Murder of Stotfold woman features in two-part 24 Hours in Police Custody episode
The cases has been described as one of Bedfordshire Police’s most harrowing investigations
The murder of 74-year-old Annette Smith is the focus of a powerful two-part documentary as the critically acclaimed series 24 Hours in Police Custody returns to Channel 4.
The new series launched with back-to-back episodes yesterday (Sunday 29) and today (Monday 30 June), with an in-depth look at one of Bedfordshire Police’s most complex and harrowing murder investigations in recent years.
Annette Smith was killed in November 2023 at her home in Fairfield, Stotfold, by 45-year-old Scott Paterson, who had been living in the property. Paterson later dismembered her body and hid her remains in a storage unit in Letchworth.
The investigation began as a missing persons case in April, after Annette’s family raised concerns about her wellbeing. Paterson had attempted to avoid suspicion by sending cards and messages in her name, including Christmas greetings, to family and friends. He also falsely reported to police that she had left the house with an unknown woman.
Detectives from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit uncovered key evidence at Annette’s home, including her passport, clothing, and the laptop used to send the messages. Paterson was arrested, admitted to the murder, and directed officers to the storage unit.
In September 2024, Paterson pleaded guilty to murder. He was sentenced on 4 November to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 19 years and 178 days.
Detective Chief Inspector Katie Dounias, who led the investigation, described Paterson as “a very cold and calculated individual” and called Annette’s death “tragic and deeply saddening”.
Speaking ahead of the broadcast, DCI Dounias said: “This two-part episode captures the meticulous work of our detectives as we pieced together CCTV footage, forensic evidence, digital footprints and witness statements to uncover the truth about what happened to Annette.
"In the show, our care for Annette as a victim is evident, and the team really do stop at nothing to ensure that we seek answers on behalf of her and her family.
"This was a case which shook the community of Stotfold and Bedfordshire more widely. It also highlights some of the most complex aspects of modern-day policing and showcases the professionalism of our officers in the face of the most horrific of crimes.”
The new episodes mark the return of 24 Hours in Police Custody, produced by The Garden in partnership with Bedfordshire Police. The series provides a fly-on-the-wall view of real-time policing and criminal investigations.
Chief Constable of Bedfordshire Police Trevor Rodenhurst said: “As always, 24 Hours in Police Custody offers an unfiltered look at the police service, highlighting the dedication, compassion, and resilience of officers who are often working under intense pressure, on some of the most traumatic incidents most people could ever imagine.
"Our decision to continue our relationship with The Garden – the makers of 24 – is to place a spotlight on the challenges and complexities of policing, while working to improve public trust and confidence in the work we do to protect people and tackle crime.
"We continue to be grateful for the exceptional following the show attracts, which puts Bedfordshire Police on the map for the way in which we support victims and relentlessly pursue justice against offenders.”
The new series will go on to feature a range of cases from across the region.
The investigation into Annette Smith’s murder is shown across two episodes of 24 Hours in Police Custody, airing at 9pm on Channel 4.