;

GET INSIDE THE CRIMINAL MIND

Next on Viasat True Crime


  • Not available today

About Confessions of a Psycho Killer

Patrick Mackay was apprehended in 1975 after killing Father Anthony Crean and it is believed Mackay may be responsible for many more deaths; 47 years on from his incarceration, he is due for parole.

Articles

;

"Confessions of a Psycho Killer" – the dark story of Patrick Mackay, the forgotten british serial killer

In 2023, British audiences had the chance to revisit one of the darkest figures in criminal history – Patrick Mackay. In the documentary Confessions of a Psycho Killer, the creators attempt to uncover the truth about the man who terrorized Britain in the 1970s with his brutal crimes. Despite being the longest-serving prisoner in the country, Mackay remains an enigma to many, and his crimes are often overlooked in the history of serial killers. This documentary sheds new light on past events, examining the psychological and criminal aspects of a case that continues to spark controversy.

Patrick Mackay – The “forgotten british serial killer”

Patrick Mackay, born in 1952, grew up in harsh conditions in a family marked by violence and pathology. From a young age, he exhibited tendencies toward aggression and cruelty, with his psychological issues well documented. In his youth, he was repeatedly placed in care and psychiatric institutions, where he was diagnosed with personality disorders and psychopathy.

His criminal career began in the 1970s, when he started killing innocent people. The most shocking crime was the murder of Father Anthony Crean in 1975. Mackay broke into the home of the 63-year-old priest in Shorne, Kent, where he brutally killed him with an axe, leaving the body in a bathtub full of blood. This gruesome act led to his arrest, but it was not the end of his dark secrets.

A Priest, two women, and... many other victims?

During the investigation, Mackay confessed to murdering two women in London, but authorities suspect his list of victims could be much longer. Many detectives, analyzing the evidence, believe Mackay might have been responsible for the deaths of many others, though this has never been definitively proven.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the Mackay case is his ambiguous attitude toward his crimes. He frequently changed his statements, withdrew his confessions, and then confirmed them again, creating significant uncertainty among investigators. This mystery surrounding his actions has led many criminal experts to consider him one of the most enigmatic serial killers in British history.

The “forgotten killer” – how the media covered Mackay

Patrick Mackay’s case was widely covered by British media in the 1970s and 1980s. Newspapers like The Times and The Guardian detailed his trial, calling him the “Monster of Kent” and the “Demon in Human Skin.” The Guardian described him as a “psychopath who crossed all boundaries of human cruelty,” highlighting the brutality and ruthlessness of his actions.

Despite the initial sensation generated by the Mackay case, his figure gradually faded into obscurity. This may have been due to his lengthy incarceration and the lack of new information about his crimes. Nonetheless, Confessions of a Psycho Killer revisits this dark figure, raising questions that still remain unanswered.

The crime scene – how the investigation unfolded

The police investigation into Patrick Mackay was one of the most challenging of that period. Detectives had to deal not only with the brutality of his crimes but also with the complex psyche of the killer himself. Mackay, aware of his situation, often toyed with the investigators, providing fragmentary information that he later retracted.

The forensic analysis of evidence, such as blood traces, fingerprints, and witness statements, was crucial in building the case against him. Despite this, many detectives felt that justice was not fully served, as the total number of his victims was never determined. His behavior during the trial, full of drama and uncertainty, only intensified the sense of mystery and ambiguity surrounding him.

The upcoming release – a threat or hope for rehabilitation?

After 47 years behind bars, Patrick Mackay is set to be released on parole. This decision has sparked considerable controversy and divides public opinion. For many, Mackay remains a threat – a man whose cruelty and lack of scruples could lead to further tragedy. Others believe that after such a long period of isolation and therapy, he deserves a second chance.

Criminal psychologists who have studied Mackay emphasize that his rehabilitation could be extremely difficult. His psychopathic personality, deeply rooted disorders, and tendency toward manipulation make his reentry into society highly risky.

Will the killer reveal all the details of his crimes?

Confessions of a Psycho Killer is a gripping criminal documentary that not only brings the story of one of Britain’s most ambiguous serial killers to light but also raises questions about the nature of evil, responsibility, and justice. This series, with its detailed forensic analysis and in-depth criminal psychology, offers viewers a better understanding of how Patrick Mackay managed to remain beyond suspicion for years and why his crimes continue to evoke strong emotions.

It is a tale filled with drama, mysteries, and unresolved puzzles that will surely captivate all true crime enthusiasts and detective series fans. If you are interested in real criminal stories, enigmatic investigations, and forensic analysis, Confessions of a Psycho Killer is a must-watch.

Discover the dark corners of the human psyche and learn what lies behind one of the most enigmatic cases in British legal history. The series is available on Viasat True Crime – don’t miss this shocking story!

STEP INTO A WORLD SHROUDED IN MYSTERY AND DECEIT

All Rights Reserved © 2025 VIASAT TRUE CRIME