FILMING for a new true crime drama documenting the hunt for Raoul Moat has started.

ITV has revealed plans for the show titled The Hunt For Raoul Moat, starring Lee Ingleby, more than 12 years since the dramatic events in 2010.

The show's creators say the new show “shines a light on the human tragedies that lay behind Britain’s biggest manhunt, told through the eyes of those who sought to bring a violent killer to justice”. 

Released from Durham prison in July 2010, Moat went on the run after shooting three people in 24 hours.

Despite Northumbria Police’s best efforts, Moat evaded them for over a week, threatening to kill police officers and members of the public. 

The drama focuses on the innocent victims of Moat’s crimes - Christopher Brown, Samantha Stobbart and PC David Rathband; the police officers who put themselves in the firing line in their quest to apprehend Moat; and the local journalist who sought to tell Moat’s real story in a landscape of sensationalist reporting and social media provocation.

Starring in the series is Inspector George Gently’s Lee Ingleby as senior Northumbria Police officer Neil Adamson, Sonya Cassidy as local journalist Diane Barnwell and Durham-born Matt Stokoe as Moat.

The Northern Echo: Raoul MoatRaoul Moat

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The Hunt for Raoul Moat begins with Moat’s ex-partner Samantha piecing her life back together following Moat’s imprisonment for an assault.

He is then released from HMP Durham after serving a four-month sentence. Sam has a new boyfriend, Chris, and she is terrified of Moat’s return. 

Despite making serious threats against Sam from inside prison, the former Newcastle doorman is hellbent on rekindling their relationship.

When he realises that isn’t going to happen, Moat equips himself with a shotgun to confront Sam and her new partner.

Although the events unfolded primarily in the Northumberland town of Rothbury, filming is believed to be taking place in Yorkshire. 

The Hunt for Raoul Moat will be produced by World Productions, part of ITV Studios, acclaimed producers of Anne, Line of Duty, The Pembrokeshire Murders and Vigil, in association with MultiStory Media. The drama is written by novelist and screenwriter Kevin Sampson. 

The Northern Echo: Lee Ingleby will play a detective in the dramaLee Ingleby will play a detective in the drama

Mr Sampson said: “The hunt for Raoul Moat gripped me from the start, as it was the first such case to be covered ‘live’ by the new 24-hour news channels in the UK. Even then, it interested me that Moat was being portrayed by some as a ‘legend’ in spite of the brutality of his crimes.

"In 2022, violence against women remains rife and is all too often accompanied by a victim-blaming agenda. I hope this drama will go some way to condemning this narrative.” 

 

Simon Heath and Jake Lushington on behalf of World Productions, added: “Kevin has written a compelling and unflinching account of these shocking events which highlights the human tragedy behind the lurid headlines. The drama is a timely reminder of how social media and fake news can create a dangerous myth, in this case that Raoul Moat was any kind of hero.”

The Northern Echo: Matt Stokoe will play Moat. Picture: MICHAEL WHARLEYMatt Stokoe will play Moat. Picture: MICHAEL WHARLEY

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