Until It Kills You It is an unforgettable true crime drama focusing on the survival of nurse Delia Balmer as she suffers the horrific attacks of her ex-boyfriend John Sweeney, a serial killer known as the Scalp Hunter.

This British series on ITV, which will air on BritBox in the US, reveals the chilling details of Balmer’s experiences with Sweeney, a man she once trusted but who ended up becoming her worst nightmare.

Since its publication Making a Murderer In 2015, the world was captivated by true crime stories. People are interested in the mystery and psychology behind crime cases and wonder what drives individuals to commit horrific acts.

The genre now includes a mix of shows, movies, and podcasts that explore real-life murder cases. Until It Kills You adds a chilling layer to this ever-expanding genre.

Meet Delia Balmer and John Sweeney

The series introduces us to Delia Balmer, played by Anna Maxwell Martin, and her dangerous ex-boyfriend John Sweeney, played by Shaun Evans. The story is based on Balmer’s own book. Living with a Serial Killerwhere he recalls his journey from romance to terror.

Balmer’s Living with a Serial Killer It documents the harsh reality of her time with Sweeney. He wrote this memoir to share his trauma and shed light on the manipulative tactics of serial killers. Her story now reaches a wider audience with this gripping adaptation, allowing viewers to witness her resilience.

John Sweeney was born in Kirkdale, Liverpool, in 1956. He looked like an ordinary man because he was trained as a carpenter. However, her life took a dark turn after a series of failed relationships; one of them was his ex-wife, who reported his violent behavior to the police. This first warning sign foreshadowed the difficult path he would eventually follow.

For Delia Balmer, the relationship with Sweeney began with attraction, but darker undertones soon emerged. As their romance progressed, Sweeney’s violent side emerged, shocking Balmer and setting off a terrifying chain of events.

Sweeney’s anger turned physical when he attacked Balmer in his own home and confessed to previously killing his ex-girlfriend Melissa Halstead. The attack was brutal, but Balmer managed to survive and alert the authorities. This moment marked the beginning of his long ordeal.

During his attack on Balmer, Sweeney made a disturbing confession: He had killed Melissa Halstead, an American model, in Amsterdam. Halstead’s body was dismembered and thrown into a canal, baffling authorities for years. This admission revealed the extent of Sweeney’s cold-blooded nature.

Sweeney’s arrest

After the attack, Balmer reported Sweeney to the police and led to his arrest. However, he was released on bail, a decision that put Balmer’s life in great danger. This miscarriage of justice ultimately caused Sweeney to return and inflict further trauma on her.

In December 1994, Sweeney returned to Balmer’s home and attacked him again, this time with an axe. He even cut off his finger during this horrific ordeal. A neighbor’s timely intervention saved his life, but the trauma was too great.

After the second attack, Sweeney went on the run, evading capture for nearly six years. He was finally arrested in London in 2001; This marked the end of his escape and the beginning of a long legal fight for justice.

Sweeney’s trial revealed shocking details of his violent past and led the judge to sentence him to four life sentences. The judge described Sweeney’s actions as “cold-blooded” and noted the terrible impact on the victims’ families, whose loved ones’ remains were never fully recovered.

During a search of Sweeney’s London home, police uncovered hundreds of violent artworks and poems, including “Scalp Hunter”, a poem describing his brutal actions. His art depicted a disturbing obsession with violence and hinted at other possible crimes.

Authorities believe Sweeney may have been involved in the disappearances of three other women. Although their fates remain unknown, these cases demonstrate how deeply disturbing Sweeney’s past was and leave lingering questions about the extent of his crimes.

Until It Kills You It sheds light on the courage of Delia Balmer, who navigated life after an unimaginable trauma. His story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit; captures the true impact of survival and the power of telling one’s story.

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