Journalist Stan Nicholls and his photographic colleague Geoff Beech of The Reporter newspaper were part of the pack of journalists who descended on Coronation Street when the true story behind the Richard Hillman murders broke. They first encamped outside the Hillmans' house, taking pictures at every opportunity and harassing the residents with their constant questions. When Stan tried to speak with Kevin Webster and Tommy Nelson, he was quickly sent on his way with neither a story nor quotes to use. Gail Hillman underwent a terrifying ordeal when the press pack, including Stan and Geoff, descended on her and her family as they left the house and tried to get in their car, causing a watching Norris Cole to comment that it made him almost ashamed as a newsagent to be part of the profession!