Herbert Hannam

Detective Superintendent Herbert Hannam (d. 1983) was a British policeman who worked for Scotland Yard.

Career

Hannam became famous for solving the infamous Teddington Towpath Murders in 1953.

In 1956 he took over the investigation of the activities of suspected serial killer John Bodkin Adams, who worked in Eastbourne. His aristocratic air led to the press dubbing him "The Count". Despite opposition from the BMA, DPP and the Eastbourne police, he found evidence to prosecute Adams on four counts of murder. [Cullen, 2006]

Adams was only charged with two though, the murders of Edith Alice Morrell and Gertrude Hullett. He was tried for the former in 1957 but controversially found not guilty. The Attorney General entered an unprecedented plea of nolle prosequi regarding Mrs Hullett. Hannam suspected political interference. [Cullen, 2006]

Hannam was later promoted to Commander but left CID in 1960, becoming a security adviser.

References

* Cullen, Pamela V., "A Stranger in Blood: The Case Files on Dr John Bodkin Adams", London, Elliott & Thompson, 2006, ISBN 1-904027-19-9

External links

* [http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,867135-1,00.html Time magazine's account of the investigation into Adams from Monday, 24 September 1956]
* [http://www.strangerinblood.co.uk/html/gallery.htm Gallery of those involved in the Adams case, including a photo of Hannam]