The Wicked Crimes of Mary Bell 

This is what bugs me when people say "back in my day xyz didn't happen!" yes, yes it did. Kids were terribly abused. Awful murders happened. Babies were neglected. You just didn't know about it.

Reminder that families with sexual abuse will often lie about it, even long after the fact. The fact her family didn't corroborate sexual abuse of Mary doesn't mean it didn't happen.

I know it was a different time but 3 and 4 year olds out running around playing alone is hard to comprehend in this day and age

Scary for any parent TBH - you warn your bairns about the danger from strangers, but don't think about the serious harm that could come from other children. Thank you for another excellently researched documentary

Mary Bell had a horrific life that no one should inflict on a child, and this spilled out in her dreadful violent acts. But what should be remembered is that, with the minimum of care, she changed and has led a quiet, ordinary life ever since. How we treat our children is literally the difference between life and death.

That last bit from the mother did me in. I found myself crying in the bathroom at 6 a.m. as I got ready to go to work. See, this is why I tend to prefer to listen to older stories, where everyone who was there is dead and gone. Modern stories hit me harder because I know there are people out there living with the pain.

Knowing child development and how a lack of care + affection and trauma impact that development plus everything about a person that comes with it, I’m sadly not surprised Mary was such a violent child. Infants need to be held and emotionally regulated, for their emotional and physical needs met for their brains to develop well. Brains are foundations up and those first months and years are critical. If her mother didn’t even want her at the birth and spent Mary’s childhood sending her away, hating her and even trying to kill her, that makes for a terrible brain soup for Mary. I’m mostly shocked she was able to grow up seemingly well, have a family, and become a member of society with no further behavioral concerns and who feels genuine remorse. I’m happy for her in that regard, that’s really promising for other kids with trauma backgrounds, while still devastated for the lives she took and families who lost the boys. This case is devastating on a lot of levels.

When I was a child growing up in the late 1960s Germany, we children used to recite a little poem about "Mary Bell, child of Hell." The story about her crimes must have been in the news at the time.

Mary's mom gets angry because...Mary embarrassed the family? Yikes. Mom is clearly just as much a monster.

The first five years of life, makes the human being. It's SO important that infants are brought into a safe and peaceful home.

Paul you put it so well when you said “someone as broken as Mary Bell”. I think that’s it in a nutshell. From the moment she was born she was ill cherished and treated terribly. I think something in Mary broke, whether this was a genetic condition or developed, something disconnected in her mind and became fixated on inflicting pain. Emotionlessly, by the sound of things. I can’t help wondering what would have happened had she been able to come to Australia to live. And Norma is a whole other tragedy. It’s all tragic and frightening. Thank you so much for such a clear, balanced account of this horrible time. Shades of the murderers of poor James Bolger. I have to add, so much respect to you for ending with that poor mother’s words. Perhaps her face of grief is the thing we should always remember most in this case. It’s a life sentence of sorrow that this woman carries forever.

The last part brought tears to my eyes, no parent deserves to burry their child, and no child deserves to die before they had a life, he could have been someone who saved lives, had a family but his future was stolen and it can't be given back.

Mary was a victim of horrific abuse from her mother and others at a young age. Then she went on to abuse others who were smaller than her. It’s a horrific cycle and I hope she was able to break it with her own family.

This is a tough one. If only the officers at the time took those little girls on the playground seriously , and the little boy that was pushed, there could be two lives saved.

Thank you for including the comments of the little boy’s mum. I lost a toddler to cancer but this is so much worse: from my heart I wish her peace. Our babies are with their family in heaven, and we are still their mother, we shall meet in that glorious place where all our troubles are forgotten 🙏🏻

I wish they would have written about what happened to Norma Bell. Thank you for the great narration. I love your voice! 🇨🇦👍

Sadness all around . The human condition is difficult . May all children be safe , happy and protected .

Growing up in a small villiage in the north east in the 1980s, we were told to stay away from a woman at the top of our new built housing estate because she was believed to be Mary Bell under a new identity, living there with her own child. This came from a neighbour who was a serving police constable at the time.

I’ve heard about Mary bell ages ago, but I’ve never heard this story told this well until now. You are amazing, sir! Also, can we have more blooper footage in the future too? You had me cracking up!

If her mother was using drugs during the pregnancy as well, then that definitely could have affected the child’s brain. It’s not rare for children of addicts to be diagnosed with behavioural disorders.

Thank you, Paul! I've seen several documentaries about Mary Bell, but none explained Mary's background. I now really have a different view on the case. It's horrible what she did, but I also feel for her.

Thank you for honoring the mother’s loss.

Hearing that these 3 year old little boys were allowed outside to play with their friends without adult supervision is crazy to hear. Times certainly have changed.

Thank you for telling such a horrific story so eloquently and gently. The readings from the murdered little boys mum broke my heart💔

I’ve always wondered why the children who murdered James Bulger were displayed across the media at 10 years old, yet their home life was never mentioned. They were known to constantly skip school, wandering here, there, and everywhere. What kind of parent doesn’t know what their 10 y/o little boy is? I’m sorry, but when a child commits such crimes, the parents hold equal responsibility in my eyes.

Yay a new video from Paul. Thanks so much

Well told...a better telling and more complete than ive read or seen before...God rest the souls of those 2 boys...and ifeel true sorrow for their families...

Weird one for me personally. Mary lived in my area when I was a bairn in the mid-late 90s. Obviously under a new identity but these things become very well known amongst smaller communities. Thinking back, it must have been before the book was released, as I remember meeting her daughter, too. A very weird feeling for a younger me who didn't fully understand the extent of her crimes, but I was always aware of her past, even as a young kid.

Such a respectful video with regards to the victims of Mary Bell and their families

This is the most thorough and heartbreaking version of this case that I've heard. I'm praying that Mary made the most of her second chance, especially with her family, and that the families of the children brutally removed from the world will have supernatural peace and comfort in their Lives. Thank you for your thoughtful and compassionate care of this story.

My wife lost her son at age 2 1/2 and I know how true Mrs Brown's statement is. You truly do not ever "get over" the death of a child, you simply survive it. Mary Bell probably had fetal alcohol syndrome, or was born addicted to drugs, add that to the psychological abuse (and probable sexual abuse) it is a miracle she didn't turn out much much much worse

I have watched many stories about Mary Bell. You went more into detail and background information than the others.

Another wonderful piece of work Paul thank you

You are doing this in an understanding and emphatic way. More and more, I am convinced, that content like Your's is now the real "Television". This case is of special hopelessness. But You manage the content with dignity.

Imagine the cold heartless person who would call a grieving mother, ask to see her dead child and then state that they know her child is dead, they want to him in his coffin. What kind of person would do that?

This is 100% the finest telling of Mary Bell’s story. I’ve watched many about her here on RU-vid, but this piece was far more informative. Thank you!

This is so scary for any parent to live through, I hope the victims families are doing well; the pain never really goes away and my heart breaks for them. Thank you Paul and team for covering this.

Wow. You have filled in so many holes for me in the story of Mary Bell.❤

I worked in Scotswood in the 90s and knew several people who played with Mary when children. However this documentary is the first time I've heard the full story. Both chilling and tragic.

I've read about this and seen several documentaries on this case, but you did the best I've heard. I've always been creeped out by her eerie beauty.

A tragic story, however it makes it a bit more easy to digest with the clear empathy in the voice, from the narrator. Hope everyone is OK, and will have a good weekend, despite frost and snow having come in the north now.

Childhood trauma is always the core of our issues. If not talked about and dealt with as an adult you may replicate the cycle. We all must address our families of origin in order to understand ourselves and achieve self awareness.

As a mother of a 3 year old toddler I am glad it is not common anymore for children that age to wander around "with their friends". I take him to the grocery store, I am with him. He can not be left alone. Such a small child. Props for children's social services to be alert commonly as we are living in 2020's for those unfortunate (kids from alcoholic/drug addict homes)

am a subscriber to multiple crime channels on RU-vid and have requested this case to all of them. Finally, some coverage, thank you!!!

Thank you very much for adding the photos! It makes it more easy and interesting to picture the Story. Unbelieable how many times Mary has gotten away with her earliest crimes. And very sad how such a young girl was able to do such horrible crimes 😢

That bir from the boy's mother has got to be one of the most painful and honest things I have ever heard.

Very chilling story, thanks Paul 😊

Great storytelling again! I’m glad to have found this channel. I actually thought Mary was going to commit more crimes while she was locked up. She should not have profited in anyway from the book. Thanks for sharing!

Interesting new facts Mr Brody brought up here . I never read that Betty Bell had 3 other children as well as Mary and her younger brother. I wonder how the younger siblings managed to stay safe from Mary ? The contraceptive pill was available at this period so why did Betty choose to have 5 kids ? In Gitta Sereny's book she elaborates on the S&M techniques which Betty employed on her clients, maybe that's where little Mary picked up the idea of asphyxiation being something pleasurable rather than fatal ? I guess, leading up to the murders, Mary got away with escalating bad behaviour towards other neighbourhood kids because her mum was a nutter and her stepdad was the local hard man. Can you imagine the response you'd get if you knocked on their door for a friendly discussion about what's wrong with Mary ! A Glasgow smile ?

Great video as always.

Thank you for being such a great story teller with compassion!!!

Thanks for the upload, Paul. I've heard of Mary Bell before, of course, and am looking forward to this video.

Well done as always Paul!

I have read Cries Unheard and it's a very good book. I feel sorry for everyone involved, except, maybe, Mary's mother.

Ive heard the Mary Bell story a couple of times and read about her, but you've been the only one to cover her upbringing, so thanku Sir. And you most certainly tell it the best 👌 👍

A fine narration of this tragic life. Your calm and even demeanor make the story come to life and ending with Martin’s mother a fitting ending. No one can know the true extent of that little girl’s childhood, with more loving family she may have been just fine. Still no comfort for the other mothers.

You remind me so very much of my Papa and you love true crime to boot! Your channel brings me so much joy and comfort! Thank you for all you do; you never fail to make me smile and informed! ❤

Oh yeah, Elizabeth is upset about the shame Mary brought to the family huh? Seems legit. Don’t look at your own behavior and accept any responsibility for what you did to that child.

it is crazy to think about letting a 3 year old go off in the streets to explore the neighborhood

A truly amazing video, I love how it end with what the victims mother. Her word are really powerful.

It's the betrayal of a parent to not instill a sense of right and wrong in the children they brought in to the world

Imagine being a girl and finding out your own mother murdered and mutilated 2 children when she was... Britain's youngest killer (I think she may be). She'd be shook.

Paul,I love watching your programmes,you're truly a pleasure to watch and listen to,even on the darkest subjects.Any chance you might do a programme on the story of the Bannister Doll,the tragic and infamous ghost of Preston?No one would do it better.

I remember this story very well it was so tragic all round. It shocked the nation to the core. Would it happen today.... quite possibly. Well researched and presented thanks.

Well done, as always. I've watched many other RU-vid true crime channels which covered Mary Bell in the past. I must say you certainly found information & details that I haven't heard before. Well presented, as usual and the 30 minute length contributed to the thoroughness. Thank you!

It's kinda taken me a long time to start listening to this channel. At the beginning I thought, no i can't listen to this guy , however I now am an avid listener . His speech is clear , his topics are interesting and I've not heard these stories before. I cannot listen to any American channels as they take over an hour to get to the point...which could be told within 30 mins, except repeat the same thing over and over.. so thumbs up to your channel . Well made . Thank you 🙏😊

A tragic story with many layers.

I'm glad Mary was able to be rehabilitated, and went on to live a normal life. If anyone is to be blamed for Mary's actions as a child, it was her mother. Being taken away from her mother was the best thing that could have happened to that poor child. The care she got after she was removed from her mother's home must have been exceptionally good, as she felt remorse for her actions, and went on to live a normal life. Not all children who have committed such crimes turn out so well.

I'm from Northumberland, my Mum always told me to get home before dark so Mary Bell couldn't get me. Just her name terrified me as a kid. And to think she may be a neighbour, even a friend & unless she tells you, you'll never know.

"Pain doesn't go away, you live with it"

No one else has ever done this story so well. Thank you. I don’t think she deserved to have her identity changed or be benefiting from her crimes.

As a child I grew up in one abusive home after another. At the age of my dad pointed a 13 gauge sawed off shot gun to my head when he was drunk and said sorry Becky I have to do this. I was put up for adoption into an extremely cruel and abusive home where I put through every kind of abuse. When I was 12 I was going to kill my adoptive dad who was sleeping on the couch. I even had the rifle aimed at his head. It was the strongest desire I've ever had in my life. Two times I held the rifle to his head. And both times, it kept coming into my mind, "Thou, shall not kill, would I go to prison or a mental institution. My adoptive dad is alive today. I had to learn and memorize the 10 commandments. That's what saved his life. I was out of my adoptive parents house a year later. I told my principal at the Christian school what my adoptive dad to me and I chose to stay in foster care. Not all of us that were abused turned killers or abused our children like the statistics say we will. There are some like me that refuse to be a statistic.

So sad, all the way around May those 2 boys Rest in Peace😢

Sounds like Mary did have quite a few mental disorders. I wonder which of them are genetic, given her mother is also not neurotypical, and which are made by her environment. I feel very sorry for the victims and I'm glad to hear that she didn't commit any further crimes and apparently got her life together.

According to the journalist who wrote a book about her and got to know her, Mary seems genuinely remorseful. Especially after becoming a mother and grandmother herself. And she’s not committed another crime since then as far as we know.

Be prepared to have fear, anxiety and wonder fill u. A better storyteller, there is none. 👍🏼

She’s one year older than me, I remember a little about this story then even as a child in Detroit Michigan having family in England

I love the ambiance of your channel in the background. It is charming and relaxing.

Nice video. I almost didn't click on this one because Mary Bell's story has been so overdone already. But I had a feeling that this channel would do it differently. I'm glad I clicked it, because this video has a different approach to the story and different information about it.

Thank you for giving the last word to Martin’s mother. It perplexes us in all the ways you outlined and yet (as you also pointed out) “we” feel the need to apportion blame to the evil perpetrator as do I.

I missed you saying well i never❤

Dear Mr. Brodie, I've been regaled often by your poetic recountings of the strange and dark - the machinations of our brethren - but find myself missing the seamless cadence of your episodes past. Well, in the hopes of not wanting to be too much of a Yank, casting critical comments from a position of relative ignorance - I will immediately hit like and subscribe immediately after sending this missive. Thank you very much for your work.

I'm very impressed that you could offer up some details which I haven't heard before on any other documentary or video! Well done, well put together and terribly sad, intriguing and thought provoking.

I so remember this case through all it's decades.

You are a wonderful human being and I always enjoy your videos. Thank you very much

I know this was 55ish yrs ago, but, a 3 yr old allowed to play outside unsupervised? I can't get my head around that.

this was a difficult watch. such a cruel little person, no doubt inherited from her mother. as i was watching i said "like her mother" and then you literally echoed my words. i'm shocked she had a child of her own... i wonder whether she suppresses the bad urges or managed to grow out of them? regardless, i feel so sorry for the victims.

I listen to you for hours. Dude thanks you make my day so calm.

Great storytelling as always. Thank you!

Thanks 4 another brilliant video 📸 Paul i always look forward 2 your videos have a great weekend 🎉

I knew of this evil girl when I was growing up, I was 6 when she did the murders...my mum told me about her when I was 10. But decades later listening to you telling the full story, the horrific details etc, I was in tears and appalled at how vile Mary really was 😢 absolutely horrific! Obviously she was evil to the core, as it seems her brothers and sisters were brought up in the same awful unloving household with a rotten mother but they never went on to murder.

1:47 "Most, but not all." The delivery of the line really got to me for some reason

The last bit of this report b4ought tears to my eyes.

How in the world was her mom allowed to keep her and the other siblings, when they were constantly going to hospital for over-dosing on medications? Attempted drowning? Did CPS not exist in 1960's England yet? Also horrified how children as young as 3 could just freely go play in derelict houses as if going to play on a jungle gym and no one is alarmed if they don't come back home on time for supper 😬

I'm counting this video as a birthday present 🎁

This case is extremely disturbing and extremely sad. I remember it very well. I was born in Gateshead on Tyneside in 1960. Tyneside was a very poor working class region. A tough area. But despite that, crime was low. Parents used to leave doors unlocked for we kids coming in from school. Or leave the key hanging on a string thru the letter box. Most people did that. We children used to roam far and wide playing with out a care in the world. We walked to school alone from aged 5. The Mary Bell case, when it came to light across Tyneside at the end of 1968 changed everything. I remember my parents talking about it. The whole of Tyneside was shocked, horrifief and outraged. We kids still played out. But our parents were allways telling us to be carefull dont to far etc. It did change things on Tyneside. As for Mary? She did have a wretched childhood. Her Mother was a raving lunatic by the sounds of her? To say Mary was "neglected" is an understatement. Its a difficult case and im at a loss to explain it. But my sympathy is with the parents of the two wee boys. A terrible tragedy.

How the parents not watched their children and let them run around as a 3 year old, that's neglect.

I started to listen to this story and couldn’t stop listening. I have never heard of Mary Bell and her story. Very well spoken narrator so easy to listen to him. No theatrics or sensationalising of the story just facts as they were known. I will definitely hear more from this you tube channel as I subscribed before getting to the end.thank you 😊❤

Well, I never thought that they would release a person like Mary Bell from prison.....

Wow, that part of the UK back in that time is really hard to wrap my mind around. I can't imagine how any parent would allow their small children, even toddlers, to go play in what looks like an apocalyptic wasteland, completely without any kind of adult supervision, for hours at a time. What the hell?