Documentary to get pre-trial screening

SATELLITE broadcaster Sky is to screen a documentary on the disappearance of backpacker Peter Falconio.

It goes out on May 2 - the day before mechanic Bradley John Murdoch stands trial for the Hepworth man's murder.

Producers said they would investigate the assorted conspiracy theories surrounding the case.

Questions which will be asked include:

* Have the Northern Territory police got the right man?

* Did Peter Falconio actually die on the isolated highway?

A Sky spokeswoman said: "Many questions have been provoked.

"We are aiming to set out the facts and discover what really happened."

Bradley John Murdoch has pleaded innocent to murdering 28-year-old Mr Falconio.

He also entered an innocent plea to the charge of assaulting and illegally detaining Mr Falconio's girlfriend Joanne Lees, formerly of Almondbury.

The trip of a lifetime for the backpackers came to an abrupt and nightmarish end in July 2001.

As they travelled along Australia's remote Stuart Highway, they were attacked by a lone gunman. Ms Lees managed an incredible escape, but her boyfriend has never been seen since.

Sky said its programme would look at the behaviour of Joanne Lees after the disappearance.

A Sky spokeswoman said: "Her coldness and composure was not the reaction expected from a grieving girlfriend."

* Murder In The Outback can be seen on Sky One on Monday, May 2 at 9pm.