In a new documentary, the case of Robin Garbutt, known as the post office ‘killer’, is under scrutiny, raising the question of whether he is an innocent robbery victim or a cold-blooded killer. The haunting 999 call made by Garbutt on the day his wife was murdered during the trial left a lasting impact on those who heard it. The desperation in his voice as he learned of his wife’s death seemed genuine, making it difficult to believe he could be capable of such a crime.
During the filming of ‘Murder in the Post Office’ for Sky, the evidence seemed clear, leading to a personal conviction that if on the jury, a guilty verdict would have been returned. The swift sequence of events from the post office safe being opened to the robbery and the tragic call to emergency services painted a damning picture.
Initially, the idea of the killer escaping unnoticed in a small village seemed improbable. However, local residents suggested a different narrative, indicating that the perpetrator could have entered the premises undetected and carried out the brutal act during the night.
Insights from a postmaster union representative highlighted common tactics used by robbers to gain access to safes before morning alarms were activated, casting doubt on the financial evidence against Garbutt. Interviews with Robin’s family members emphasized his desire for a retrial to clear his name definitively.
Now, with the emergence of potentially crucial new evidence, the possibility of a retrial, which Garbutt fervently seeks, looms on the horizon.