Russell Elcot

Russell Elcot was an IC1 male and father to Kieran.

In December 2002, PC Des Taviner and PC Reg Hollis return Kieran home to Russell after they spot him hanging from a scaffolding pole on a building. Russell reveals his son has Schizophrenia. The officers are later called back to their home when the shed owned by next door neighbour, Mr Pollard, is set alight. Russell helps his son to an ambulance for his burned hands to be treated.

Russell informs the police that his son was trying to put out the fire but Pollard disputes this, listing other incidents involving Kieran.

Elcot2 — DS Debbie McAllister interviews Russell and his son Kieran.

DS Debbie McAllister visits Russell and Kieran in St Hugh's and questions them and Russell admits it was he who set the fire and offers to be arrested. When interviewed by McAllister and DC Danny Glaze, Russell is challenged on his version of events as they do not match the forensics and he quickly adapts his story to match, claiming he doesn't like Mr Pollard. He refuses the aid of a solicitor and asks to be charged for the offence and tells the officers to not speak to his son, saying he is unreliable.

Elcot3 — Elcot when interviewed, sticks to his story.

At McAllister's request, Russell is later interviewed by DCI Jack Meadows who warns of him of the potential of prison time and offers him the chance to change his story but Russell declines and sticks with his story.

Following being charged for the fire, Russell passes Kieran in the custody area. Kieran has been arrested for criminal damage to Mr Pollard's house. At this point, Russell realises he is unable to care for his son, apologises and tells him he will get him professional support.

When Glaze asks if he will change his story in relation to the fire, Russell tells him that is the least of his worries. (Episode 068)

Notes[]

Russell Elcot was played by actor Richard Hope in his third guest appearance on The Bill. He would later join the main cast of spin off Murder Investigation Team in 2003 before returning to The Bill in the recurring role of Rod Jessop from 2006.

The spelling of the Russell and Kieran's surname differs for both characters on the end credits of the episode with Kieran's spelt Elcott and Russell's Elcot.