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Episode details

Radio Ulster,25 Nov 2023,30 mins,

SeriesThe Handler: Six Months in Hell

Episode 1: Leaks and Lies

Assume Nothing
Contains very strong language.

Available for over a year

A dramatized memoir of a Special Branch Officer operating at the outset of the Northern Ireland Troubles. The award-winning drama returns for a new series. Starring Jonathan Harden. James (not his real name) runs a network of informers and sources operating along the border area of South Down and South Armagh during the worst years of violence. For both Handler and Source, it’s a matter of life and death. Some names, dates and details have been changed to protect the living. Episode 1: Leaks and Lies A tip-off from a source leads to the seizure of two bombs, but a leak to a newspaper soon puts his life in danger. As James battles internal politics within Special Branch, a new line of intelligence gathering provides an opportunity to trick a suspect into crossing the border. Cast: James – Jonathan Harden Interviewer – Michael Patrick Charlie – Desmond Eastwood Lester – Faolan Morgan MI5 officer / Assistant Chief Constable – Patrick Fitzsymons Jimmy / Army Technical Officer – John D Ruddy Roberta / Mrs Mullan / – Maggie Cronin. A BBC Northern Ireland Production

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