Harold Shipman

He was a trusted citizen of Hyde, a family doctor who cared for its townspeople with a dedication that won him widespread adoration. But he was also a man who hid a horrible secret: Dr Harold Frederick Shipman, 55, was England’s — and perhaps the world’s — most prolific serial killer. How could so prolific a killer live among them for so long, in plain sight, and go undetected? The answer lies partly with the confidentiality allowed by British law and tradition. Professionals — in government, law, and medicine — are granted a degree of trust that often keeps their work beyond rigorous public review. Dr Shipman took advantage of this, covering his crimes by lying on death certificates and other official documents