love.
We do the same with anyone.
So how is business? Not much call for working boats anymore.
We were getting by.
Repairs and maintenance, yachts in the marina.
And then someone started undercutting us.
We'd get a job lined up, customer would pull out without warning.
Orders dried up overnight.
A few more weeks, I'd have found the money.
And then this had to happen.
Well, we'll be out of here soon enough.
Now, can anyone verify what time you got home that night? We know your daughter's not living with you.
Have you been speaking to Kayleigh? We ran into her down at the cafe.
She moved out a couple of months ago.
Bridie can vouch for us.
Me wife.
She was putting the youngest to bed.
[HE SIGHS.]
Some intel's just come through.
You know those recent crimes in the Peyton area? Yeah, go on, I'm listening.
Well, there's also a theft at the Yacht Club, three weeks ago.
- At the Yacht Club? - Mm-hm.
That's Roy Brewer's watering hole, isn't it? Yeah, the manager's car was broken into.
Nita Dajani.
And she gave a description to the police of the suspect.
Male, late teens, early 20s.
Well, let's see what else she can tell us.
The car alarm went off when I was cashing up.
By the time I got out there, he was running away.
But you did give the police a description.
- Was this the lad? - He was wearing a hoodie.
Didn't see his face.
- You say your laptop was stolen? - Mm-hm.
I only bothered reporting it to claim on the insurance.
Has this lad been arrested, then? His body was found in Mincham's boatyard.
I know the yard's been in trouble.
Common knowledge, is it? Club gossip.
And we know the manner of the lad's death - has been a source of speculation.
- Hmm.
Last thing we needed was a murder.
I'm sure the lad didn't ask to be murdered, love.
Opportunistic break-in, he nicks the laptop, sells it on to finance his habit.
She barely looked at that photo.
Makes me think she's hiding something.
Oh, not again.
Is he following us? I've already cautioned you once about snooping.
I'm just enjoying an afternoon drink.
Night of the murder, you rang the police at 10:15.
Soon as I got home.
Why not call them straightaway from outside the yard? Had your mobile on you.
I suppose I felt safer indoors.
Didn't stop you taking pictures.
I was gathering evidence.
I'm warning you, sunshine, don't push your luck.
I can see you in one of them swanky flats.
Oh, yeah? Are you gonna sort me out with a pay rise? No chance.
Doesn't look like a town with a drugs problem, does it? Urban regeneration.
For those who can afford it.
- Mm-hm.
- [PHONE RINGS.]
And that tip of a boatyard is right in the way.
- Kenny? - 'Ma'am.
' We're at Peyton Links.
We might've found a new lead.
'Eyewitness puts Caden Lennon down on the beach.
' Right, give us ten minutes, we'll meet you there.
You'll have to eat that on the way.
A holiday-maker contacted the police.
Her kids were taking lessons at the surf school.
Said they'd been offered drugs.
Fits the description for Caden Lennon.
Well, what are you doing standing here? Get someone over to that address! Let's do a sweep with the photo.
I'll go talk to David Hasselhoff.
A little bird tells me there's been a bit of drug dealing down here.
Who's told you that? A parent whose kids were approached by this fella.
You need to speak to the woman who made the complaint.
She left her kids in your care.
I might have seen him.
Can't be sure.
Beach can get busy this time of year.
This surf school, it's your business, is it? Nah.
I teach a few lessons to pay the way.
- So where's home? - Campervan parked up top.
Saturday night, I hear there was a bit of a party.
We sank a few beers.
You see Kayleigh Mincham on the beach? She's always down here with her mates.
Pass off without incident, did it, this party? - As far as I know.
- All peace and love, was it? Just the surf crowd letting off steam.
If that was all, I've got a class to finish.
How'd you get the fat lip? Came off the board in the shallows.
Can get pretty rough out there.
Oh, aye.
Go on, then.
Go catch some waves.
Come on, guys.
[OFFICE CHATTER.]
AIDEN: We've got proof of that from his notebook.
Ma'am, we got a statement from the woman in Washington.
She has ID'd Caden Lennon as the lad selling drugs.
Yeah, and we know that he's been meeting people outside the arcade.
Roy Brewer kept a log in his notebook.
Well, that would have been a list of his customers.
Beggars Casino, Peyton Links, Mincham's boatyard.
He certainly gets around.
So how does this new intel tie in with his murder? Disgruntled customer, rival dealer? You can't rule out robbery, he would have been carrying cash.
The thing is, where's he getting these drugs in the first place? Hmm? Up in Peyton? Or here, in Newcastle? 17-year-old lad, - he's got to be working for someone.
- Right.
We ran that check on Tony Briggs' employees.
Another one with previous.
Registered addict.
Declan Price.
He's currently on probation with a drug abstinence order.
That's the fellow who was mopping up the floor in the gents.
Get your coat.
HUSHED VOICE: Gotta go, right.
That's all I'm saying, take care of yourself, yeah? All right? I've gotta go.
Declan's been clean for months, ma'am.
Yeah, well, he missed his last meeting with his probation officer.
[KNOCKS ON DOOR.]
Mr Price, it's police.
Could you open the door, please? Mr Price? Can you open the door, love? Ah.
- DCI Stanhope.
Remember me, love? - Now's not a good time.
- Oh, got company, have you? - Yeah.
My sister, she's visiting.
Her and a friend.
You don't have a sister, Declan.
Come here! Hey! No you don't! What's this? Eh? On your feet, the pair of you.
Come on, love, on your feet, yeah? Ma'am.
[SHE BREATHES DEEPLY.]
These phones look like they might be burners, ma'am.
Ah, right.
Well, they might give us some leads.
Well, we can take it from here.
You can go.
Ma'am.
Well, well, well.
[DOOR SLAMS.]
Recognise this face? I've never seen him before.
That's funny, that.
His prints are all over your house.
Two grand in cash, hidden under your fish fingers.
Now, I think this money is from selling drugs.
I keep all the smack I can get my hands on.
That's just for personal use.
Oh.
Well, what about this business card you left in the gents in the Beggars Casino? 'Top gear for sale at knock-down prices.
' I just do as I'm told.
Who by, the boss, Tony Briggs? Tony? Tony's got nothing to do with this.
Oh, well, then, I'll have to assume that you're the brains of this enterprise.
And that Caden Lennon was working for you.
You've broken the terms of your parole.
You're looking at a custodial sentence, sunshine.
[HE SIGHS.]
- I I don't know.
- HE COUGHS A friend introduced us.
He said the lad needed a place to stay.
So which friend was this? I can't say.
You could've said no.
Caden said they'd hurt us if I went to the police.
Who's "they"? Th-they never They never showed their faces round Peyton.
They left all the legwork to Caden.
So can you give us any names? People he talked to? All that smack, it makes you forgetful.
Well, can you remember where you were on Saturday evening? I was working at the arcade.
I didn't get off till ten.
See Caden dealing there? We know that's his patch.
Last time I saw him was back at the house.
And what time was this? Late afternoon.
He'd just got off a train with a load of fresh gear.
And how'd he seem? Bit on edge.
I went into my room to shoot up.
By the time I left for work there was no sign of him.
And you don't recall anyone else dropping by? I might have heard some people talking.
Bit of a kick-off, from the sound of things.
So he's with who? [HE SNIFFS AND COUGHS.]
like I said, I was out of it.
I I I really need to see a doctor.
Ma'am, you might wanna take a look at this.
- What? - Intel from the gangs unit.
"Caden Lennon was running drugs for a county line, "maintained and protected at any cost.
" Perfect profile for gang recruitment.
Care home kid, no record.
Yeah, much less likely to draw attention to himself.
Maybe he did draw attention to himself, maybe that's what got him killed.
Up and down on a train with a pocket full of drugs.
And we know Declan Price was a victim of cuckooing.
Vulnerable addict, they take over his home and use it as a stash house.
Now, here's some intel on a gang called Ferry Boys.
Now, are they the ones who set him up in Peyton? Are they the ones pulling the strings here? We've tracked down the signal on that mobile.
NE6 postcode.
That's the Ferry Cross estate.
Get onto the NCA, I want anything they've got on that gang.
Ma'am.
Can you put me in touch with the right person at the NCA? We've made enquiries on the estate.
Anyone wants me, I'll be in the mortuary.
[SHE SOBS.]
[SHE SIGHS.]
He insisted on coming.
He wanted to see him.
Where'll they bury him? I imagine there'll be a public health cremation, love.
Just as soon as we've released the body.
There needs to be a a stone or something.
A proper grave with his name on it.
Well, we could perhaps try to locate your dad, see if he could - I don't want him there.
- All right.
He threw me brother down the stairs once.
Broke his arm.
- Your dad? - Aye.
He was all set to give us a hiding.
Caden got between us.
He always looked out for me.
Tyler, I think he got in with a gang on that estate.
And he was dealing.
Now, these friends of his, they're not the sort of people you wanna mess with, love.
So maybe he was still looking out for you.
[PHONE RINGS.]
Yeah, we're on our way back now.
Everything OK there? I've been working through those burner phones, ma'am.
Nothing that links us to the Ferry Cross, but Caden did receive three calls, evening he was killed.
Phone number's registered to Kayleigh Mincham.
- Thanks.
- Thank you.
See you later, love.
I think it's time we got a few things straight, don't you? I was always gonna hand over those phones.
I'm not sure I believe you.
If you've been covering for Kayleigh Mincham Let me guess.
You're mates with her dad? Me and Gary go back a bit, yeah.
Something else you failed to mention.
I didn't think it was relevant.
But it was you who found the body in his boatyard! And I did everything by the book.
That search of Declan Price's place, did you call Kayleigh? Warn her we were coming? Er no.
You were on the phone to someone.
I was just checking in with the station.
You knew that lass was involved.
You'd better start sharing, sunshine.
Look, Kayleigh Mincham's an addict.
She's been using for a while now, heroin.
That family's been through enough.
So you thought you'd interfere with a murder enquiry? I was just looking out for her.
Look, if this goes any further, the professional standards I'm looking at a desk job.
[SHE SIGHS.]
Kayleigh Mincham is now a person of interest, and whilst this case is ongoing, you'll have nothing more to do with her.
- Yes, ma'am.
- And you'll talk to no one! Not to witnesses, or suspects, or to any of my team.
And you don't talk to me, come to that, - unless I address you first.
- But I And if I find your actions have compromised this investigation, well, a desk job is gonna be the least of your bloody worries! [KNOCKING.]
DCI Stanhope.
Gary's over at the yard.
Well, it's Kayleigh we're looking for, love.
We need to talk to her in connection with the murder of Caden Lennon.
She spoke to him three times on the night he was killed.
Drug dealer.
We'd better talk outside.
Chloe found the stuff in her bag.
Suddenly it all made sense.
Gary hit the roof, told her to pack her bags.
You didn't know where Kayleigh was getting the drugs? Some lad she got friendly with.
They weren't from round here.
That must've been very hard for you.
Gary won't even talk about it.
The one person that might make her see sense.
- That night the lad was murdered - Sean rang.
PC Turnley.
Told us they'd found a body.
I thought, for a moment You thought it might've been Kayleigh.
When we found out there might've been drugs involved, I asked Sean to keep Kayleigh out of it.
You took advantage of his better nature, love.
Kayleigh had nothing to do with this.
She's been trying to get clean.
We'd even talked about her going to rehab.
So you've been seeing Kayleigh behind your husband's back.
She's my child! I couldn't just write her off.
We need to talk to Kayleigh, love.
Find out where she is.
That is, if you do want to help her.
We own a beach hut.
Lower Headley Cliffs.
Used to rent it out for the summer.
[KNOCK AT DOOR.]
Kayleigh? Someone's definitely been dossing down in here.
Aye.
More than one person, by the look of it.
- [HE SIGHS.]
- So much for her getting clean.
[SHE TUTS.]
No! [SHE LAUGHS.]
- Come on in.
- No way.
It's freezing.
[HE SIGHS.]
The lad's only 15 years old.
You didn't think someone might be looking for him? He turned up last night.
Said he needed somewhere to stay.
Oh, so you must know Tyler pretty well, then? He came up to Peyton a few times.
Wanted to see his brother.
Ah, right.
Yes, the dealer.
You phoned three times on the day he was murdered.
Who was he working for? I didn't care, didn't ask.
- Just as long as you were sorted? - I do drugs now and then.
So what? And you can stop whenever you want to, can you, love? I've heard that one before.
So take me through your movements on Saturday evening.
I've already told you.
Well, I'd like you to tell me again.
- I'd ordered some gear for the party.
- Mm-hm.
I'd arranged to meet Caden down at the Links.
Now we're getting somewhere.
Now, what time was this? Straight after work.
Must've been around seven.
Are you sure Caden didn't go to this party with you? That was the last time I saw him.
So where'd you spend the rest of the night? Hmm? You told us you didn't go back home, you went straight to work.
I got high.
I passed out on the beach.
I don't remember much of it.
And you just woke up in the morning and heard this lad had been murdered? Roy gave us the news when I got to the caff.
Are you letting us go, then? Oh, no, I'll need a statement from you first, pet.
[SHE SIGHS.]
But if I find you've been lying to me, I'll have you straight back in here and up on a charge.
[DOOR SLAMS.]
[SHE SIGHS.]
We've arranged to put him up in temporary accommodation.
Good.
You think he might be in danger? It's better to be safe than sorry.
His brother's death might've been gang-related.
Now, I suggest you confiscate his mobile and make sure he doesn't talk to anyone.
Tyler doesn't know anything.
- TURNLEY: I need a word with the DCI.
- No.
- Just five minutes.
- You've got two minutes.
And counting.
Better make it quick.
I hear you spoke to Nita Dajani.
Well, that's no longer your concern, love.
No, it's just I was the officer who responded to the break in, and she seemed like she was hiding something.
Why do you say that? Well, she was pretty shaken up by the time I got to the club.
Her car window was smashed in.
She wanted this lad apprehended.
A couple of days later, I paid her a follow-up, she said she decided to drop the whole thing.
I think maybe someone leaned on her.
Hmm.
I thought I'd answered all your questions.
Well, I've got a few more, love.
This way.
This lad who broke into your vehicle - Like I said, I barely saw him.
- Yeah, that's not gonna wash, love.
You did recognise Caden Lennon when we showed you that photograph.
The question is, why'd you lie to us? We didn't want any more trouble.
Well, obstructing a murder enquiry, love, is asking for trouble.
So why don't you tell us what did happen that night? They came in for a drink.
There were four of them.
Walked up to the bar like they owned the place.
I told them politely it was members only.
- Asked them to leave.
- And how did that go down? One of them threatened to mark me.
Said I needed to learn some respect.
Was that Caden Lennon? No, this fella was older.
Clearly he was calling the shots.
I said I'd call the police if he didn't leave.
Finally, they got the message.
Drove off in a 4x4.
Did you get a look at the plates? I was just glad to see the back of him.
So, later that night, this fella sends his lackey back.
This is after you've closed.
Smashes the car window to make a point.
Police came, I gave them a statement.
In the cold light of day, I just didn't think it was worth pursuing.
Look, I understand why you were having second thoughts, love.
I get that.
I get it.
But then you hear the lad's been murdered, and still you don't come forward.
I suppose I was scared.
"We didn't want any more trouble," you said.
That suggests you weren't alone when the lad came back.
And I'm guessing it wasn't a lock-in.
Aye, I warned her to drop the whole thing.
Thought it best if the police weren't involved.
- Told her you'd sort it yourself? - What's that supposed to mean? A group of thugs threaten your girlfriend She's not me girlfriend.
And one of them comes back after hours, smashes up her car, and that same lad's found murdered in the boatyard where you work.
Well, you can see how it looks.
OK, I should've come forward when they found the body.
That's the first sensible thing you've said.
Me and Nita, I didn't want Gary to know.
That you were working for the competition? They're opening a franchise for yacht repairs.
I give her the heads up on a few orders.
You gave her everything she needed to finish Gary's business.
The yard was already finished! Only Gary couldn't see that.
So what you get out of it? Apart from the obvious.
She's promised us a job, when we're up and running.
I had my future to think about! Yeah, well, I hope it was worth it, love.
I really do! We need an ANPR check to find that 4x4.
In fact, any vehicle in the area the night of that break-in.
We've got NCA intel on this gang, the Ferry Boys.
They're in the frame for a few recent muggings, smash and grabs, stolen phones.
Yeah, well, we're looking for the kingpins, not kids on bikes.
Recently implicated in an acid attack.
Rival gang member.
It's their method of dealing with any competition.
An acid attack.
I think we need another chat with Tony Briggs.
This is starting to look like harassment.
You didn't decide to give up drug dealing, love.
You were forced out by rival dealers, Newcastle gang who'd set up a county line.
You think I'd feel threatened by a gang of kids? Oh, I think it was more than threats, love, by the look of them scars on your arm.
Check up on his hospital records, see what they can tell us.
Back in my day, the dealers had standards.
You'd look after your clients.
There was loyalty.
Oh, proper gents, I'll bet (!) These inner-city dealers, they'd kill you in a heartbeat to protect their racket.
There's too much money at stake.
Make a complaint.
We can have whoever did this arrested.
Next time, it'll be the face.
Declan Price's house.
You must've known they'd moved in there.
I knew he was scared.
He'd seen too many faces.
Now, if you'd been attacked, you'd be looking for payback, wouldn't you? Name Caden Lennon ring any bells? And there I was, thinking you were concerned about my well-being.
Puts you in the frame for his murder.
I was working here on Saturday night.
With your old mate Declan? He turned up to work.
He wasn't well.
Said he couldn't take much more of Caden's bullying.
I sent him home early.
No use to anybody.
[KNOCKING ON DOOR.]
AIDEN: Mr Price? It's police.
Mr Price? Get that door open.
Respiratory failure as a result of opioid ingestion.
Chronic emphysema from long-term drug abuse.
He would have been predisposed, it was only a matter of time.
So an accidental overdose? Well, it certainly looked like it, till I did some more tests.
The heroin was cut with fentanyl, an opioid 75 times stronger than morphine.
I sent a sample down to the lab for chromatographic analysis and it would've been a lethal dose.
So whoever supplied this heroin would've known that it would kill him? This was murder.
Declan Price's death is now being treated as murder.
A lethal batch of dirty heroin.
So we're ruling out Declan as Caden Lennon's killer? Declan Price didn't kill that lad.
Though he might've known who did.
Pushed him too hard.
Another needless death.
If we are to assume that these two murders are connected, would it put Alan White in the clear? Not necessarily.
It keeps coming back to this gang.
They threatened Dajani, assaulted Tony Briggs.
So, did Caden Lennon do something to make them turn on him? I ran a routine search on Declan Price's finances, ma'am.
Something doesn't add up.
Large amounts of cash have passed through his bank account.
Regular deposits and withdrawals.
There's a few thousand a week, for a fella on benefits.
A withdrawal was made in Peyton this morning.
£500 with his cashpoint card.
Well, that would have been a walking miracle.
They've sent me footage from the ATM camera.
Let's have a look.
Freeze it.
Kayleigh Mincham.
Declan Price's bank card, found in your pocket.
Care to explain? I need it to pay for a deal.
Asked us to get some cash out.
Didn't know you were friends.
Now you do.
He give you his pin number, did he? You can ask him yourself if you don't believe us.
Ah, that might prove tricky, love.
Because Declan was found murdered last night, needle in his arm.
Someone had spiked his heroin.
And then this morning, you are caught on camera stealing 500 quid from a dead man's account.
It wasn't even his money! I'm inclined to believe you there, pet.
Cos someone else was using Declan's bank account to hide drugs money.
I swear, I had nothing to do with it.
No? Well, I think it was you who set Caden up in Peyton.
It was you introduced him to Declan, got him into his house because you knew Declan was an easy target! I never thought they'd hurt him.
Well, both those people are now dead, love.
And sooner or later, you're gonna be surplus to requirements.
And what's gonna happen then, eh? Just give us the name of whoever is running this county line.
Who's pulling the strings? They're the ones we're after.
I can't.
I can't! [SHE SOBS.]
We talked to several witnesses who attended that party.
And no one can remember seeing you after 10 PM that evening.
I told you, I passed out on the beach.
- Well, I don't believe you.
- I did, I swear.
I woke up on Sunday morning in Lee Nadella's camper van.
I found her lying on the beach at the party.
Off her face, as usual.
I couldn't just leave her there.
Nothing happened.
Did you know Caden Lennon supplied her heroin? I told her he was bad news.
Not that she took any notice.
So you lied, when you said you didn't know him.
I didn't wanna drop Kayleigh in it.
Sounds like you've got a soft spot.
She had everything going for her.
And she's just thrown her life away.
You clock Kayleigh on the beach with Caden.
She's desperate for a fix and he's the lad supplying her with drugs.
So what happened, you get between them? I warned him off, that's all.
Got into a fight, by the look of that lip.
And you told us you'd been drinking.
OK, so he took a pop at us.
- Threw a punch and ran.
- And you went after him, did you? Hmm? Decide to teach him a lesson? You seriously think I killed him? I think we should finish this back at the station.
Come on, son.
[SHE BREATHES HEAVILY.]
We've arrested Lee Nadella for murder.
We know about the fight on the beach.
Lee didn't kill anyone.
He hasn't got it in him.
Well, unless you can tell me who did Look, this 'couldn't care less' act is not gonna wash, love.
You're out of your depth and you know it.
This fella doesn't need protecting, he doesn't deserve protecting.
He shows up in Peyton when he feels like it.
Likes to surprise us, he says.
And did he show up in Peyton last night? Went for a drive, that's all.
Did he buy you that chain? So what if he did? Kayleigh, I'm going to need a name.
Result! We're looking for a fella called Nathaniel Halpin, H-A-L-P-I-N.
His friends call him Nat.
He's the leader of this gang and by all accounts, he's a piece of work.
Now, Kayleigh Mincham can place him in Peyton at the time of both murders.
Ma'am, here you are.
He's got previous, ABH and possession of a knife, 18 months ago.
We've got him.
Kenny, I'll need an address.
Get onto DVLA.
I'm guessing he drives a 4x4.
- Ma'am.
- Anyone wants me, I'll be with Dave Miller.
Let's see if we can jog his memory.
Yeah, I know him.
Kicked him out the centre for carrying a weapon.
- Nat knows he's not welcome.
- So he doesn't live on this estate? Not any more.
I hear he's got a plush pad in Jesmond.
Yeah? Well, what about his gang, the Ferry Boys? Look, if anyone round here knew I was talking to the police Nat Halpin is a prime suspect in Caden's murder.
Coerced him into pushing drugs.
And we know the source is from this estate.
I have spent five years looking out for these kids.
I would've done something about it.
Well, maybe you still can, love.
Whatever you may think about the police, I want this fella locked up.
Before he finds another lad to take Caden's place.
Now, do you want that on your conscience? One of his crew serves up from the flat.
Which flat? Back of the tower block.
Number.
Police! Stay where you are! [ALL SHOUT.]
Police! All clear.
- It's still warm.
- [SHE SIGHS.]
[PHONE RINGS.]
Ma'am, we're in Jesmond.
Nat Halpin appears to have gone to ground, ma'am.
[SHE SIGHS.]
Ma'am, forensics are testing the drugs we found at the flat for a chemical signature.
Well, we need a match to this stash seized in Peyton.
Some evidence to tie him to these murders.
Come on, Jack, find us something, anything we can work with.
At least we've closed down their supply line.
They start up somewhere else, find some other kids to exploit.
What? That search we ran on Kayleigh Mincham's mobile.
There was nothing on it, was there? Well, we got access to her social media accounts.
You might wanna take a look at these selfies we found in her direct messages, I think that's what you call bragging rights.
You weren't headed up to Peyton to see your brother.
He was dropping off drugs for this county line.
- Tyler! - I've got nothing to say to you.
Oh, get that attitude from Nat Halpin, did you? The fella you were working for got previous for carrying a knife.
Now, had your brother fallen out with him? Nat was family.
He's blood! Nat Halpin isn't family, whatever promises he might've made you.
Now then, we know that he was up in Peyton the night that Caden died.
And I think he went up there to kill him.
I told you, I don't know anything.
Tyler, you're the one person your brother would've confided in.
Do you know what they do to a grass? Well, if you're worried about reprisals, we'll take care of you.
- Witness protection? - Aye.
I'd rather take me chances.
[DOOR BUZZER.]
She'll be in court first thing in the morning.
Then what? Well, I imagine she'll be bailed, pending charges.
Mr Mincham, your daughter can come back from this, but she will need your support.
She comes home with us, Gary.
Either that, or we're leaving without you.
Car's out front.
Kayleigh! Kayleigh, wait! - WHISPERS:, I'm sorry.
Hey, Tyler.
What the? I just wish you'd called me.
Or at least called for back-up.
He'd have been long gone before any of you lot turned up.
- This is a warning.
- It's just someone being cocky.
Thinking they can run rings around us.
Ma'am, visitor.
Said he'll only speak to you.
I know where you can find him.
[TENSE MUSIC.]
Police, stay where you are! [POLICE CONTINUE SHOUTING.]
[GRUNTS OF COMBAT.]
That's enough, son.
Calm yourself down.
Nathaniel Halpin, you are under arrest on suspicion on murder.
You do not have to say anything, but it may harm your defence if you do not mention when questioned something you rely on in court.
Anything you do say may be given in evidence.
He can't hurt you, love.
He'll know it was me, though.
He'll just know.
Nat was working us too hard.
Once you're going country, you're on call 24/7.
Caden started to smoke a bit of crack.
To stay awake, he said.
I told him he was asking for trouble.
Drugs must've messed with his head.
[HE SIGHS.]
All this cash we were making, Caden was vexed we weren't seeing any of it.
Then Nat finds out the money's short.
Tells us Caden had been taxing off him.
So, stealing off the wrong man.
A couple of days after they found his body, Nat calls us up, and said Caden had got what was coming to him.
And I'd taken on my brother's debt.
And would have to work harder to pay it off.
OK, son.
OK.
We've run a trace on your vehicle, places you in Peyton three days ago.
Yeah, I went up there to visit my girlfriend.
- Ah, Kayleigh Mincham? - Yeah.
Vulnerable lass, who you took advantage of.
You can add sexual grooming to his list of offences.
She's a junkie.
Nothing she says would ever stand up in court.
No, I think you went up to Peyton to see Declan Price.
Another vulnerable adult who you've threatened.
I've never seen him before.
No? You supplied him with two grams of heroin.
Laced with a lethal amount of fentanyl.
Which was in your flat on Ferry Cross estate.
I haven't been back there for a while.
I don't like the neighbourhood.
Ah, you favour the plush pad in Jesmond, right? - Yeah.
- We've searched it.
And we found pricey watches, and designer clothing and some of the items, well, they're still in their wrapper.
And we are satisfied that the money used to buy those items was earned through dealing drugs.
You can add that to the list.
You've got nothing to tie me to any of this.
We've also got a witness, who said they were working for you under duress.
And based on that statement, you're also under arrest on a charge of trafficking a minor.
- Trafficking? - Mm-hm.
Well, we get you on drugs [SHE CHUCKLES.]
I mean, that's almost a badge of honour, isn't it? But trafficking kids, ooh, that doesn't go down too well in prison.
Now, Caden Lennon was working for you, running drugs to Peyton.
We also know he was stealing from you.
Taxing off money from your drugs deals.
So he needed teaching a lesson, didn't he? Now, our forensics team, they found traces of Caden's blood in your vehicle.
And that's all we need to charge you with his murder.
So if there's anything you'd like to add.
No? No comment.
I'd say you'd get 25 years.
Which is a small price to pay, for all those lives you've ruined.
[SHE CHUCKLES.]
We'll call when we get to the safe house.
[CAR ENGINE STARTS.]
All right, love, come on.
We'll give you a lift home.
Now, he's going to be fine, love.
They'll look after him.
Ooh.
I thought you might want your photo back.
Here.
I remember when they first arrived here.
Pair of lost souls.
They'd just lost their mam.
Tyler wouldn't leave Caden's side.
It took him months before he'd trust anyone.
Ah, well, He'd been through a lot.
They both had.
Tyler had these terrible meltdowns.
All that pent-up anger inside him.
Even pushed his brother down them stairs once.
Broke his arm in two places.
Christine? Does Tyler own a dark padded jacket? Yeah.
He loves it.
[PHONE RINGS.]
We're still stuck in town, ma'am.
Traffic's pretty heavy.
Shut up, just listen to me.
'I need you to turn the car round' and come back to the station.
'Jack, I think you're sitting next to our killer.
'Get yourself back here.
- 'Jack!' - Got that, ma'am.
Change of plan.
Boss has requested we head back to base.
DRIVER: OK, righto.
No, you don't! - Argh! - Hey! - Shit.
- Tyler! Tyler, come here! [SHE SNEEZES AND SCREAMS.]
Tyler! Argh! Jeez.
We've done a search of the immediate area, ma'am.
No sign.
[VERA SIGHS.]
Well, put out a call to Control.
Put out a description.
He may be a threat now he knows we're onto him.
Will do, ma'am.
He was out of the car before I could catch him.
None of us saw this coming, Jack.
Now, I need you to get back to the station.
- I'm fine.
- That nose might be broken.
Needs looking at.
Where's a 15-year-old gonna hide? Caden said he wanted to stay here.
Save up some money, buy us a place.
View of the sea.
Just like his mam, eh? I tried to warn him.
Told him we should just disappear.
That why you argued on the day he died, when you were at Declan's house? He said he was too tired to run.
Tired of starting over.
Nat Halpin drove you to that boatyard and took you home afterwards.
Your brother's blood all over your clothes.
He said I needed to prove I was one of them.
He even put the blade in me hand.
Sent a lad to do his dirty work.
He was hiding in one of the boats.
So scared, he was shaking.
I took him in me arms.
He let me hold him.
I told him not to worry, that it'd all be OK.
His look of surprise as I pulled out a knife The one person who always protected you.
- I didn't have a choice! - You killed your own brother to prove you were a man? I was the care kid everyone picked on.
A few steps behind him, getting in his way.
The butt of all the jokes.
The little brother Caden was forced to look after.
Tell us, who's the man now, eh? Ten grand a week, we were clearing.
Base, white, meth, weed, anything! I could get you anything to get high! Yeah, well, that doesn't make you a man, love.
Turning your back on those thugs would've made you a man.
[HE SOBS.]
Come on, son, on your feet.
Got to you, this one, didn't it? And it didn't get to you? Two lads sold the promise of a better life.
What chance did they have, eh? The toerag who sold it to them won't be trading for the foreseeable.
They'll be plenty more of them lining up to take his place.
We didn't even scratch the surface of the problem.
Right, I'm off.
Should you be driving that? Eh? Garage said it's as good as new.
Hardly! I heard that.
Ah, this old thing it's gonna last forever.