Colette Aram’s 1983 murder shocked the quiet Nottinghamshire village of Keyworth.
A young trainee hairdresser, her life was tragically cut short in an abduction and murder that remained unsolved for 25 years. Thanks to advancements in forensic technology, justice was finally served in 2009 when her killer, Paul Hutchinson, was identified and convicted.
The Disappearance of Colette Aram
On the evening of 30 October 1983, Colette Aram, aged 16, left her home in Normanton Lane, Keyworth, to walk the short distance to her boyfriend’s house. Witnesses last saw her on Nicker Hill around 8:10 p.m., shortly before a woman’s screams and the sound of a speeding car were reported. When Colette failed to arrive, her worried family contacted the police, triggering an overnight search. Tragically, her naked body was discovered the following morning in a field, 1.5 miles from her home. She had been raped and strangled.
Investigation and Early Setbacks
The murder prompted a massive police investigation, including a feature on the debut episode of the BBC’s Crimewatch in June 1984. This appeal generated 400 tip-offs and helped eliminate 1,500 suspects, but no arrests were made. For decades, Colette’s family lived without answers, though the case remained in the public eye, featuring again on Crimewatch in 2004.
A DNA Breakthrough
In 2008, advances in DNA profiling technology offered renewed hope. Nottinghamshire Police developed a full DNA profile of the killer and launched an appeal for suspects to undergo testing. A pivotal break came when a routine DNA swab from Jean-Paul Hutchinson, arrested on an unrelated motoring charge, revealed a near-identical match to the killer’s DNA. Jean-Paul, however, was only 20 years old, meaning he could not have committed the crime.
Focus quickly turned to his father, Paul Hutchinson, then 50, whose DNA was found to be a match. Hutchinson was arrested in April 2009, bringing the decades-long investigation to its conclusion.
Arrest and Conviction
Initially, Paul Hutchinson denied responsibility, attempting to frame his deceased brother Gerhard for the crime. DNA testing, however, exonerated Gerhard, leaving Hutchinson as the sole suspect. After pleading not guilty in October 2009, he changed his plea to guilty in December, admitting to Colette’s murder. On 25 January 2010, Hutchinson was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 25 years. Colette’s family, while relieved by the verdict, expressed frustration at Hutchinson’s refusal to explain his motive.
Hutchinson’s Death
Less than a year into his sentence, Paul Hutchinson was found unconscious in his Nottingham Prison cell on 10 October 2010. Despite attempts at resuscitation, he was pronounced dead en route to hospital. Though an overdose of medication was suspected, a post-mortem examination was inconclusive. His death left unanswered questions about the full circumstances of Colette’s murder.
Legacy of the Case
Colette Aram’s case was a landmark in British criminal justice, both as the first crime featured on Crimewatch and as an example of how advancements in forensic science can bring justice even after decades. Her story remains a powerful reminder of the importance of persistence and innovation in solving cold cases.