Mercia Blackcat
Striker
Apparently it was a sound modifier rather than a silencer, which is an important distinction. I can't remember the full details but it's something like: a sound modifier is a tool to distort what a rabbit hears and does not actually reduce the sound, unlike a silencer. In terms of his actions after the murders, e.g. going on a massive spending spree in the immediate aftermath, it beggars belief that a potential suspect would draw attention to himself in that manner. He did, however, display some of the characteristics seen in serial killers at an earlier time in their lives, e.g. cruel to animals, petty crime and so on. I think the jury returned a verdict of 10-2 guilty, and based on what I've read of this case I reckon most juries would return something similar. The case is bordering on proven beyond reasonable doubt with the potential to go a couple of percentages either way. I personally think he's guilty.
There are a few issues, however, that could do with clarifying: was it Sheila's blood in the sound modifier, can it be demonstrated that there is a decent chance that the sound modifier was not used in the murders. Bamber's latest argument, supported by some forensic type experts, is that the jury was misled into thinking it was Sheila's blood in the sound modifier and that the sound modifier was used on the gun during the murders. In the event Bamber is right on this, and the jury were misled due to more primitive DNA and forensic techniques in 1985/86, and you add in there is no forensic evidence linking him to the crime scene nor witnesses, then I think it would be an unsafe conviction. But, as said, Bamber has been making such claims of new evidence pretty much since he was convicted.
One interesting thing that I believe is a fact: Essex police have not made available for scrutiny all of the documents that they have in their possession.
There's no doubt the police investigation was initially poor but only one day after the killings he was trying to establish if the police knew the sequence in which the victims were killed as that could have affected their wills and his inheritance. I wont say too much on the interview transcripts as it is a drama and I don't want to spoil the last two episodes but his responses are extraordinary at times. It would appear that the sound modifier was more or less permanently on the rifle but was found in its box at the back of the cupboard and I think there had even been rubbish placed in front of the cupboard door. This could create the impression that the modifier was not routinely on the rifle when the fact is that it was. Almost the perfect murder but today there would be more definitive facts established. I agree Essex police have not been open enough but that may be more to do with their own incompetence than his innocence.