The Sixth Commandment is a critically acclaimed 2023 British true crime drama series that depicts the real-life gaslighting, manipulation, and murder of Peter Farquhar and the exploitation of Ann Moore-Martin by Ben Field. As of March 2026, the four-part miniseries remains one of the most highly-rated dramas on the BBC, having swept the 2024 BAFTA Television Awards with wins for Best Limited Drama and Best Leading Actor for Timothy Spall. The show is based on the “Maids Moreton murders,” a complex criminal case in Buckinghamshire that saw churchwarden and PhD student Ben Field sentenced to life in prison in 2019 with a minimum term of 36 years. Currently, the series is available for global audiences on platforms such as BBC iPlayer, BritBox, and Apple TV, continuing to serve as a vital cultural touchstone for raising awareness about elder abuse, grooming, and the “ordinariness” of evil.
The Real Story: The Maids Moreton Murders
The events depicted in The Sixth Commandment are a harrowing reflection of real-world crimes that took place between 2014 and 2017 in a quiet English village.
Peter Farquhar and Ben Field
Peter Farquhar (Timothy Spall) was a distinguished 69-year-old retired teacher and novelist who met 28-year-old Ben Field (Éanna Hardwicke) at the University of Buckingham. Field exploited Peter’s loneliness and religious inner-conflict, entering into a “betrothal ceremony” before systematically drugging him and gaslighting him into believing he was losing his mind. Peter was found dead in 2015, initially ruled an accidental alcohol overdose, until a later exhumation and autopsy revealed he had been suffocated.
The Targeting of Ann Moore-Martin
Following Peter’s death, Field moved his focus to Ann Moore-Martin (Anne Reid), a 83-year-old former headmistress living three doors down. He used similar tactics, including writing “messages from God” on her mirrors to manipulate her will. However, the intervention of Ann’s niece, Ann-Marie Blake, led to a Thames Valley Police investigation that eventually connected the two cases.
Award-Winning Production and Cast
The series is noted for its sensitive portrayal of the victims, moving away from the “sensationalism” often found in the true crime genre.
BAFTA and RTS Success
In 2024, the series was the dominant force in British television awards. Timothy Spall won the BAFTA for Leading Actor, while the show itself took home Best Limited Drama. Critics praised the show for “shaving the callus off the soul,” highlighting the vulnerability of the elderly to sophisticated predators.
Directing and Writing
Directed by Saul Dibb and written by Sarah Phelps, the show was crafted with the full cooperation of the victims’ families. Phelps’ writing was specifically lauded for celebrating the “richness and vitality” of Peter and Ann’s lives before they met Field, ensuring they were remembered as more than just victims.
The Investigation and Trial of Ben Field
The capture of Ben Field remains one of the most “confounding” cases in recent British criminal history due to his lack of a traditional criminal profile.
The Diary from the Grave: Peter Farquhar’s meticulously kept diaries were the key evidence. He recorded every detail of his physical decline and his “love” for Ben, unknowingly documenting his own slow poisoning.
Psychopathic Profile: During the 2019 trial, Field was described by investigators as a “cruel, calculating psychopath” who enjoyed the process of “breaking” his victims more than the financial gain.
The Verdict: Field was convicted of the murder of Peter Farquhar but acquitted of the attempted murder of Ann Moore-Martin. He is currently serving a life sentence.
Practical Information and Planning
For viewers looking to watch The Sixth Commandment or learn more about the case in 2026, follow these details.
Where to Watch (UK): The full four-part series is available for free on BBC iPlayer.
Where to Watch (International): Available via BritBox (North America/Australia) and Apple TV/Google Play for purchase.
Related Content: For those interested in the raw evidence, the documentary Catching a Killer: A Diary from the Grave (Channel 4) provides the actual police footage and diary readings used in the case.
What to Expect: The series is rated for mature audiences due to “disturbing content, cruelty, and offensive language.” It is widely considered a “difficult but necessary” watch.
FAQs
Is The Sixth Commandment based on a true story?
Yes, it is a factual dramatization of the murders of Peter Farquhar and the abuse of Ann Moore-Martin in Maids Moreton, Buckinghamshire.
Where is Ben Field now?
As of 2026, Ben Field is serving a life sentence in a UK prison with a minimum term of 36 years before he is eligible for parole.
Did Ben Field kill Ann Moore-Martin?
No. While he manipulated her and caused her significant distress, Ann died of natural causes in 2017. Field was acquitted of her attempted murder but convicted of fraud against her.
Who plays Ben Field in the series?
He is played by Éanna Hardwicke, who received a BAFTA nomination for his chilling performance.
What was the “Sixth Commandment” in the show?
The title refers to the commandment “Thou shalt not kill,” highlighting the irony of Field’s position as a “devout” churchwarden while committing murder.
How many episodes are in The Sixth Commandment?
The series is a limited miniseries consisting of four 60-minute episodes.
Did the families of the victims approve of the show?
Yes, the production team worked in full cooperation with the families of Peter Farquhar and Ann Moore-Martin to ensure the portrayals were respectful.
Was Martyn Smith also convicted?
No. Martyn Smith, a friend of Ben Field, was acquitted of all charges related to the murder and conspiracy to murder.
What drugs did Ben Field use?
Field used a combination of alcohol and sedatives (such as benzodiazepines) to confuse Peter and make his death appear like an accidental overdose.
Where was the series filmed?
While set in Buckinghamshire, much of the series was filmed in and around Bristol and Bath, including the Blaise Estate and South Bristol Crematorium.
Can I watch The Sixth Commandment on Netflix?
No, as of 2026, the series is not on Netflix. It is primarily found on BBC iPlayer and BritBox.
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