A documentary airing tonight sheds light on the tragic murder of Paul Gault, whose life was brutally cut short by the jealous actions of his wife27s lover, Gordon Graham. Set against the backdrop of suburban Lisburn, County Antrim, the case, initially perceived as just another house burglary gone wrong, soon unraveled to reveal complex details entangled with infidelity and betrayal.
On May 19, 2000, Paul Gault, the father of five-year-old triplets, was discovered dead at his home, bludgeoned with severe injuries inflicted by what investigators later determined was likely multiple strikes from a hockey stick. This tragic event unfolded as Paul took the day off from his job as transport manager to spend time with his wife, Lesley Ann Gault. Mrs. Gault, having recently revealed to Paul her two-and-a-half-year affair with Gordon Graham, had left the couple27s home for errands, unaware of the violent fate awaiting her spouse when she returned. She found the house ransacked, with the back door smashed, and her husband lying lifeless upstairs.
According to the post-mortem, Paul suffered catastrophic injuries, with forensic experts determining the murder weapon likely to have been a hockey stick. The investigation initially pointed to the possibility of the attack being connected to burglars, as valuables were found scattered around the home. Yet, Detective Inspector Roy McComb questioned this narrative, stating, "How does this completely unknown person, with no police history, no criminal record, zero police intelligence about him, suddenly end up beaten to death in the privacy of his own bedroom?" His instincts led the investigation to focus on the relationship dynamics at play, particularly the affair.
Through witness testimonies, it emerged there was another story, one filled with jealousy and visceral intentions. Allegations surfaced about Graham being seen frequently at the Gault household, often when Paul was away. Disturbing details from neighbors hinted at the love triangle, intensifying the detective's scrutiny of both Lesley and Graham. The Crime I Can't Forget: Murder in the Bedroom, set to air on BBC One today at 10.40pm, unveils these layers of complexity as Jonathan Gault, Paul27s son, shares his perspective on how these tragic events have impacted his family.
The first trial of Lesley Ann Gault ended inconclusively when the jury could not reach a unanimous verdict. Following her retrial from February to March 2003, she was convicted of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 15 years, maintaining her innocence throughout. Yet, as the appeals process unfolded, key issues concerning the charge against her surfaced. The Court of Appeal found the prosecution had misdirected the jury on the required mindset to convict her as an accessory to murder, leading to the quashing of her conviction.
After her acquittal on her third trial held at Omagh Crown Court, Lesley remarked on the trauma she endured, stating, “I’ve been through a nightmare which is almost unimaginable. Bereaved, imprisoned, vilified.” Following her release, she remarried, finding solace and renewal of faith as she embraced her new life as Lesley Burke, setting up roots once again but away from the painful past.
Meanwhile, Gordon Graham, Lesley's lover, faced the full brunt of the law. Convicted of Paul's murder on November 14, 2002, he received a life sentence with a minimum term of 20 years. A lengthy trial revealed not just the extent of Graham27s obsession but also the lengths he27d go to eliminate Paul from the equation. Despite his initial attempt to establish an alibi, the discovery of DNA evidence linked him directly to the crime scene, solidifying his conviction.
By 2021, Graham was released after serving his sentence, leaving behind the horrific legacy of his actions on the Gault family. For Jonathan, the emotional scars of losing his father at such a young age have been indelible. He shared, “You always think one day they’ll come back. I think as a child you have this imagination. Then as time goes on, you’re told your father won’t be coming back.” His reflections capture the despair of childhood enforced by adult tragedies.
Notably, the documentary will feature Jonathan recounting his harrowing experience of loss and the tumultuous years following the murder. He explores how the assertions of guilt aimed at his mother shattered their family dynamics, and how he coped with intense social stigma from being the son of someone wrongfully accused of murder. Jonathan noted, “Growing up, we were very poor. People made fun of the clothes I was wearing. I was super depressed as a kid - basically an outcast.”
The broadcast aims to illuminate not only the murder case but the tragic consequences of crime, betrayal, and injustice on the lives of innocent family members. It serves as a tribute and reminder of the enduring scars such sensational acts of violence can leave on families, with the documentary asserting, as Jonathan poignantly puts it, “I can’t talk about these things without getting emotional.”
The intrigue surrounding Lesley Ann Gault and Gordon Graham's case may shadow their lives for years to come, but it is the experience of those left behind, especially the children, like Jonathan, who emerge as the most poignant reminders of the collateral damage of such violent acts. With the documentary airing tonight, viewers can witness how this story continues to unfurl and the lessons it imparts for society about relationships, trust, and the darkness lurking behind closed doors.