Medavia's role in the biggest trial of the year

“Working with Medavia – the best thing we have done in 32 years.”

In 1975, the murder of 11-year-old Lesley Molseed on a Yorkshire moor shocked the nation. She had been sexually assaulted and stabbed 12 times. An innocent man was later jailed for 16 years for the crime. Then, in autumn 2007, after the biggest trial of the year, the real culprit, Ronald Castree was finally convicted. The trial though meant Lesley’s family had to face the media onslaught once more. Lesley’s older sister Julie, now 48, explains…

“Working with Medavia – the best thing we have done in 32 years.”

When news about Lesley first broke in 1975 we were bombarded by reporters. Their cars would fill the street and photographers would press their lenses against the windows of our home. We had no control back then, and took the stance that we just wouldn’t speak if they asked us questions in the street, but it was all incredibly unnerving, especially as we were so young.

As the years have passed the worldwide press interest in Lesley’s story has renewed at every twist and turn, and we have done very little work with the media – not quite knowing how to make the best of the situation. When Castree was finally arrested in 2006 the press bombardment started again. Reporters and agencies would turn up at mum’s sheltered housing, asking to speak with her. Luckily a warden was in place to take cards and letters, but mum would be left in a mound of paper, not knowing who to contact or what to do.

Media frenzy

For a 70-year-old lady trying to come to terms with the fact that the true murderer of her tiny daughter might finally be found, it was an extra burden which she just didn’t need – and couldn’t process. Because the police were also telling us not to talk to the press about the new DNA discoveries connecting Castree to Lesley, we felt extra nervous in the face of reporters’ questions. Everyone had their own agenda and wanted a piece of the pie, and the requests from all sides just kept coming.

As the trial drew close we knew after all our experience to expect a media frenzy, and our hearts sunk at the prospect. We agreed we might like to talk about our ordeal – as closure to the past 32 years and to raise some funds for a new memorial to Lesley – but we didn’t know where to start. We didn’t trust the press and knew ultimately any reporter we spoke to wouldn’t have our best interests at heart, however kind they were.

After careful thought we invited a consultant from Medavia to visit us. From that point on they took care of all media enquiries, as well as liaising with the police to arrange how to handle media attention at the court immediately after the verdict. In the last few days a consultant came with us to court and spoke to all the press on our behalf. On the day of the verdict Medavia wrote a statement for us to read on the court steps to waiting reporters and TV crews, in line with police wishes. Because Mum
was prepared and confident in what had been written she was able to do this calmly without worry.

Keeping all parties happy

Afterwards Medavia shepherded us out of the limelight and dealt with all media demands so that no one approached us. We didn’t have to worry about offending anyone – Medavia kept all parties happy. In our own time in the following weeks they organised deals with newspapers and magazines, TV and radio for us, ensuring we got the best financial offers and that we were happy with the publications. Medavia’s own journalists even did some of the interviews, and it was so nice to tell our story to someone we already knew and trusted.

Ultimately the best thing about it all was to know we had someone fighting our corner. Medavia removed the media pressure from us so we could deal with our own emotions and reactions to the trial in peace. I would recommend them to anyone, they were a godsend. In the 32 years since my little sister Lesley’s disappearance and murder I can honestly say that working with Medavia has been the best thing we have done.