‘Seminal’ documentary follows Bristol murder

The desperate last breaths of Nicholas Robinson can be heard in his 999 phone call for help as he staggers bleeding from his Jamaica Street residence into a small alley where he falls to the ground.

The audio clip is the last thing heard from the 19-year-old whose life was cut cruelly short when he was stabbed in a “senseless” murder on March 5, 2014.

It now forms the gripping start to a Channel 4 documentary trilogy, Murder Detectives, starting on Monday night following the investigation to bring his fugitive killer to justice.

The critics’ choice in many national newspapers, The Films of Record series directed by Bafta-winning director David Nath (Bedlam) was shot over 18 months with unprecedented access to a police major crime unit in Bristol.

Told in chronological order, it follows the police as they piece together the clues and the unfolding picture of a murder from the moment it was reported to the day of justice in court.

“This is the story of a senseless stabbing, a young life cut short. In Britain, it’s a story of now. If this series makes even one kid think twice about carrying a knife, then it will have been worthwhile. The impact of murder on a victim’s family is absolutely horrific and we are immensely grateful to them for allowing us access,” director Nath says.

The documentary series also follows Robinson’s family as they come to terms with what has happened, make public appeals for help and push for justice.

Robinson was found dead in Lower Gay Street in Kingsdown, between Jamaica Street and Dove Street South, late on March 5, 2014, after stumbling out of Ron Jones House supported accommodation.

In court it was later revealed Luchiano Barnes, of Denbigh Street, St Paul’s, stabbed Robinson in the stairwell of his flat on in a revenge attack over a deal to buy a gun which went wrong.

Barnes fled to the USA via Heathrow but returned to the UK after Avon & Somerset Constabulary contacted the FBI. He was jailed for 23 years in May. Five people were later found guilty of helping him to escape.

“The documentary gives a unique insight into the far-reaching impact of a single knife crime on the family and friends of two young boys. It is a story of the collateral damage caused by one wrong choice,” said detective superintendent Andy Bevan, who led the investigation.

“I saw it as a real opportunity to tell the public what really goes on in an investigation. The films give the audience a glimpse into the strenuous efforts of everybody involved – from the local policing team, to forensics, investigators and family liaison officers – it was a whole team effort to bring the offender to justice and achieve some closure for Nicholas’ family.”

The airing of the first part of the trilogy coincides with a new campaign launches to encourage parents to talk to their children about the impact of knife crime.

Murder Detectives starts at 9pm on Monday on Channel 4 and runs for three consecutive nights.