The Lost Honour of Christopher Jefferies
This drama tells the real-life story of retired schoolteacher Christopher Jefferies who was initially questioned by police as a suspect in the murder of Jo Yeates who rented a flat from him. He was vilified by the press, partly on account of his eccentric appearance and long flowing hair, even after he had been released on bail by the police.
- 2014-2014
- 1 season
- Suspense, Drama
This drama tells the real-life story of retired schoolteacher Christopher Jefferies who was initially questioned by police as a suspect in the murder of Jo Yeates who rented a flat from him. He was vilified by the press, partly on account of his eccentric appearance and long flowing hair, even after he had been released on bail by the police.
Season 1 Episode Guide
2 Episodes 2014
Episode 1
Part One
63 mins
Christopher Jefferies, a semi-retired teacher in his mid-sixties, owns a house in Bristol and lets rooms to tenants. Though on several committees and with friends he is considered an eccentric, esoteric figure with his long grey hair and old-fashioned ways. In December 2010 tenant Greg Reardon reports his partner Jo Yeates missing and the police visit Chris. When Jo's corpse is found on Christmas Eve Chris is beset by reporters to whom he reacts pedantically and some days later he is arrested for Jo's murder. He is subjected to trial by media as the gutter press term him 'lewd', 'creepy' and the Nutty Professor despite his lawyer Paul Okebu securing his release whilst the school where he used to teach is less than supportive.
Episode 2
Part Two
43 mins
In January 2011 the police arrest Vincent Tabak, Chris's Dutch lodger, who has returned to the Netherlands after supplying evidence to incriminate Chris. He pleads guilty to Jo Yeates' manslaughter but is found guilty of her murder. Now out of the public eye Chris is keen for a quiet life but, encouraged by friends, engages the lawyer Louis Charalambous to sue the six tabloid papers that had vilified him. They are charged with contempt of court for suggesting that an untried suspect was a murderer and they are fined, with Chris receiving damages. With his hair cut short Chris is also a witness at the newly-commissioned Leveson Inquiry, investigating the dirty tricks employed by the gutter press, exonerating himself once and for all.