John Quinn

Dr John Quinn was Dr Charles Lawrence's deputy at the Wenley Moor nuclear research facility. While potholing under Wenley Moor, he made first contact with the Silurians, and wanted to keep the scientific glory of his discovery for himself. He told only his assistant, Phyllis Dawson, of his find.

When UNIT arrived at the facility and began searching the caves, Dawson began to worry, but Quinn reassured her. Quinn decided to contact the Silurians again. When he arrived, the leader told Quinn to find the Silurian that Major Baker wounded. The leader gave Quinn the Silurian's summoning device.

Quinn searched for the Silurian's and began to obsruct the Third Doctor's investigations. Searching the countryside, he managed to find the Silurian before UNIT did. He brought it to his cottage and planned to hold it captive, and force the Silurian's to give him the scientific knowledge they promised him.

The Doctor visited Quinn's cottage, and the Doctor noticed that Quinn had the heat up. Quinn lied and said the controls were jammed. The Doctor then left.

After the Doctor left, the Silurian he was holding captive killed him. The Doctor returned to the cottage, thinking he could persuade Quinn to trust him. However, when he got to the cottage he found Quinn's body. (TV: Doctor Who and the Silurians)

Behind the scenes

 * In the novelisation, Quinn's first name is Matthew.