A photojournalist has published a book on his experiences from the "inner circle" of covering the story of serial killers Fred and Rose West.
The story dominated Michael Charity’s work over an 18-month period around 20 years ago which ended with the couple being charged over multiple murders.
‘Seasons of Death’ is about Charity’s experience of covering the story, which he spent more time on than any other in his 50-year career.
“There have been a number of books about the Wests but because I was there literally every day and got to know the main characters looking to solve and report on the terrible events, I always knew there was an interesting story to report the angle from the inner circle,” he said.
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“I was pretty well known for my camera and stills work – although I worked exclusively for Central TV covering the Cromwell Street events. Their news desk knew I was there in the front row so to speak and I kept feeding them with updates on events…
“Unwittingly I became part of the scene in Cromwell Street and, after a period of deep suspicion on their part, got to know the locals well. We were eventually on ‘cup of tea’ terms,” he recalls.
He also established working friendships with the police. “Obviously they stuck to the ‘protocol’ but they were aware I was there for a reason and was simply reporting first hand on a gruesome case that had gripped the nation in a rather macabre way.”
Charity is now semi-retired but continues to contribute to a number of trade titles and lifestyle magazines. He has previously published two other books, ‘Cheltenham People and Places, and ‘The Royal Family in Gloucestershire’.
‘Seasons of Death’ is published through Amazon.co.uk and is available as a Kindle download for ££1.97 or £6.69 as a paperback.
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