The Black Panther 1977

Robbery at Heywood Post Office

The robbery at the Heywood Post Office disrupts the small-town routine as Neilson bursts in, demanding cash and escaping through the back. He loses his black-hooded mask during a fight with the owner, which later becomes part of his notoriety. After the escape, he returns home to his wife and teenage daughter, who are unaware of his criminal life.

Returns home to a family unaware of his crimes

Back at home, Neilson maintains the façade of a strict family man. He demands obedience from his wife and daughter, all while quietly planning his next robberies and a possible kidnapping. The double life fuels his chilling persona and foreshadows his later acts.

Robs New Park Post Office

On 15 February 1974, Neilson robs the New Park Post Office and shoots the sub-postmaster, triggering a £5,000 reward for his capture. The crime marks a more dangerous phase in his activities, and press coverage grows as investigators tighten the net. The notoriety of the Black Panther begins to take hold in public perception.

Begins planning the Lesley Whittle kidnapping

Mid-1974, while collecting newspaper clippings about his crimes, he reflects on his army past and begins to seriously plan the kidnapping of Lesley Whittle. He envisions the leverage he would gain over a wealthy family and starts shaping a kidnapping scheme. The plan remains secret from those around him.

Robs Higher Baxenden Post Office

On 6 September 1974, he robs the Higher Baxenden Post Office and shoots the owner. Witnesses see him scrambling across rooftops, and the escape reinforces his infamous nickname. The incident broadens his reach and heightens the manhunt.

Robs Langley Post Office

On 11 November 1974, he strikes Langley Post Office, shooting two clerks in the process. The ferocity of the crime pushes the press to declare him Public Enemy Number One. The violent spree consolidates the regional manhunt and media fixation.

Kidnaps Lesley Whittle

On 14 January 1975, Neilson abducts Lesley Whittle from her bed in Highley, Shropshire. He drives her to Bathpool Park in Kidsgrove, Staffordshire, and leads her sixty feet underground into a reservoir drainage shaft. He places her on a narrow ledge with food and drink and tightens a ligature to keep her from escaping while he arranges the ransom.

Whittle family informs police and ransom demand is issued

Following the kidnapping, the Whittle family informs the police and a ransom demand of £50,000 is issued. Public and press scrutiny intensifies as investigators work to trace communications. The case enters a high-stakes phase with a demanding deadline and widespread attention.

First failed ransom attempts and Ronald gets instructions

Two ransom attempts fail, and Neilson shoots again during the negotiation. Ronald Whittle, Lesley’s brother, is given the instructions on where to deliver the money and must drive to Bathpool Park and watch for a flashing light. The plan begins to unravel as time runs short.

Lesley dies on the ledge

In the ensuing confusion, Neilson returns to Lesley at the ledge; she falls from the ledge and dies, though the exact cause remains unclear. The death marks a deadly turning point in the kidnapping and the case's trajectory. Investigators scramble to understand how the events unfolded at Bathpool Park.

Car found abandoned ties the case to the Black Panther

On 23 January 1975, the car Neilson had stolen is found abandoned, and investigators connect the kidnapping to the series of ‘Black Panther’ killings. The discovery broadens the investigation and confirms a link between the crimes. Police intensify their search for the elusive kidnapper.

Lesley Whittle's body recovered

On 7 March 1975, Lesley Whittle's body is found in Bathpool Park, confirming the tragedy and the killer's deadly reach. The discovery brings the case to a grim closure and heightens public outcry. The investigation resumes with renewed urgency to capture the perpetrator.