NEW: Season 2 - Police are called to the multi-million dollar Auckland home of a successful couple to find the body of Pauline Hanna. A year and a half later, her husband, eye surgeon Philip John Polkinghorne is charged with murder, a charge he denies. Presented by Philippa Tolley.
Season 1 - In 2017 49-year-old builder Michael McGrath disappeared. No body, crime scene or weapon were found. So how could his longtime friend, David Benbow, be arrested and charged with murder? Presented by Michael Wright.
WARNING: This series talks about suicide and content that may upset some people. If you need help, text or call 1737, 24 hours.
Podcasts like this one take a lot of time and resources to create. To help cover some of that cost, you will hear some ads during this podcast. For an ad-free experience and early access to new episodes subscribe to Stuff Extra. Subscribe on Apple or Spotify, or go to listen.stuff.co.nz/extra to get access to this and other Stuff True Crime podcasts ad-free… and you’ll be helping us make more great podcasts, like this one.
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Polkinghorne E9: ‘There was no murder’
Season 2 · Episode 9
Monday, September 16, 2024 • Duration 33:52
As the defence case begins, Polkinghorne’s lawyer describes the police as being “intoxicated” with the idea of murder, and cautions the jury against being distracted by evidence about sex and drugs. Pauline Hanna’s sister says Hanna told her of a suicide attempt more than 30 years ago and Polkinghorne’s ex-wife takes the stand.
Stuff Extra subscribers can listen to The Trial early and ad-free. Join Stuff Extra at listen.stuff.co.nz/extra or on Apple podcasts.
WARNING: This podcast references suicide right from the start and throughout the episode. Some listeners might find this distressing. Help is available across New Zealand:
1737, Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 to talk to a trained counsellor.
Anxiety New Zealand 0800 ANXIETY (0800 269 4389)
Depression.org.nz 0800 111 757 or text 4202
Lifeline 0800 543 354
Rural Support Trust 0800 787 254
Samaritans 0800 726 666
If it's an emergency, click here to find the number for your local crisis assessment team.
In a life-threatening situation, call 111.
The Trial: Philip Polkinghorne is scripted and presented by Philippa Tolley.
Sound design, audio editing and mixing is by Connor Scott.
The series associate producer is Jen Black and the executive producer Chris Reed.
Special thanks to Stuff journalists Edward Gay and Catrin Owen and Stuff’s senior legal counsel, Charlotte Foster.
Podcasts like this one take a lot of time and resources to create. To help cover some of that cost, you will hear some ads during this podcast. For an ad-free experience and early access to new episodes subscribe to Stuff Extra. Subscribe on Apple or Spotify, or go to listen.stuff.co.nz/extra to get access to this and other Stuff True Crime podcasts ad-free… and you’ll be helping us make more podcasts like this one.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Polkinghorne E8: ‘I haven't come this far to walk away’
Season 2 · Episode 8
Wednesday, September 11, 2024 • Duration 01:03:33
Details of Philip Polkinghorne’s relationships with wife Pauline Hanna and Sydney-based sex worker Madison Ashton emerge when police scrutinise their digital devices. Among their discoveries, thousands of sexual images, and personal correspondence about the state of the marriage. A forensic accountant tells the court that Polkinghorne paid hundreds of thousands of dollars to half a dozen women, including Ashton.
Stuff Extra subscribers can listen to The Trial early and ad-free. Join Stuff Extra at listen.stuff.co.nz/extra or on Apple podcasts.
WARNING: This podcast references suicide right from the start and throughout the episode. Some listeners might find this distressing. Help is available across New Zealand:
1737, Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 to talk to a trained counsellor.
Anxiety New Zealand 0800 ANXIETY (0800 269 4389)
Depression.org.nz 0800 111 757 or text 4202
Lifeline 0800 543 354
Rural Support Trust 0800 787 254
Samaritans 0800 726 666
If it's an emergency, click here to find the number for your local crisis assessment team.
In a life-threatening situation, call 111.
The Trial: Philip Polkinghorne is scripted and presented by Philippa Tolley.
Sound design, audio editing and mixing is by Connor Scott.
The series associate producer is Jen Black and the executive producer Chris Reed.
Special thanks to Stuff journalists Edward Gay and Catrin Owen and Stuff’s senior legal counsel, Charlotte Foster.
Podcasts like this one take a lot of time and resources to create. To help cover some of that cost, you will hear some ads during this podcast. For an ad-free experience and early access to new episodes subscribe to Stuff Extra. Subscribe on Apple or Spotify, or go to listen.stuff.co.nz/extra to get access to this and other Stuff True Crime podcasts ad-free… and you’ll be helping us make more podcasts like this one.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Benbow Bonus 2: Benbow's new legal battle
Season 1 · Episode 10
Monday, March 25, 2024 • Duration 00:57
There’s another twist in this trial. Stay subscribed to hear the latest developments.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Benbow Bonus 1: 'I despise you' - the victims speak
Season 1 · Episode 9
Wednesday, March 6, 2024 • Duration 11:22
Almost seven years after murdering his mate Michael McGrath, David Benbow is sentenced for his crime. But not before facing McGrath's loved ones in court, including the third person in the love triangle that prompted Benbow to kill.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Benbow E8: Resolution
Season 1 · Episode 8
Friday, October 13, 2023 • Duration 23:57
After months of evidence from dozens of witnesses across two trials, the jury returns - with a verdict. Michael McGrath's family reacts and Martin Van Beynen offers expert analysis - including what David Benbow might do next.
WARNING: This episode contains discussion of mental health and suicide. If you or anyone you know needs help, free call or text 1737 for assistance from a trained counsellor, 24 hours a day.
Podcasts like this one take a lot of time and resources to create. To help cover some of that cost, you will hear some ads during this episode. For an ad-free experience go to listen.stuff.co.nz/truecrime to get access to this and three other Stuff True Crime podcasts ad-free, for about the price of a cup of coffee… and you’ll be helping us make more great podcasts, like this one.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Benbow E7: The retrial of David Benbow
Season 1 · Episode 7
Wednesday, October 11, 2023 • Duration 46:01
With the jury in the original trial unable to reach a verdict, David Charles Benbow finds himself back in the dock. And three key areas of evidence are updated as the prosecution tries once more to secure a conviction.
Podcasts like this one take a lot of time and resources to create. To help cover some of that cost, you will hear some ads during this episode. For an ad-free experience go to listen.stuff.co.nz/truecrime to get access to this and three other Stuff True Crime podcasts ad-free, for about the price of a cup of coffee… and you’ll be helping us make more great podcasts, like this one.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Benbow E6: Not quite the end
Season 1 · Episode 6
Tuesday, June 27, 2023 • Duration 36:02
After listening intently to more than 100 witnesses over two months, the jury left the courtroom to begin its deliberations. Those left behind waited. And waited. But even when the wait was over, the Benbow trial still held a twist or two.
Podcasts like this one take a lot of time and resources to create. To help cover some of that cost, you will hear some ads during this episode. For an ad-free experience go to listen.stuff.co.nz/truecrime to get access to this and three other Stuff True Crime podcasts ad-free, for about the price of a cup of coffee… and you’ll be helping us make more great podcasts, like this one.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Benbow E5: 'Did you do it?'
Season 1 · Episode 5
Thursday, June 22, 2023 • Duration 42:28
As the investigation intensified, David Benbow's behaviour prompted questions from close friends, and police exploited his interest in the media coverage with a cunning press release. With the jury asked to consider the importance of Benbow's missing rifle - the alleged murder weapon - the defence dismisses the Crown case as hollow, "like a cheap Easter egg".
Podcasts like this one take a lot of time and resources to create. To help cover some of that cost, you will hear some ads during this episode. For an ad-free experience go to listen.stuff.co.nz/truecrime to get access to this and three other Stuff True Crime podcasts ad-free, for about the price of a cup of coffee… and you’ll be helping us make more great podcasts, like this one.
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Benbow E4: The burden of proof
Season 1 · Episode 4
Wednesday, June 21, 2023 • Duration 31:58
After playing parts of David Benbow's police interviews to the court, the prosecution makes much of his inability to fully account for his movements on the day - and day after - he allegedly murdered Michael McGrath. But the defence underlines one key fact: there is no physical evidence Benbow did anything wrong.
Podcasts like this one take a lot of time and resources to create. To help cover some of that cost, you will hear some ads during this episode. For an ad-free experience go to listen.stuff.co.nz/truecrime to get access to this and three other Stuff True Crime podcasts ad-free, for about the price of a cup of coffee… and you’ll be helping us make more great podcasts, like this one.
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Benbow E3: Monday, 9am
Season 1 · Episode 3
Friday, March 31, 2023 • Duration 36:18
Did Michael McGrath keep an appointment to shift some wood at David Benbow’s place? The prosecution says that’s where - and when - he was murdered. But the defence has doubts about Crown evidence involving the finer points of power consumption and CCTV footage.
Podcasts like this one take a lot of time and resources to create. To help cover some of that cost, you will hear some ads during this episode. For an ad-free experience go to listen.stuff.co.nz/truecrime to get access to this and three other Stuff True Crime podcasts ad-free, for about the price of a cup of coffee… and you’ll be helping us make more great podcasts, like this one.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices