Former Carl Bridgewater murder suspect Bert Spencer recovering after suffering minor stroke
A former suspect in the Carl Bridgewater murder has suffered a minor stroke just weeks after a TV documentary pointing the finger of suspicion at him for the historic crime.
Bert Spencer spent four days in hospital after collapsing at the home of a neighbour in Lincolnshire. Doctors found a small blood clot but have since given him the all clear.
The pensioner believes the attack may have been caused by stress and depression brought on by the screening last month of a Channel 4 documentary.
It cast doubt on his alibi in the inquiry into the murder of 13-year-old paper boy Carl Bridgewater, at Yew Tree Farm, near Kingswinford, in 1978.
Mr Spencer, 76, said: "I've had a lot of stick, I've had it for 36 years. I like to think I can cope but how much can a man take?
"The clot wasn't big enough to stick but it was scary. It came without warning, the lights went out and I woke up in hospital.
"The doctors asked me about my stress levels. I just told them I'd not had an easy time of it lately."
Since the broadcast of Interview With A Murderer, Mr Spencer has found himself back in the spotlight fighting to defend his name.
He agreed to be filmed for the 90-minute programme but was unhappy with its conclusions.
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The documentary claimed to destroy Mr Spencer's 'cast-iron' alibi after speaking with a former colleague and it questioned his personality. Janet Spencer, his first wife, raised new evidence and called for the police inquiry to be reopened.
His interviewer, criminologist Professor David Wilson, of Birmingham University, conducted a P-scan test, used by the police to assess the criminal mind, and found him to have a score in the high range, which he said was 'a cause for serious concern.'
Staffordshire Police are sifting through the programme's claims to see whether there is a case for it to be reopened.
Mr Spencer said children had thrown stones at his house since the programme aired.
He has been put on medication and ordered not to drive for a month following his health scare.
He said: "I feel well now. I just wish all this speculation would go away and I could be left in peace."
