Winner of Outstanding Independent Podcast at this year’s True Crime Awards in London, True Criminals is your weekly deep dive into both historic and contemporary crime stories, hosted by Sky News Crime Correspondent Martin Brunt and journalist Helen Fospero.
With decades of frontline reporting experience, Martin and Helen go beyond the headlines to uncover exclusive insights and untold details from some of the most gripping criminal investigations.
Each episode delivers powerful storytelling and rare access, featuring guests such as senior detectives, investigative journalists, bestselling authors, and individuals directly connected to the crimes. Whether it’s a high-profile case or one that’s never made the news, True Criminals offers a unique, behind-the-scenes view of the criminal justice system.
Produced by Audio Bleach Global, the series is helmed by BAFTA-winning producer Russell Barnes.
For questions and listener feedback, contact us at contact@audiobleachglobal.com
Mark Dyer, the tireless grandson of Muriel McKay, has offered a £1 million reward leading to the ultimate recovery of his grandmother. To keep you better informed on breaking developments in the cases we cover, we're launching True Criminals: Briefings, our new spin-off series for urgent updates.
In this inaugural briefing, join hosts Helen Fospero and Martin Brunt as they revisit the chilling 1969 abduction and murder of Muriel Mackay, a case that has haunted Britain for decades. Though two brothers, Arthur and Nizamuddin Hussain, were convicted, Muriel's body was never found, leaving a painful void for her family.
Now, a half-century later, that £1 million offer has yielded three astonishing new leads. Mark Dyer shares exclusive details of these critical breakthroughs. Hear the shocking account from the daughter of Arthur Hussain's former employer, revealing a hidden burial beneath a Bethnal Green shop garden. We'll also explore intriguing clues involving a bone unearthed near Rooks Farm and a potential grave beneath a patio on Buntingford High Street.
Could these fresh revelations finally bring closure to the Mackay family? Tune in to this essential True Criminals: Briefing to hear the latest in this enduring mystery and the incredible pursuit of justice.
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True Criminals – Winner of the 2025 True Crime Award for Outstanding Independent Podcast
Share Your Thoughts and Questions:
Connect with us via email at contact@audiobleachglobal.com. We’d love to hear from you!
Discover more about Martin’s career and the cases he’s covered by reading his book: No One Got Cracked Over the Head for No Reason: Dispatches from a Crime Reporter.
Step back into the sweltering summers of 1984 and 1985 as we unravel the chilling true story of Richard Ramirez — the man who would become known as "The Night Stalker." In this gripping first part of our two-episode special, we examine the wave of violence that swept across California, leaving fear and chaos in its wake.
From quiet Los Angeles neighborhoods to the bustling streets of San Francisco, Ramirez’s crimes shocked the nation. His attacks were brutal, random, and terrifying — his victims ranged from 6 to 83 years old. Armed with guns, knives, and even a tire iron, he murdered, raped, and tortured without warning. Satanic symbols, chilling messages, and gruesome mutilations became his trademarks, deepening the public’s horror and fascination.
In this episode, we explore:
A Pattern of Chaos – Ramirez’s varied methods and diverse victim profiles confounded investigators, who initially believed multiple killers might be involved.
Statewide Panic – California, already shaken by serial killers like the Golden State Killer and Ted Bundy, was now consumed by fear amid the growing Satanic Panic of the 1980s.
The Relentless Hunt – Detectives like Gil Carrillo and Frank Salerno pushed past skepticism and setbacks, using a shoe print, stolen car, and eventually a fingerprint to close in on their suspect.
The Public Strikes Back – On August 31, 1985, citizens recognized Ramirez and chased him down, beating and holding him until police arrived, ending one of the most terrifying killing sprees in American history.
This episode dives deep into the brutality and chaos Ramirez left behind. In Part 2, we’ll examine his trial, public obsession, and the disturbing psychology of a killer.
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True Criminals – Winner of the 2025 True Crime Award for Outstanding Independent Podcast
The Hatton Garden Heist – The Diamond Wheezers, Part 1
Episode 23
Tuesday, April 15, 2025 • Duration 45:12
"Analogue villains in a digital age.”
In this explosive opener to a two-part special, True Criminals co-hosts Helen Fospero and Sky News Crime Correspondent Martin Brunt dig into the extraordinary story of the 2015 Hatton Garden Heist – one of the boldest burglaries Britain has ever seen.
Joining them is true crime heavyweight Wensley Clarkson – journalist, author of Sexy Beasts, and an expert on the Hatton Garden crew and global organised crime. Together, they unravel how a gang of ageing criminals, some well into their seventies, executed a raid that left the authorities reeling.
They were analogue villains in a digital age – dodging modern surveillance, shunning technology, and relying instead on brute force, pensioner cunning, and a diamond-tipped Hilti drill. Dubbed the “Diamond Wheezers,” the crew descended 50 feet down a lift shaft and breached a two-foot-thick concrete wall to loot London’s glittering heart of gold and jewels.
Clarkson breaks down their motivations – were they desperate, bored, or simply stuck in a time warp? He also reveals the critical role of the elusive “Basil,” the chaos that followed the break-in, and just how close they came to pulling off the perfect crime, with a potential £14 million haul.
More Last of the Summer Wine than Ocean’s Eleven, this is the incredible first chapter of a heist that made headlines worldwide.
Listen now to Part 1.
Also by Wensley Clarkson: Killing Goldfinger | The Crossing | The Real Top Boys | Bindon
Share Your Thoughts and Questions: Connect with us via email at contact@audiobleachglobal.com. We’d love to hear from you!
Being Bronson: Part 2 – Is Britain’s Most Notorious Inmate a Scapegoat?
Episode 22
Tuesday, April 8, 2025 • Duration 39:16
In the explosive conclusion of Being Bronson, True Criminals hosts Helen Fospero and Sky News Crime Correspondent Martin Brunt take you deep into the psyche of Charles Bronson, Britain’s most feared – and perhaps most misunderstood – prisoner.
This gripping episode features an exclusive interview with Dr. Bob Johnson, the prison psychiatrist who worked directly with Bronson and believes the system, not the man, is to blame. Dr. Johnson shares shocking revelations about Bronson’s time in solitary confinement, the emotional bond they formed, and the radical therapy approach that produced real change—only to be shut down by the very system meant to rehabilitate.
Was Bronson ever truly a danger? Or has he become a scapegoat for a failing prison regime? Despite never being convicted of murder or sexual violence, Bronson remains locked away while others walk free. Helen and Martin also reflect on their personal exchanges with Bronson—voice notes, handwritten letters, and private moments that reveal a man far more complex than his tabloid label.
If you're interested in criminal psychology, UK justice reform, or the real man behind the Bronson myth, this is a must-listen.
🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.
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Share Your Thoughts and Questions: Connect with us via email at contact@audiobleachglobal.com. We’d love to hear from you!
Connect with Martin Brunt: Twitter: @skymartinbrunt Discover more about Martin’s career and the cases he’s covered by reading his book: Read Here:
Being Bronson: Part 1 – Britain’s Most Notorious Prisoner
Episode 21
Tuesday, April 1, 2025 • Duration 38:55
Charles Bronson. A name that sparks fear, fascination, and endless debate. In Being Bronson: Part 1, Sky News Crime Correspondent Martin Brunt takes us inside the life—and mind—of Britain’s most infamous inmate.
For nearly 50 years, Bronson has lived behind bars, most of it in solitary confinement. His explosive reputation was immortalized in the 2008 Tom Hardy film Bronson, but the real story goes far deeper than Hollywood ever showed.
Martin shares never-before-heard insights from his personal correspondence with Bronson, including exclusive letters and candid conversations. We trace Bronson’s criminal path—from petty crimes to headline-grabbing violence behind bars—and explore his ongoing battle for parole. Has he changed? Or is he still the most dangerous man in the British prison system?
Don’t miss this gripping first installment of a two-part deep dive into the man behind the myth.
Coming in Part 2: Renowned criminal psychiatrist Dr. Bob Johnson, who met Bronson face-to-face, breaks down the psychological profile of a man many call unbreakable.
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The Southport Murders: Part 2 – Youth Violence and Systemic Failures
Episode 20
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 • Duration 34:09
In this powerful conclusion to The Southport Murders, we uncover the full scope of a tragedy that shook Southport to its core.
On July 29, 2024, a Taylor Swift-themed holiday club at HeartSpace Dance School became the scene of unimaginable horror when 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana launched a brutal knife attack, killing three young girls and injuring several others.
In Part 2, Sky News Crime Correspondent Martin Brunt and former Detective Chief Superintendent Kevin Hurley dive deep into the systemic failures that allowed this tragedy to unfold. We examine Rudakubana’s violent past—marked by school exclusions, disturbing behavior, and a history of missed opportunities for intervention. Despite multiple warnings, including referrals to the UK’s Prevent Program, no action was taken to stop him.
We also explore the societal factors that contributed to this crisis, including the growing issue of youth violence, mental health struggles, and the impact of austerity on frontline services. Hurley offers expert analysis on the police response to public disorder and the riots that followed the attack, providing crucial insight into the challenges law enforcement faces in today’s climate of reduced resources and rising community tensions.
Could this tragedy have been prevented? Who is responsible? In this urgent and thought-provoking episode, we ask the difficult questions and examine what must change to safeguard vulnerable children before it’s too late.
Trigger Warning: This episode contains graphic descriptions of violence involving children. Listener discretion is strongly advised.
If you found this case compelling, be sure to check out:
The Southport Murders: Part 1 - Taylor Swift Party Turns to Tragedy
The Southport Murders: Part 1 - Taylor Swift Party Turns to Tragedy
Episode 19
Tuesday, March 11, 2025 • Duration 46:55
On a warm July morning, a Taylor Swift-themed children’s holiday club in Southport should have been filled with dancing, joy, and summer fun. Instead, it became the site of a horrifying mass attack.
In Part 1 of The Southport Murders, Sky News Crime Correspondent Martin Brunt revisits the chilling events of July 29, when 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana, armed with a 20cm kitchen knife purchased online, launched a deadly assault that left three children dead and several others fighting for their lives. What drove this teenager from Lancashire to commit such an unthinkable act?
Joined by former Detective Chief Superintendent Kevin Hurley, Martin and Helen Fospero examine the early timeline of the attack, the suspect’s background, and the riots and outrage that followed. With insight into youth violence, online weapon access, and police public order strategy, this episode delves deep into the tragedy that stunned the nation and shattered a community.
Trigger Warning: This episode contains graphic content related to violence involving children. Listener discretion is strongly advised.
Share Your Thoughts and Questions: Connect with us via email at contact@audiobleachglobal.com. We’d love to hear from you!
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The Sarah Payne Case: Part 2 – Forensics, Justice, and a Law That Changed the UK
Episode 18
Tuesday, March 4, 2025 • Duration 53:32
In the powerful conclusion of The Sarah Payne Case, Sky News Crime Correspondent Martin Brunt and Journalist Helen Fospero rejoin Detective Inspector Martyn Underhill to reveal how the investigation into Sarah Payne’s tragic murder reached its gripping finale.
This episode explores the critical evidence that brought Roy Whiting to justice—highlighting groundbreaking forensic science, including Professor Pat Wiltshire’s pioneering pollen analysis that linked Sarah directly to her abductor’s van. The emotional testimony of Lee Payne, Sarah’s older brother, also proved essential. His vivid account of the man he saw and the vehicle involved would later become a turning point in court.
We step inside the courtroom to examine the trial and sentencing, reflecting on the emotional weight carried by the Payne family and the wider public. But the legacy of this case didn’t end there. Sarah’s death sparked a movement that would change the law. Born from her mother Sara Payne’s relentless fight, Sarah’s Law empowered parents across the UK to access information about known sex offenders living in their area—a landmark shift in child protection.
The case of Sarah Payne continues to leave a deep and lasting mark on the country. Tune in to hear how science, justice, and one family’s strength combined to create change that still protects children today.
Share Your Thoughts and Questions: Connect with us via email at contact@audiobleachglobal.com. We’d love to hear from you!
The Sarah Payne Case: Part 1 – Surveillance, Secrets, and a Prime Suspect
Episode 17
Tuesday, February 25, 2025 • Duration 49:34
The abduction and murder of eight-year-old Sarah Payne in July 2000 horrified the UK—and ultimately led to a historic shift in child protection legislation.
In Part 1 Martin Brunt and Helen Fospero are joined by Detective Inspector Martyn Underhill, one of the lead investigators on the case. Underhill offers an exclusive inside account of the early investigation, sharing never-before-heard details about the massive police operation to monitor prime suspect Roy Whiting.
From painstaking surveillance to bold, unconventional tactics, this episode unveils the high-stakes cat-and-mouse game that brought authorities closer to justice. It’s a rare behind-the-scenes look at one of the most impactful child abduction cases in British legal history.
If you found this episode compelling, try:
The Murder of James Bulger
The Moors Murders
The Disappearance of Madeleine McCann
The Secret Tapes of the O.J. Case
Parents Under Pressure: The Baby P Story
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Share Your Thoughts and Questions: Connect with us via email at contact@audiobleachglobal.com. We’d love to hear from you!
Connect with Martin Brunt: Twitter: @skymartinbrunt Discover more about Martin’s career and the cases he’s covered by reading his book: Read Here:
Torso in the Thames: Part 2 – New Evidence, New Suspect
Episode 16
Tuesday, February 18, 2025 • Duration 30:06
In the powerful conclusion of Torso in the Thames, Martin and Helen are once again joined by Police Commander Andy Baker to reveal the stunning new developments in this deeply disturbing case.
Forensic science brings a game-changing revelation: isotope analysis suggests that Adam—the unidentified child victim—originated from Nigeria, not South Africa as previously thought. Pollen traces confirm he was killed in London. And a small but significant clue—German-made orange shorts—adds yet another layer to the mystery.
Fueled by determination, Andy and Martin travel to Nigeria, visiting remote villages in a desperate effort to find Adam’s family and piece together his story. Then, a turning point: a media appeal prompts a tip that leads to a key suspect—someone who may finally hold the answers investigators have sought for over two decades.
Is justice for Adam finally within reach? Or will the truth slip away once again?
This is the case that shocked the world—and it’s not over yet.
Share Your Thoughts and Questions: Connect with us via email at contact@audiobleachglobal.com. We’d love to hear from you!
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Subscribe to our YouTube Channel:
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Share Your Thoughts and Questions:
Connect with us via email at contact@audiobleachglobal.com. We’d love to hear from you!
Discover more about Martin’s career and the cases he’s covered by reading his book: No One Got Cracked Over the Head for No Reason: Dispatches from a Crime Reporter.
Connect with Martin Brunt: Twitter: @skymartinbrunt Discover more about Martin’s career and the cases he’s covered by reading his book: No One Got Cracked Over the Head for No Reason: Dispatches from a Crime Reporter. Read Here: https://amzn.eu/d/g1WisSY
Connect with Martin Brunt: Twitter: @skymartinbrunt Discover more about Martin’s career and the cases he’s covered by reading his book: No One Got Cracked Over the Head for No Reason: Dispatches from a Crime Reporter. Read Here: https://amzn.eu/d/g1WisSY
Connect with Martin Brunt: Twitter: @skymartinbrunt Discover more about Martin’s career and the cases he’s covered by reading his book: No One Got Cracked Over the Head for No Reason: Dispatches from a Crime Reporter. Read Here: https://amzn.eu/d/g1WisSY
Connect with Martin Brunt: Twitter: @skymartinbrunt Discover more about Martin’s career and the cases he’s covered by reading his book: No One Got Cracked Over the Head for No Reason: Dispatches from a Crime Reporter. Read Here: https://amzn.eu/d/g1WisSY
Connect with Martin Brunt: Twitter: @skymartinbrunt Discover more about Martin’s career and the cases he’s covered by reading his book: No One Got Cracked Over the Head for No Reason: Dispatches from a Crime Reporter. Read Here: https://amzn.eu/d/g1WisSY
Connect with Martin Brunt: Twitter: @skymartinbrunt Discover more about Martin’s career and the cases he’s covered by reading his book: No One Got Cracked Over the Head for No Reason: Dispatches from a Crime Reporter. Read Here: https://amzn.eu/d/g1WisSY
