The Pembrokeshire Murders: Tweet about playing darts with killer goes viral

John Cooper is played by Keith Allen in ITV true crime drama

A tweet about John Cooper, the killer at the centre of ITV true crime drama The Pembrokeshire Murders, has gone viral.

The show tells the story of Cooper (played by Keith Allen), a prolific burglar whose crimes escalated to violent murder in 1985. He remained uncaptured until 1998, with his involvement in a series of killings and rapes only coming to light years later.

He was described by a judge as having perpetrated “such evil wickedness” that only four whole life sentences would suffice.  

In a tweet that has gone viral, Elin Gwyths wrote: “The Pembrokeshire Murders on ITV tonight – my dad used to play darts with the killer… Dad: ‘He was always a nasty piece of work, good darts player though fair play.’”

Cooper appeared on the darts-themed game show Bullseye in 1989. The episode was filmed and broadcast just a month before he killed couple Peter and Gwenda Dixon on the Pembrokeshire coastline, an area he had boasted about knowing very well on the programme.  

It was this revelation that helped to officialy link Cooper to the killings. Find out the full story here.

The drama was given two stars by The Independent’s critic Ed Cumming, who said it was “brought down by a weak script and a long list of cliches”. 

The final episode of The Pembrokeshire Murders airs tonight  (13 January) at 9pm on ITV.