As a seasoned film enthusiast with a penchant for investigative documentaries that delve into the darkest recesses of human history, I must admit that the upcoming BBC Two production “Lucan” has piqued my curiosity to no end. The gripping tale of 57-year-old Neil Berriman’s relentless pursuit of truth and justice for his late birth mother, Sandra Rivett, is a testament to the indomitable human spirit that refuses to let go in the face of adversity.
This article first appeared in TopMob magazine.
Upon unfolding the beige folder handed down by his adoptive mom, items from his history lay within. Among the initial birthday greetings and legal documents of adoption, a headline from a newspaper caught Neil Berriman’s eye. The article detailed the tragic murder of a 29-year-old nanny named Sandra Rivett, slain brutally by the nobleman Lord Lucan.
After examining the papers in the folder, it became clear that Sandra Rivett was indeed Berriman’s biological mother. “I recall it felt like I couldn’t get enough air,” the 57-year-old recalls of the shocking revelation. “It was truly awful.
On the 7th of November, 1974, Richard John Bingham, the 7th Earl of Lucan, mysteriously disappeared following an incident at his Belgravia residence, which was later believed by police (and later confirmed at an inquest) to be a case of mistaken identity. His intended victim was thought to be his estranged wife Veronica, with whom he was embroiled in a bitter custody dispute.
Initially, Rivett suffered a fatal blow. Subsequently, Lucan’s vehicle, stained with blood, was discovered deserted in Newhaven, East Sussex. However, despite numerous reports of his presence being spotted across various locations globally, he could never be located.
Despite claims made by Lord Lucan’s family suggesting he had taken his own life, this was later formally confirmed as his death by the UK’s High Court in February 2016. However, a man named Berriman, who resides in Hampshire and is a father of two, firmly believes that Lord Lucan, now 90 years old (December), did not die and remains alive today.
The exploration of the truth regarding Lord Lucan’s location, involving the collection of fresh evidence alongside investigative journalist Glen Campbell, is highlighted in an engaging three-part BBC documentary. This documentary guides us through their travels, from South Africa to Australia.
Berriman’s investigation into the truth behind the incident started seriously in 2012, as Scotland Yard granted him access to disturbing images depicting the crime scene.
1) The impact of viewing those images has been deep and enduring, as strong as a physical sensation. “For two years and some months, I was on antidepressants… Because my mother is gone, and justice hasn’t been served,” he explains. He pauses thoughtfully. “Even today, discussing it, the images still linger in my mind.
At 21, Rivett found herself pregnant by a married man and gave birth to a son named Berriman who was put up for adoption. He grew up contentedly with his adoptive parents Ian and Audrey, oblivious to his origins until the age of ten when he learned about his adoption. However, he showed little curiosity regarding his biological parents. “As I matured,” he reminisces, “my mother would constantly try to give me this brown envelope, but I repeatedly declined, expressing no desire to learn more about my real parents – that is, until one of my adoptive parents passed away.
Three years following Audrey’s passing from cancer in 2004, Berriman, now nearing 40, eventually decided to retrieve the envelope from the drawer where it had been kept by her bedside. “Maybe it was a significant birthday,” he explained, “I felt the moment was appropriate.
He had no idea what awaited him, and discovering the identity of the woman who had given birth to him ignited a burning curiosity within him. “Indeed, there wasn’t much information available about her,” he admits, “as Sandra has been overshadowed by Lord Lucan throughout history. That’s part of why I chose to undertake this journey – for my mother, since no one else seemed willing.
As he delved deeper into uncovering information, Berriman expressed that he found it hard to believe when he heard the idea that Lucan, whom he had harbored strong emotions of hatred and anger towards for a long time, seemingly vanished from existence.
He stated that there was no evidence to confirm his death, and if he were still alive, my desire was to ensure he faced justice.
Berriman, who is primarily a builder, has spent numerous hours over the years being consumed by a pursuit that has not only impacted him but also his partner Kim, as well as his adult children Oliver and Melissa from a past marriage. This quest has been a significant part of their lives too.
According to him, it had complete control over our lives, round-the-clock, encompassing all our conversations. Despite seeing Kim growing tired of it, I couldn’t break free from its grasp. However, Kim and even the children stood by my side throughout this period.
He acknowledges instances where he wishes he hadn’t opened the brown envelope 17 years back, but it has brought him a great deal of distress. However, at heart, he doesn’t regret the action because it stands for justice, as he explains.
What others may discuss as a great enigma, holds little interest for me. Instead, it’s the mother I never had the chance to know that truly matters.
Lucan will start airing at 9pm on Wednesday 6th November on BBC Two.
Read More
- GOAT PREDICTION. GOAT cryptocurrency
- LDO PREDICTION. LDO cryptocurrency
- JASMY PREDICTION. JASMY cryptocurrency
- DOP/USD
- CYBER PREDICTION. CYBER cryptocurrency
- SCR PREDICTION. SCR cryptocurrency
- NOT PREDICTION. NOT cryptocurrency
- DEXE PREDICTION. DEXE cryptocurrency
- BRN/USD
- WELL PREDICTION. WELL cryptocurrency
2024-10-28 19:35