What creates a serial killer? Is it possible to predict that someone will become a rapist? Do spree killers share common character traits and childhood experiences? What turns a child into a murderer? And how do they explain their crimes?

To unravel the psychological profile of the world’s most dangerous criminals, consultant forensic psychologist Kerry Daynes, examines some of the most infamous cases and goes in search of in-depth, personal interviews with convicted criminals and killers.

Kerry is not your average forensic psychologist. She’s female, she’s glamorous and she talks in accessible sound bites. She’s passionate about her subject and she’s on a mission to investigate, understand and unravel a psychological blueprint of violent crime.

Each episode of The Making of a Monster will take Kerry on a journey into the minds of violent criminals; serial killers, rapists, fantasists, paedophiles, wife beaters, women who kill, arsonists. It’s a journey with many twists and turns as she builds up a clear psychological profile.

Michael Ryan - Spree Killers

Michael Ryan was an only child and an adored son. He lived with his mother in the small market town of Hungerford.

A sullen, self-centred boy who was often teased at school, he grew up to be besotted with guns and the feeling of power and control they gave him.

In full camouflage he went on a killing spree in his home town destroying everyone who crossed his path. In the space of a short afternoon 16 people were murdered and 15 lay injured.