BBC Local has announced the return of Love Bombed, with an undercover investigation into “one the most disturbing and prolific perpetrators of romance fraud ever uncovered in England.”
For more than 20 years, Ray McDonald from County Durham repeatedly targeted women on dating platforms, forming multiple relationships, often within days of being released from prison.
These relationships resulted in significant emotional and financial harm to the women involved. Northumbria Police believe McDonald could have hundreds of victims, many of whom have never reported their experiences.
In the 6-part series, Love Bombed, host Vicky Pattison returns to her native North East to meet some of those directly affected and explore the long-term impact other lives.
The team worked alongside journalists from BBC Investigations North East and Cumbria, with journalist Philippa Goymer, who’d been tracking McDonald for over a year, going undercover on a dating app.
She matched with him and met in person, uncovering new insights into his behaviour and the tactics he continues to use to approach potential victims.
“Ray McDonald just might be our worst Love Bomber yet. For more than 20 years, he’s been meeting women and promising a future together – before leaving them thousands of pounds in debt,” said Pattison.
The series features contributions from police, probation teams, digital safety specialist and victims as well as McDonald’s family and former colleagues.
“Love Bombed is a phenomenal series from BBC Local. It’s great to have Vicky back on the podcast. At BBC Local we are passionate about uncovering the real homegrown stories that reflect and touch on the everyday lives of our audiences across England,” added Chris Burns, Head of Local Audio Commissioning.
Love Bombed: WifeHunter will be available on BBC Sounds as a box set on Friday 13 February from BBC Local.
