A self shooting observational documentary producer/director making engaging, thought-provoking films about real people, often filming over extended timeframes.

The Man in the Mask: An Orkney Murder : Synopsis

Duration
3x45’
My Role
Filmed and Directed
Producer
Lesley Shields
Exec Producer for Rogan
Mark Hedgecoe
Exec Producer BBC Scotland
David Harron
Prod Co
Rogan Scotland
Channel
BBC2
BBC Scotland
Transmission Date
25th Nov 2025 onwards
Year
2025

Episode One: WITNESSES, WOODS AND BULLETS

Bangladeshi waiter Shamsuddin Mahmoud is shot dead in a shocking killing in the Orkney Isles. It is the first murder there for a generation. 15-year-old schoolboy Michael Ross becomes the police’s prime suspect. Journalist Hazel Martin begins her investigation into a case full of twists and turns.Featuring for the first time recordings of Michael Ross from inside prison.

Episode Two:THE SCHOOLBOY AND THE WAITER

Hazel investigates the character of convicted murderer Michael Ross. Would he have been capable as a 15-year old schoolboy of such a brutal and cold-blooded act? She explores the background of victim Shamsuddin Mahmoud, and uncovers a story of two hitmen who used to live near him before he came to Orkney. Could they have committed the murder instead?

Episode Three: THE SNIPER AND THE WITNESS

12 years after the murder an eyewitness dramatically comes forward saying he saw Michael Ross in a balaclava with a gun near the restaurant just before the murder.Hazel investigates his story:does it hold up? She then tests Michael Ross’s alibi, and hears a new revelation about the case.