48 Hours

The Case Against Sandra Garner is a single‑episode true‑crime programme that first aired on terrestrial TV last month. It’s fronted by investigative journalist Maya Hawkins, with courtroom footage featuring solicitor Tom Ellis and a handful of key police officers. Think of it as a one‑off special rather than a full series – essentially “the British version of The Staircase meets a courtroom drama”. The story follows Sandra Garner, a 32‑year‑old mother accused of murdering her partner in a quiet suburban town. From the moment detectives first arrive at the scene, the cameras never look away – you get the frantic early‑morning call‑outs, the forensic team’s meticulous work, the media circus, and finally the trial’s climax. The episode stitches together police body‑cam footage, courtroom reels and candid interviews, giving you a front‑row seat without ever spilling the verdict. Honestly, it’s a mixed bag. The relentless camera work is surprisingly gripping – you feel the tension of each interview like you’re sitting in the dock. But the pacing drags in the middle, and some of the 1998‑era graphics look a bit ropy by today’s standards. If you liked Making a Murderer for its procedural detail, you’ll find this “real‑time” approach refreshing, though it’s not as polished as newer streaming docu‑series. Fair warning: it’s rated 15 for strong language, graphic descriptions of violence and some unsettling courtroom testimony. Viewer discretion is advised for anyone squeamish about murder details. This is the first terrestrial broadcast of the programme, previously only available on a niche cable channel, so it’s a proper chance to see it without hunting down a DVD.