8. Dr Andrew Shelley

Transcript of Tape-Recorded Interview conducted at St Aldates Police Station on Tuesday 27^th October 1998. Present: Sgt S. Blackbird, Dr A. Shelley.

SB: Andy, many thanks for agreeing to this talk. I know you’ve already given us a full statement but we just wanted to go through a few more things.

AS: Not a problem. Anything to help to find what’s happened to Giddy.

SB: Well, I’m sure you realise that we have to consider every possibility, so I’m going to have ask you to account for your movements last Saturday night.

AS: I understand. Quite simple. I left the Butchers at about 10pm before the others, cycled back to the college…

SB: That’s Magdalen College?

AS: Yes, I live in college rooms. Got back, went to bed. I went cycling the following morning with Jim and James. Giddy and Phil didn’t show. That’s it.

SB: How long did it take you to get back to the college?

AS: About fifteen minutes. Taking it slow after a few beers.

SB: And is there anyone who can corroborate your movements?

AS: The wife, obviously. Oh, and I checked my mail at the lodge on getting to the college. I think old Ron was the Night Porter. He’d remember. Never forgets a thing, Ron.

SB: You didn’t leave the college all night until cycling the following day?

AS: No, I didn’t. Ask the wife. (Pause) There’s CCTV on all the exits, by the way. You can always check with the college. They keep the tapes for a fortnight before recording over them.

SB: Ok. Anyway, you mentioned something that Gideon said about a book while at the pub?

AS: Yes, something like “worthy to take the book”. I’ve no idea what that means. He just kind of mumbled it over his beer. Really odd. He was distracted all night – head down like he could see the answer to something in his beer. I don’t know.

SB: Had he said anything like this before? Or had anything led you to believe that he had problems? Anything out of the ordinary?

AS: He’s been quiet for a couple of weeks, to be honest. Usually he’s a bit flamboyant – big hand gestures, lots of gab. “We’re all doomed” and that. Sometimes he’ll do it like Fraser from Dad’s Army. I think he’s just taking the piss out of me. But problems? No, I don’t think. He and Kate are like the perfect couple – made for each other. Always keen on his ale. He’d have really made it as a cyclist if he didn’t waste so much training time to hang overs, the silly sod. Mind you, same with James. Especially recently – lots of bunking off training.

SB: James is his best friend, right?

AS: Yeh, well, like, they’ve known each other from Fresher’s week starting Uni – got pissed together the first night away from home. Best Man at the wedding, you know.

SB: What about Phil?

AS: We’re all buddies, thick and thin. Are you getting at the thing with Kate? Och, that was nothing. Must have been, what, twelve years ago. Phil got a bit pissed one night, said a few too many things about unrequited love and kissed Kate. She wasn’t having any of it, though. All a big joke, we laughed about it afterwards.

SB: Gideon wasn’t jealous?

AS: What of? Seeing his girlfriend slap someone in the face for getting a bit leery? I wouldn’t cross her!

SB: Do you think he has any enemies? Someone who might have a grudge?

AS: Anyone he’s beaten in a pub quiz maybe? No, it’s impossible to dislike the guy. He’s got a bit of charisma and, even when he’s pissed, tries never to upset anyone.

SB: What do you think has happened to him?

AS: I really wish I knew. I suppose he’s had some kind of acci…

(Knock on the door and door opens)

SB: For the benefit of the tape, DCI Morse has entered the room.

EM: I’m sorry to interrupt, Dr Shelley. Chief Inspector Morse. I have a few questions, if you don’t mind?

AS: No, of course not.

EM: Gideon gave everyone an envelope in which were the clues for the next pub crawl, I believe?

AS: Yes. Always very prepared. It usually takes me ‘til at least Thursday to write my puzzle.

EM: Do you mind letting me have a look?

AS: No, not a problem. I’ve got it here in my bag.

SB: For the benefit of the tape, Dr Shelley has handed a small, white envelope to DCI Morse.

EM: You haven’t opened it?

AS: No. We’re not supposed to until Saturday. It’s cheating otherwise.

EM: Hmm. Well, yes, definitely sealed.

(Noise of envelope being opened and paper rustling)

EM: Thank you very much indeed, sir. Yes, I see. Hmm. Sergeant, this envelope can be put in with the other evidence. Tell me, Dr Shelley, does Dr Buckland have a favourite pub?

AS: Well, lots. But… I suppose he’s always been most partial to the Lamb and Flag.

EM: A very fine pint of Theakston’s Old Peculier in there, I believe.

AS: Yes, well Gideon usually drank something a little hoppier.

EM: Is he a gambler at all?

AS: No… I can’t say he was. Sometimes we all put an each-way bet on the National as a bit of a laugh. Small stakes only. Oh, and he puts 50p on the Eurovision sweepstake in the Turf each year.

EM: Thank you very much, sir. We have no further questions.

SB: We don’t? Err, yes sir. Interview terminated at 15.47.