Dead On Time: How and Why Barry George Executed Jill Dando (Blake's True Crime Library)

'You killed Jill Dando, but why you did it may never be known ...'
- Mr Justice Gage, sentencing Barry George to life
imprisonment for the murder of Jill Dando

On 26 April 1999, an unknown gunman murdered Jill Dando with a single bullet, fired into the back of her head. Ruthless, clinical and merciless, this was a hit-like execution that shocked and baffled the country.

Even with a massive reward and 42-man squad, the investigation proved a 'sticker' - it was bogged down in more theories than suspects. But after a year Barry George came in the frame. The Dando squad had their ,man but no confession or smoking gun.

They went to trial with just circumstantial evidence and no motive. After a lengthy trial, George was found guilty on a majority verdict. Many who followed the trial questioned the conviction.

John McVicar worked on the murder since the day of the kill. A cult figure, who has worked on both sides of the criminal fence, he scrutinised the investigation and the trial with a uniquely informed eye. What he discovered actually helped convict George.

His insights into George's surreal motives were passed on to senior detectives at a secret meeting in the Old Bailey. McVicar's then uncompleted picture of why George murdered Dando was used by prosecuting council in his closing speech to the jury.

In 'Dead on Time', he completes the picture. Complex, bizarre acts are reflected in their architect's plans. This seemingly senseless murder made perfect sense to its perpetrator. George was motivated by a grotesque mixture of identification with a dead rock star, the cult of Ninjutsu (the ancient Japanese at of assassination), evangelical Baptism and Internet messages. He murdered a celebrity in a bid to become one.

'Dead on Time' is the tale of a Queen number sung by George's alter ego, Freddie Mercury. A much-loved young woman with a dazzling future ahead of her was murdered literally dead on time.

Footnote: There is a strap line on the dust wrapper that reads, 'How and Why Barry George Executed Jill Dando' but this does not appear on the title page with simply states 'Dead On Time' and the latter is how the book is catalogued.