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BBC Podcast “Dark Island” Exposes Caldey Island Abuse Allegations

By Drooid · Oct 23, 2026, 4:38 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

India Pollock, a United Kingdom journalist, launched the eight-part BBC podcast “Dark Island” exposing abuse on Caldey Island.
It probes alleged sexual abuse by monk Father Thaddeus Kotik that police never received.
It also examines how Crimestoppers’ Most Wanted Paul Ashton avoided arrest while living on the island.
The series includes interviews with victims, former residents, visitors and experts.
All eight episodes are now streaming on BBC Sounds.

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Story summary

India Pollock, a United Kingdom journalist, launched the eight-part BBC podcast “Dark Island” exposing abuse on Caldey Island.
It probes alleged sexual abuse by monk Father Thaddeus Kotik that police never received.
It also examines how Crimestoppers’ Most Wanted Paul Ashton avoided arrest while living on the island.
The series includes interviews with victims, former residents, visitors and experts.
All eight episodes are now streaming on BBC Sounds.