Netflix's latest true crime docuseries, 'Fred and Rose West: A British Horror Story', has quickly ascended to the top of the streaming platform's viewership charts, captivating audiences worldwide with its harrowing recount of one of Britain's most infamous criminal cases. The three-part series delves into the gruesome discoveries made in the early 1990s at the Wests' Gloucester home, where the remains of several young women were unearthed, revealing a horrifying tale of murder and abuse that shocked the nation.

The series has garnered an 83% Rotten Tomatoes score, reflecting its critical acclaim and the public's fascination with the case. Through interviews with lawyers, psychologists, and police officers involved in the investigation, the documentary provides a comprehensive look into the crimes committed by Fred and Rose West, without their direct participation. This approach has allowed for a nuanced exploration of the case's impact on those who worked on it and the broader societal implications.

Interest in the Wests' crimes has been reignited not only by the Netflix series but also by recent revelations from Rose West's former solicitor, Leo Goatley. He has shared disturbing insights into West's mindset, including her attempts to deflect blame onto the victims, further highlighting the depravity of the crimes. The case's resurgence in public discourse underscores the enduring allure of true crime stories, especially those that challenge our understanding of human nature.

As 'Fred and Rose West: A British Horror Story' continues to dominate Netflix's top charts, it serves as a grim reminder of the case's lasting impact on British society and the global true crime genre's insatiable appetite for stories that probe the darkest corners of the human psyche. The series not only revisits the crimes but also prompts reflection on the mechanisms of justice and the nature of evil, making it a compelling watch for audiences around the world.

The Central Bank of Ireland has concluded a long-running inquiry into the Irish Nationwide Building Society (INBS), resulting in significant penalties for former executives. John Stanley Purcell, a former board member, has been fined €130,000 and banned from the financial sector for four years due to his role in the society's governance and risk management failures. The inquiry highlighted a period between 2004 and 2008 where INBS's commercial lending practices were found to be lacking in oversight and adherence to financial regulations.

During the years under scrutiny, INBS's commercial loan book expanded dramatically from €3.59bn to €8.18bn, with commercial loans making up 78% of its total loan book by the end of 2008. The Central Bank's report detailed a culture of high-risk lending, where large sums were disbursed without proper documentation, adequate security, or necessary approvals. This reckless approach to lending was a significant factor in the society's eventual collapse during the financial crisis.

The inquiry also shed light on the broader systemic failures within INBS, including a lack of adherence to its own credit risk management policies and the absence of annual credit risk stress tests for commercial lending. Louise Gallagher, the Central Bank's head of enforcement investigations, emphasized the discovery of a pervasive culture that prioritized high-risk lending over sound financial practices. The findings underscore the importance of robust governance and risk management frameworks in financial institutions.

In addition to the penalties imposed on Purcell, the Central Bank's inquiry has led to settlements with other former INBS executives, including disqualifications and fines. The total cost of the investigation and inquiry into INBS's regulatory breaches amounted to over €24m, spanning 15 years from 2010 to 2025. This case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of failing to uphold financial regulations and the critical need for accountability in the banking sector.