We conclude this special double episode of True Criminals and are joined in the studio today by Neil Basu, former Assistant Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police. Stephen Lawrence's murder in 1993 exposed shocking truths about institutional racism and failure within British policing. In this powerful conclusion, hosts Martin Brunt (Sky News Crime Correspondent) and Helen Fospero talk to Basu about the profound, yet unfinished, legacy of the Lawrence case on the Metropolitan Police. Basu, whose 30-year career was bookended by the case, offers an unprecedented insider perspective on: The Macpherson Inquiry's seismic finding of "institutionally racist" and why police leadership failed to acknowledge it properly. The flawed training and internal backlash to reform efforts in the wake of the inquiry. The significant, positive policing reforms that were implemented, including changes to family liaison and emergency life support training. The dramatic scientific breakthrough that led to the convictions of two of Stephen's killers 19 years later. Why the Met still refuses to accept the term institutional racism today, and the consequences for community trust. His own personal experience as an officer of colour navigating the Met's internal culture of "fit in or F off." Listen to Neil Basu's candid reflections on how the Stephen Lawrence murder transformed the UK's approach to crime, justice, and race relations, and why the battle for true change is far from over. For a copy of Neil book, Turmoil: 30 Years of Policing, Politics and Prejudice https://www.amazon.co.uk/Turmoil-Years-Policing-Politics-Prejudice/dp/0711294402 ................................................. Shop Air Up here: Treat yourself or someone special to a refreshing twist with Air Up!  Enjoy 10% off your order using the code TRUECRIMINALS at ⁠airup.link/truecriminals⁠. Explore all their delicious flavours today. Support the Show Listen ad free and access our full catalogue, including a True Criminals coffee mug, on Patreon at ⁠www.patreon.com/truecriminals⁠.  As an independent podcast, we rely on listener support. You can also donate via PayPal https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=YQVFJR5766BJE Follow True Criminals Follow us on Instagram at ⁠@true.criminals⁠ and subscribe to our YouTube channel at ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@True-Criminals⁠. Connect with Martin Brunt Follow Martin on Twitter at ⁠@skymartinbrunt⁠. Discover more about his 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, available here: ⁠https://amzn.eu/d/g1WisSY⁠. Connect with Helen Fospero Follow Helen on Instagram at ⁠@helenfospero⁠ and check out her podcast, The Convex Conversation, here: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-convex-conversation/id1510209575⁠. Credits True Criminals is produced by Audio Bleach Global.  Visit ⁠www.audiobleachglobal.com/truecriminals⁠ for more information.  Executive Producer: Lee Mann.  Producer: Russell Barnes.  Audio Production: Andrew Chappell.  Music Composition: Chap Mannequin.  Artwork: Bleached. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In April 1993, 18 year old Stephen Lawrence, a bright and ambitious student, was murdered in a racist attack that shook Britain and exposed serious failings in the Metropolitan Police. His death, and the long fight for justice, transformed policing, the law, and race relations across the UK, leaving a legacy that continues to influence society more than 30 years later. In this powerful two part episode of True Criminals, Sky News Crime Correspondent Martin Brunt and journalist Helen Fospero revisit one of the most infamous cases in British history. From the night Stephen was fatally stabbed, to the mishandled investigation, to the relentless campaigning of Stephen’s parents, Doreen and Neville Lawrence, this episode examines the personal tragedy, systemic failings, and lasting impact of one of Britain’s most notorious murders. You’ll hear Martin’s first hand reporting from the frontline, Helen’s exclusive interview with Neville Lawrence after two of Stephen’s killers were finally convicted, and an in depth exploration of how the landmark Macpherson Inquiryredefined institutional racism in policing and changed British law forever. True Criminals goes beyond the headlines, providing true crime insights, exclusive interviews, and an in depth look at the cases that shaped modern justice in the UK. ................................................. Shop Air Up here: Treat yourself or someone special to a refreshing twist with Air Up!  Enjoy 10% off your order using the code TRUECRIMINALS at ⁠airup.link/truecriminals⁠. Explore all their delicious flavours today. Support the Show Listen ad free and access our full catalogue, including a True Criminals coffee mug, on Patreon at www.patreon.com/truecriminals. As an independent podcast, we rely on listener support. You can also donate via PayPal at PayPal. Follow True Criminals Follow us on Instagram at @true.criminals and subscribe to our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@True-Criminals. Connect with Martin Brunt Follow Martin on Twitter at @skymartinbrunt. Discover more about his 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, available here: https://amzn.eu/d/g1WisSY. Connect with Helen Fospero Follow Helen on Instagram at @helenfospero and check out her podcast, The Convex Conversation, here: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-convex-conversation/id1510209575. Credits True Criminals is produced by Audio Bleach Global. Visit www.audiobleachglobal.com/truecriminals for more information. Executive Producer: Lee Mann. Producer: Russell Barnes. Audio Production: Andrew Chappell. Music Composition: Chap Mannequin. Artwork: Bleached. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on True Criminals, hosts Helen Fospero and Martin Brunt are joined by former Metropolitan Police forensic advisor Ray Fysh, author of Shallow Graves: My life as a Forensic Scientist on Britain's Biggest Cases. In part one of this two-part special, Ray shares his involvement in three of the UK's most notorious cases: the murder of eight-year-old Sarah Payne, the M25 rapist Anthony Imiela, and the 1987 bedsit murders. Discover how a single hair, cross-county cooperation, and the evolution of DNA databases led to breakthroughs that brought killers and predators to justice. Ray reveals the pivotal moments in these investigations, from the emotional impact of a DNA match in the Sarah Payne case to the crucial role of a neighbor's tip in catching the M25 rapist. This episode explores the painstaking work of forensic specialists and the moments of innovation that changed criminal investigations forever. If you'd like to listen to this episode ad-free, along with our entire back catalogue, which includes a True Criminals coffee mug, please visit our Patreon page: www.patreon.com/truecriminals As an independent podcast, we rely on listener support. If you’d like to help, you can donate via our PayPal link: PayPal ................................................. Shop Air Up here: Treat yourself or someone special to a refreshing twist with Air Up!  Enjoy 10% off your order using the code TRUECRIMINALS at ⁠airup.link/truecriminals⁠. Explore all their delicious flavours today. Ray's book: Shallow Graves: My life as a Forensic Scientist on Britain's Biggest Cases Available here https://amzn.eu/d/2Y5Vn2f Follow us: Instagram: @true.criminals Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@True-Criminals 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 Helen Fospero: Instagram: @helenfospero Check out Helen’s podcast, The Convex Conversation: Listen Here. https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-convex-conversation/id1510209575 Credits: True Criminals is produced by Audio Bleach Global. Visit www.audiobleachglobal.com/truecriminals for more information. Executive Producer: Lee Mann Producer: Russell Barnes Audio Production: Andrew Chappell Music Composition: Chap Mannequin Artwork: Bleached Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join journalist Helen Fospero and Sky News Crime Correspondent Martin Brunt on True Criminals as they continue their gripping investigation into one of Britain’s most enduring mysteries: the disappearance of Lord Lucan. In Part 2, we’re joined again by investigative journalist Glenn Campbell, whose decades-long pursuit of the truth has unearthed startling new evidence. This episode picks up where Part 1 left off, delving into the global manhunt for Lord Lucan, who vanished after the 1974 murder of nanny Sandra Rivett. Discover the legal battles to declare Lucan deceased, shocking twists around John Aspinall’s intimations, and the renewed interest sparked by the internet and a Metropolitan Police cold case review. We reveal: The contentious 2016 High Court ruling that declared Lucan dead, and Neil Berriman’s fight to challenge it. Explosive eyewitness accounts, including testimony from Mandy Parks, who claims to have seen Lucan alive days after the murder. The extraordinary “Australian theory,” leading to a dramatic encounter with a man whose identity baffled investigators. The groundbreaking use of AI facial recognition, with multiple studies yielding astonishing match probabilities. Glenn’s personal conviction, based on a dying confession, about where and when Lucan truly met his end. If you'd like to listen to this episode ad-free, along with our entire back catalogue, which includes a True Criminals coffee mug, please visit our Patreon page: www.patreon.com/truecriminals As an independent podcast, we rely on listener support. If you’d like to help, you can donate via our PayPal link: PayPal ................................................. Shop Air Up here: Treat yourself or someone special to a refreshing twist with Air Up!  Enjoy 10% off your order using the code TRUECRIMINALS at ⁠airup.link/truecriminals⁠. Explore all their delicious flavours today. The Search For My Mother's Murderer. : A son's hunt for the British aristocrat Lord Lucan. Available here https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lord-Lucan-Search-Mothers-Murderer-ebook/dp/B0DV3THQG3 Follow us: Instagram: @true.criminals Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@True-Criminals 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 Helen Fospero: Instagram: @helenfospero Check out Helen’s podcast, The Convex Conversation: Listen Here. https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-convex-conversation/id1510209575 Credits: True Criminals is produced by Audio Bleach Global. Visit www.audiobleachglobal.com/truecriminals for more information. Executive Producer: Lee Mann Producer: Russell Barnes Audio Production: Andrew Chappell Music Composition: Chap Mannequin Artwork: Bleached Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Step inside one of the UK’s most infamous murder mysteries in this gripping two-part special of True Criminals. Hosted by award-winning journalists Helen Fospero and Martin Brunt, we uncover the shocking events of November 7, 1974—the night Sandra Rivett was brutally murdered and Lord Lucan, one of Britain’s most notorious aristocrats, vanished without a trace. In Part 1, we take you deep into the crime scene in Belgravia, London, and re-examine every chilling detail of that fateful night. You’ll hear an exclusive, minute-by-minute account of how Richard John Bingham, 7th Earl of Lucan—a wealthy playboy and professional gambler drowning in debt and marital turmoil—became the prime suspect in a savage attack that left nanny Sandra Rivett dead and Lady Veronica Lucan fighting for her life. Through powerful insights from investigative journalist Glen Campbell, who has pursued the Lucan mystery for nearly three decades, we reveal shocking new perspectives on the case. We trace Lucan’s desperate escape, the blood-soaked discovery in his borrowed car, and explore explosive theories of a high-society cover-up involving his influential friends—business magnate Sir James Goldsmith and casino owner John Aspinall. Was Lord Lucan murdered, did he flee abroad, or was he hidden by a powerful network? Join us as we unravel the evidence, secrets, and unanswered questions behind the disappearance that continues to haunt Britain to this day. ................................................. Shop Air Up here: Treat yourself or someone special to a refreshing twist with Air Up!  Enjoy 10% off your order using the code TRUECRIMINALS at ⁠airup.link/truecriminals⁠. Explore all their delicious flavours today. The Search For My Mother's Murderer. : A son's hunt for the British aristocrat Lord Lucan. Available here https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lord-Lucan-Search-Mothers-Murderer-ebook/dp/B0DV3THQG3 Follow Us: Instagram: @true.criminals Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@True-Criminals Support Us: If you love the podcast, consider supporting us on Patreon for exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/c/TrueCriminals 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 Helen Fospero: Instagram: @helenfospero Check out Helen’s podcast, The Convex Conversation: Listen Here. https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-convex-conversation/id1510209575 Credits: True Criminals is produced by Audio Bleach Global. Visit www.audiobleachglobal.com/truecriminals for more information. Executive Producer: Lee Mann Producer: Russell Barnes Audio Production: Andrew Chappell Music Composition: Chap Mannequin Artwork: Bleached Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Twenty years after the devastating 7/7 London bombings, True Criminals returns with Part 2 of its powerful two-part special, uncovering the untold stories behind the UK’s deadliest terrorist attack since Lockerbie. Back in the studio, Chris Webb — former Head of News and Deputy Director of Media & Communications at the Metropolitan Police — shares insider insight into the intense manhunt for the bombers’ accomplices and the chilling second wave of failed attacks on July 21st. Go behind the scenes of the unprecedented counter-terror investigation, the pressure on frontline journalists, and the bold media strategy used to control information, protect the public, and manage a harrowing victim identification process involving over 1,000 human remains. This episode also investigates the tragic killing of Jean Charles de Menezes, the Brazilian electrician mistakenly shot by police. Discover the ethical dilemmas faced by police and press, and the fragile trust tested during one of Britain’s darkest modern crises. With never-before-heard accounts from those at the centre of the story, True Criminals delivers a powerful look at the legacy of 7/7, the evolution of UK counter-terror laws, and the impact on modern policing, journalism, and national security. Listen now to the shocking conclusion of the 7/7 London Bombings special, Reporting Terror. ................................................. Shop Air Up here: Treat yourself or someone special to a refreshing twist with Air Up!  Enjoy 10% off your order using the code TRUECRIMINALS at ⁠airup.link/truecriminals⁠. Explore all their delicious flavours today. 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! Follow Us: Instagram: @true.criminals Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@True-Criminals Support Us: If you love the podcast, consider supporting us on Patreon for exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/c/TrueCriminals 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 Helen Fospero: Instagram: @helenfospero Check out Helen’s podcast, The Convex Conversation: Listen Here. https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-convex-conversation/id1510209575 Credits: True Criminals is produced by Audio Bleach Global. Visit www.audiobleachglobal.com/truecriminals for more information. Executive Producer: Lee Mann Producer: Russell Barnes Audio Production: Andrew Chappell Music Composition: Chap Mannequin Artwork: Bleached Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Twenty years after the 7/7 London bombings, True Criminals revisits the deadliest terrorist attack on British soil since Lockerbie. In Part 1 of this powerful two-part episode, Sky News Crime Correspondent Martin Brunt and journalist Helen Fospero relive the chaos of July 7th, 2005—when four coordinated suicide bombings struck London’s transport network, killing 52 people and injuring hundreds. As frontline reporters, they describe what it was like to cover the breaking news amid fear, misinformation, and confusion. We’re also joined in the studio by Chris Webb, former Head of News for the Metropolitan Police and Deputy Director of Media and Communications at Scotland Yard, who reveals how the police handled media coordination during one of the UK’s darkest days. This episode offers rare insight into the role of the press and police in real-time crisis response, uncovering how both institutions navigated the emotional and logistical fallout of a national emergency. ................................................. Shop Air Up here: Treat yourself or someone special to a refreshing twist with Air Up!  Enjoy 10% off your order using the code TRUECRIMINALS at ⁠airup.link/truecriminals⁠. Explore all their delicious flavours today. 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! Follow Us: Instagram: @true.criminals Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@True-Criminals Support Us: If you love the podcast, consider supporting us on Patreon for exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/c/TrueCriminals 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 Helen Fospero: Instagram: @helenfospero Check out Helen’s podcast, The Convex Conversation: Listen Here. https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-convex-conversation/id1510209575 Credits: True Criminals is produced by Audio Bleach Global. Visit www.audiobleachglobal.com/truecriminals for more information. Executive Producer: Lee Mann Producer: Russell Barnes Audio Production: Andrew Chappell Music Composition: Chap Mannequin Artwork: Bleached Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. ................................................. Shop Air Up here: Treat yourself or someone special to a refreshing twist with Air Up!  Enjoy 10% off your order using the code TRUECRIMINALS at ⁠airup.link/truecriminals⁠. Explore all their delicious flavours today. 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! Follow Us: Instagram: @true.criminals Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@True-Criminals Support Us: If you love the podcast, consider supporting us on Patreon for exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/c/TrueCriminals 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 Helen Fospero: Instagram: @helenfospero Check out Helen’s podcast, The Convex Conversation: Listen Here. https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-convex-conversation/id1510209575 Credits: True Criminals is produced by Audio Bleach Global. Visit www.audiobleachglobal.com/truecriminals for more information. Executive Producer: Lee Mann Producer: Russell Barnes Audio Production: Andrew Chappell Music Composition: Chap Mannequin Artwork: Bleached Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. ................................................. Shop Air Up here: Treat yourself or someone special to a refreshing twist with Air Up!  Enjoy 10% off your order using the code TRUECRIMINALS at ⁠airup.link/truecriminals⁠. Explore all their delicious flavours today. 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! Follow Us: Instagram: @true.criminals Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@True-Criminals Support Us: If you love the podcast, consider supporting us on Patreon for exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/c/TrueCriminals 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 Helen Fospero: Instagram: @helenfospero Check out Helen’s podcast, The Convex Conversation: Listen Here. https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-convex-conversation/id1510209575 Credits: True Criminals is produced by Audio Bleach Global. Visit www.audiobleachglobal.com/truecriminals for more information. Executive Producer: Lee Mann Producer: Russell Barnes Researcher: Becca Stinton Audio Production: Andrew Chappell Music Composition: Chap Mannequin Artwork: Bleached Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this gripping episode of True Criminals, hosts Martin Brunt and Helen Fospero revisit one of the most chilling and controversial murder cases in recent British history — the 2010 killing of Joanna Yeates, a 25-year-old landscape architect whose disappearance just before Christmas shocked the nation. Join Martin, who covered the case live for Sky News, as he recounts the intense missing persons search, the tragic discovery of Joanna’s body on Christmas Day, and the high-pressure investigation that followed. The episode explores how police initially focused on Joanna’s boyfriend, Greg Reardon, before wrongly arresting her eccentric landlord, Christopher Jefferies — a man vilified by the press before being entirely exonerated. Martin and Helen examine how trial by media distorted the investigation and led to a landmark moment in UK media law, resulting in substantial damages and a national conversation about press ethics and journalistic responsibility. Listeners will also uncover how detectives eventually exposed the shocking truth: the real killer, Vincent Tabak, a Dutch engineer living next door. The hosts break down the forensic breakthroughs, disturbing online searches, and Tabak’s abrupt change of plea that shocked the courtroom. This is a powerful story of misjudgment, media misconduct, and a community shaken by tragedy — a must-listen for fans of true crime, wrongful accusation cases, and criminal justice reporting. ................................................. Shop Air Up here: Treat yourself or someone special to a refreshing twist with Air Up!  Enjoy 10% off your order using the code TRUECRIMINALS at ⁠airup.link/truecriminals⁠. Explore all their delicious flavours today. 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! Follow Us: Instagram: @true.criminals Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@True-Criminals Support Us: If you love the podcast, consider supporting us on Patreon for exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/c/TrueCriminals 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 Helen Fospero: Instagram: @helenfospero Check out Helen’s podcast, The Convex Conversation: Listen Here. https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-convex-conversation/id1510209575 Credits: True Criminals is produced by Audio Bleach Global. Visit www.audiobleachglobal.com/truecriminals for more information. Executive Producer: Lee Mann Producer: Russell Barnes Audio Production: Andrew Chappell Music Composition: Chap Mannequin Artwork: Bleached Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In Part 2 of Wrongfully Convicted: The Peter Sullivan Story, True Criminals returns to one of the UK’s most disturbing miscarriages of justice. After serving 38 years in prison for the 1984 murder of schoolgirl Diane Sindall, Peter Sullivan has been officially exonerated, following a groundbreaking Y-STR DNA test that proved his innocence and led to his conviction being overturned. Sky News crime correspondent Martin Brunt and investigative journalist Helen Fospero speak exclusively to Sullivan’s solicitor, Sarah Myatt, who explains how this advanced forensic evidence changed the course of the case. The episode examines the impact of Parole Board protocols that delayed Sullivan’s release, and the moment he learned he was finally free. Now out of prison, Sullivan begins the difficult process of rebuilding his life in a world transformed over four decades. With his name cleared, the question remains: Who really killed Diane Sindall? The episode looks ahead to the ongoing cold case investigation, and whether the real killer has been free all along. Subscribe to True Criminals for powerful reporting, legal insight, and real-life stories of wrongful convictions, cold cases, and the UK criminal justice system. ................................................. Shop Air Up here: Treat yourself or someone special to a refreshing twist with Air Up!  Enjoy 10% off your order using the code TRUECRIMINALS at ⁠airup.link/truecriminals⁠. Explore all their delicious flavours today. Share Your Thoughts and Questions: Connect with us via email at contact@audiobleachglobal.com. We’d love to hear from you! Follow Us: Instagram: @true.criminals Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@True-Criminals Support Us: If you love the podcast, consider supporting us on Patreon for exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/c/TrueCriminals 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 Helen Fospero: Instagram: @helenfospero Check out Helen’s podcast, The Convex Conversation: Listen Here. https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-convex-conversation/id1510209575 Credits: True Criminals is produced by Audio Bleach Global. Visit www.audiobleachglobal.com/truecriminals for more information. Executive Producer: Lee Mann Producer: Russell Barnes Audio Production: Andrew Chappell Music Composition: Chap Mannequin Artwork: Bleached Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Uncover the unbelievable true story of Peter Sullivan, wrongfully convicted for the 1986 murder of 21-year-old Diane Sindall, in this gripping two-part series from True Criminals, hosted by Sky News crime correspondent Martin Bruntand journalist Helen Fospero. In part one, we revisit the brutal crime that shocked Birkenhead and sparked one of the UK's most notorious wrongful convictions. Diane Sindall, a young florist and barmaid, was attacked after her van ran out of fuel—her body later discovered with injuries that would become central to a flawed prosecution. This episode dives deep into the original investigation, Sullivan’s coerced confession during police interviews without a solicitor, and the controversial bite mark evidence that led to his conviction. Despite maintaining his innocence for nearly four decades, Sullivan would spend 38 years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. Subscribe now and don’t miss part two, where we reveal the legal battle, forensic breakthroughs, and exclusive insights from Sullivan’s solicitor, Sarah Myatt, that finally led to his exoneration in May 2025. ................................................. Shop Air Up here: Treat yourself or someone special to a refreshing twist with Air Up!  Enjoy 10% off your order using the code TRUECRIMINALS at ⁠airup.link/truecriminals⁠. Explore all their delicious flavours today. Share Your Thoughts and Questions: Connect with us via email at contact@audiobleachglobal.com. We’d love to hear from you! Follow Us: Instagram: @true.criminals Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@True-Criminals Support Us: If you love the podcast, consider supporting us on Patreon for exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/c/TrueCriminals 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 Helen Fospero: Instagram: @helenfospero Check out Helen’s podcast, The Convex Conversation: Listen Here. https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-convex-conversation/id1510209575 Credits: True Criminals is produced by Audio Bleach Global. Visit www.audiobleachglobal.com/truecriminals for more information. Executive Producer: Lee Mann Producer: Russell Barnes Audio Production: Andrew Chappell Music Composition: Chap Mannequin Artwork: Bleached Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on True Criminals, we’re joined once again by long-time friend of the show, bestselling author and true crime expert Howard Sounes, as he explores the infamous murders committed by Fred and Rose West. Howard, who broke major stories on the investigation and coined the term House of Horrors, talks about the hit Netflix documentary Fred & Rose West: A British Horror Story and his chilling new book, The Fred West Tapes: Secrets of the Fred & Rose West Murder Investigation. Nearly thirty years after Fred West’s death and Rose West’s conviction, their shocking crimes continue to fascinate true crime fans worldwide. In this episode, Howard reveals never-before-heard testimony, new evidence from police interviews, and insights into the twisted minds of serial killers Fred and Rose West. From the burial site at 25 Cromwell Street to the devastating impact on the victims’ families, this conversation explores one of the most infamous cases in British true crime history. If you’re a true crime fan interested in Fred West, Rose West, and real-life serial killer investigations, this episode is a must-listen. Howards book: The Fred West Tapes: Secrets of the Fred & Rose West Murder Investigation Available here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fred-West-Tapes-Investigation-chilling/dp/1789468612 If you'd like to listen to this episode ad-free, along with our entire back catalogue, which includes a True Criminals coffee mug, please visit our Patreon page: www.patreon.com/truecriminals As an independent podcast, we rely on listener support. If you’d like to help, you can donate via our PayPal link: PayPal ................................................. Shop Air Up here: Treat yourself or someone special to a refreshing twist with Air Up!  Enjoy 10% off your order using the code TRUECRIMINALS at ⁠airup.link/truecriminals⁠. Explore all their delicious flavours today. Follow us: Instagram: @true.criminals Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@True-Criminals 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 Helen Fospero: Instagram: @helenfospero Check out Helen’s podcast, The Convex Conversation: Listen Here. https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-convex-conversation/id1510209575 Credits: True Criminals is produced by Audio Bleach Global. Visit www.audiobleachglobal.com/truecriminals for more information. Executive Producer: Lee Mann Producer: Russell Barnes Audio Production: Andrew Chappell Music Composition: Chap Mannequin Artwork: Bleached Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the final episode of Fugitives, Martin and Helen conclude their conversation with Nick Reynolds, son of Bruce Reynolds — the man behind the Great Train Robbery. This chapter unpacks the long aftermath of one of Britain’s most audacious crimes: the downfall of key figures like Charlie Wilson and Buster Edwards, the hidden cost to families left behind, and the heavy legacy that followed them all. Nick reflects on how his father’s infamy shaped life after prison — from media deals to the lingering mystery of the missing millions — and how he carved his own identity through art while reckoning with the weight of that past. A story about crime, consequence, and what it means to live in the shadow of history. #TrueCrime #GreatTrainRobbery #BruceReynolds #NickReynolds #CrimePodcast #HistoryPodcast #BritishCrime #Infamy #Fugitives #CrimeLegacy #PodcastFinale #RealStories Listen now to uncover the untold truth behind the Great Train Robbery. ................................................. Shop Air Up here: Treat yourself or someone special to a refreshing twist with Air Up!  Enjoy 10% off your order using the code TRUECRIMINALS at ⁠airup.link/truecriminals⁠. Explore all their delicious flavours today. Share Your Thoughts and Questions: Connect with us via email at contact@audiobleachglobal.com. We’d love to hear from you! Follow Us: Instagram: @true.criminals Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@True-Criminals Support Us: If you love the podcast, consider supporting us on Patreon for exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/c/TrueCriminals 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 Helen Fospero: Instagram: @helenfospero Check out Helen’s podcast, The Convex Conversation: Listen Here. https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-convex-conversation/id1510209575 Credits: True Criminals is produced by Audio Bleach Global. Visit www.audiobleachglobal.com/truecriminals for more information. Executive Producer: Lee Mann Producer: Russell Barnes Audio Production: Andrew Chappell Music Composition: Chap Mannequin Artwork: Bleached Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Step inside one of Britain’s most notorious crimes—the Great Train Robbery of 1963—in this gripping true crime podcast episode. Join journalist Helen Fospero and Sky News Crime Correspondent Martin Brunt as they uncover the real story behind the £2.6 million heist (worth over £70 million today) that stunned the nation. Featuring an exclusive interview with Nick Reynolds, son of criminal mastermind Bruce Reynolds, this episode reveals never-before-heard details about the meticulous planning, dramatic execution, and dramatic aftermath of the infamous train robbery in Buckinghamshire. Discover the colorful cast of characters behind the robbery, the chilling assault on train driver Jack Mills, and the gang’s rural hideout at Leatherslade Farm. Hear how tiny mistakes unraveled the plan, leading to one of the biggest manhunts in UK history. Nick Reynolds offers intimate insights into his father’s criminal legacy and shares emotional memories from Bruce Reynolds’ funeral—attended by iconic figures like Ronnie Biggs and poet John Cooper Clarke. Listen now to uncover the untold truth behind the Great Train Robbery. ................................................. Shop Air Up here: Treat yourself or someone special to a refreshing twist with Air Up!  Enjoy 10% off your order using the code TRUECRIMINALS at ⁠airup.link/truecriminals⁠. Explore all their delicious flavours today. Share Your Thoughts and Questions: Connect with us via email at contact@audiobleachglobal.com. We’d love to hear from you! Follow Us: Instagram: @true.criminals Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@True-Criminals Support Us: If you love the podcast, consider supporting us on Patreon for exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/c/TrueCriminals 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 Helen Fospero: Instagram: @helenfospero Check out Helen’s podcast, The Convex Conversation: Listen Here. https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-convex-conversation/id1510209575 Credits: True Criminals is produced by Audio Bleach Global. Visit www.audiobleachglobal.com/truecriminals for more information. Executive Producer: Lee Mann Producer: Russell Barnes Audio Production: Andrew Chappell Music Composition: Chap Mannequin Artwork: Bleached Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this compelling episode of True Criminals, Sky News Crime Correspondent Martin Brunt and journalist Helen Fospero explore what it really means to live life on the run. Through firsthand stories and expert insight, they uncover the hidden realities of fugitives who slip through the cracks of justice—and those determined to catch them. Martin shares memorable cases from his long career in crime reporting, including the unsolved mystery of Lord Lucan, the quiet surrender of a killer in Cyprus, and the unexpected wedding of a bank robber hiding in Spain. These stories shed light on the psychology, logistics, and often surreal circumstances behind a fugitive's attempt to stay one step ahead of the law. He also reflects on how extradition laws and shifting international alliances have reshaped the pursuit of criminals across borders. Joining Martin and Helen in the studio is Nick Reynolds, son of Great Train Robbery mastermind Bruce Reynolds. Nick offers a rare and deeply personal account of growing up in hiding, constantly moving from place to place, with a childhood defined by secrecy, fear—and love. His reflections serve as a powerful lead-in to our upcoming double episode exploring one of Britain's most infamous heists TrueCriminals #Fugitives #LifeOnTheRun #TrueCrimePodcast #CrimeReporting #MartinBrunt #HelenFospero #GreatTrainRobbery #NickReynolds #CrimeStories #Justice #CrimeJournalism ................................................. Shop Air Up here: Treat yourself or someone special to a refreshing twist with Air Up!  Enjoy 10% off your order using the code TRUECRIMINALS at ⁠airup.link/truecriminals⁠. Explore all their delicious flavours today. Share Your Thoughts and Questions: Connect with us via email at contact@audiobleachglobal.com. We’d love to hear from you! Follow Us: Instagram: @true.criminals Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@True-Criminals Support Us: If you love the podcast, consider supporting us on Patreon for exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/c/TrueCriminals 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 Helen Fospero: Instagram: @helenfospero Check out Helen’s podcast, The Convex Conversation: Listen Here. https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-convex-conversation/id1510209575 Credits: True Criminals is produced by Audio Bleach Global. Visit www.audiobleachglobal.com/truecriminals for more information. Executive Producer: Lee Mann Producer: Russell Barnes Audio Production: Andrew Chappell Music Composition: Chap Mannequin Artwork: Bleached Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Uncover the explosive true story of Kenneth Noye, the criminal mastermind behind the notorious Brink’s-Mat gold robbery and the shocking M25 road rage murder. Join Sky News Crime Correspondent Martin Brunt and journalist Helen Fospero as they expose Noye’s decades-long descent into violence, deception, and infamy. From the audacious £26 million gold heist to the cold-blooded killing of Stephen Cameron, this gripping podcast reveals how Noye manipulated the justice system, evaded capture across Europe, and shattered countless lives. Hear the untold details of Noye’s chilling ability to intimidate witnesses, the harrowing journey of Danielle Cable into witness protection, and the relentless pursuit by police determined to bring him down. Was true justice ever achieved? Dive deep into a tale of betrayal, corruption, and the enduring legacy of one of Britain’s most feared criminals. #TrueCrime #KennethNoye #BrinksMatRobbery #RoadRageMurder #StephenCameron #DanielleCable #CrimePodcast #BritishCrime #CrimeHistory #SkyNewsCrime #MartinBrunt #HelenFospero #GoldHeist #WitnessProtection #TrueCrimePodcast #M25Murder #CriminalMastermind #JusticeSystem #Fugitive #CrimeStory ................................................. Shop Air Up here: Treat yourself or someone special to a refreshing twist with Air Up!  Enjoy 10% off your order using the code TRUECRIMINALS at ⁠airup.link/truecriminals⁠. Explore all their delicious flavours today. Share Your Thoughts and Questions: Connect with us via email at contact@audiobleachglobal.com. We’d love to hear from you! Follow Us: Instagram: @true.criminals Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@True-Criminals Support Us: If you love the podcast, consider supporting us on Patreon for exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/c/TrueCriminals 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 Helen Fospero: Instagram: @helenfospero Check out Helen’s podcast, The Convex Conversation: Listen Here. https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-convex-conversation/id1510209575 Credits: True Criminals is produced by Audio Bleach Global. Visit www.audiobleachglobal.com/truecriminals for more information. Executive Producer: Lee Mann Producer: Russell Barnes Audio Production: Andrew Chappell Music Composition: Chap Mannequin Artwork: Bleached Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Easter 2015: While London slept, a geriatric gang of thieves, armed with drills and decades of criminal audacity, ransacked the Hatton Garden Safe Deposit Centre, making off with over £14 million in jewels and gold. But their old-school methods collided spectacularly with the digital age, leading to their swift capture. In this gripping second part of "The Diamond Wheezers," join Sky News Crime Correspondent Martin Brunt and journalist Helen Fospero as they delve into Martin's unprecedented correspondence with one of the key players: Danny Jones. Go beyond the headlines and into the mind of a "burnt-out burglar" who offers to return his share of the loot, leading to a bizarre and heavily armed police operation at a London cemetery. Uncover the dark humor, the surprising tenderness, and the audacious double-bluff that characterized Danny Jones's letters from behind bars. Did the police really refuse his offer? What was found buried beneath a memorial plaque? And what does Danny reveal about an alleged "inside job"? This episode explores the human side of the heist, the victims largely forgotten in the initial media frenzy, and the almost comical incompetence that brought down this "Dad's Army" of criminals. Was the Hatton Garden Heist truly the last hurrah for Britain's old-school villains in a rapidly changing world? ................................................. Shop Air Up here: Treat yourself or someone special to a refreshing twist with Air Up!  Enjoy 10% off your order using the code TRUECRIMINALS at ⁠airup.link/truecriminals⁠. Explore all their delicious flavours today. Share Your Thoughts and Questions: Connect with us via email at contact@audiobleachglobal.com. We’d love to hear from you! Follow Us: Instagram: @true.criminals Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@True-Criminals Support Us: If you love the podcast, consider supporting us on Patreon for exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/c/TrueCriminals 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 Helen Fospero: Instagram: @helenfospero Check out Helen’s podcast, The Convex Conversation: Listen Here. https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-convex-conversation/id1510209575 Credits: True Criminals is produced by Audio Bleach Global. Visit www.audiobleachglobal.com/truecriminals for more information. Executive Producer: Lee Mann Producer: Russell Barnes Audio Production: Andrew Chappell Music Composition: Chap Mannequin Artwork: Bleached Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

"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 Available Here ................................................. Shop Air Up here: Treat yourself or someone special to a refreshing twist with Air Up!  Enjoy 10% off your order using the code TRUECRIMINALS at ⁠airup.link/truecriminals⁠. Explore all their delicious flavours today. Share Your Thoughts and Questions: Connect with us via email at contact@audiobleachglobal.com. We’d love to hear from you! Follow Us: Instagram: @true.criminals Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@True-Criminals Support Us: If you love the podcast, consider supporting us on Patreon for exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/c/TrueCriminals 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 Helen Fospero: Instagram: @helenfospero Check out Helen’s podcast, The Convex Conversation: Listen Here. https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-convex-conversation/id1510209575 Credits: True Criminals is produced by Audio Bleach Global. Visit www.audiobleachglobal.com/truecriminals for more information. Executive Producer: Lee Mann Producer: Russell Barnes Audio Production: Andrew Chappell Music Composition: Chap Mannequin Artwork: Bleached Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. ................................................. Shop Air Up here: Treat yourself or someone special to a refreshing twist with Air Up!  Enjoy 10% off your order using the code TRUECRIMINALS at ⁠airup.link/truecriminals⁠. Explore all their delicious flavours today. Share Your Thoughts and Questions: Connect with us via email at contact@audiobleachglobal.com. We’d love to hear from you! Follow Us: Instagram: @true.criminals Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@True-Criminals Support Us: If you love the podcast, consider supporting us on Patreon for exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/c/TrueCriminals 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 Helen Fospero: Instagram: @helenfospero Check out Helen’s podcast, The Convex Conversation: Listen Here. https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-convex-conversation/id1510209575 Credits: True Criminals is produced by Audio Bleach Global. Visit www.audiobleachglobal.com/truecriminals for more information. Executive Producer: Lee Mann Producer: Russell Barnes Audio Production: Andrew Chappell Music Composition: Chap Mannequin Artwork: Bleached Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. #CharlesBronson #BronsonPodcast #TrueCrimeUK #MartinBrunt #PrisonSystem #SolitaryConfinement #BritishCrime #TomHardyBronson #ParoleBattle #InfamousInmates #TrueCriminalsPodcast #UKCrime #CriminalPsychology #NotoriousPrisoner #BronsonUncovered #DrBobJohnson #PrisonViolence #JusticeSystem #CrimePodcast ................................................. Shop Air Up here: Treat yourself or someone special to a refreshing twist with Air Up!  Enjoy 10% off your order using the code TRUECRIMINALS at ⁠airup.link/truecriminals⁠. Explore all their delicious flavours today. Share Your Thoughts and Questions: Connect with us via email at contact@audiobleachglobal.com. We’d love to hear from you! Follow Us: Instagram: @true.criminals Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@True-Criminals Support Us: If you love the podcast, consider supporting us on Patreon for exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/c/TrueCriminals 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 Helen Fospero: Instagram: @helenfospero Check out Helen’s podcast, The Convex Conversation: Listen Here. https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-convex-conversation/id1510209575 Credits: True Criminals is produced by Audio Bleach Global. Visit www.audiobleachglobal.com/truecriminals for more information. Executive Producer: Lee Mann Producer: Russell Barnes Audio Production: Andrew Chappell Music Composition: Chap Mannequin Artwork: Bleached Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. #SouthportMurders #AxelRudakubana #TrueCrime #YouthViolence #PreventProgram #KevinHurley #KnifeCrime #PublicOrder #SouthportTragedy #MentalHealth #UKCrime #SystemicFailures #CrimePodcast If you found this case compelling, be sure to check out: The Southport Murders: Part 1 - Taylor Swift Party Turns to Tragedy The Killing of Jill Dando The Sarah Payne Case The Manchester Arena Bombing ................................................. Shop Air Up here: Treat yourself or someone special to a refreshing twist with Air Up!  Enjoy 10% off your order using the code TRUECRIMINALS at ⁠airup.link/truecriminals⁠. Explore all their delicious flavours today. Share Your Thoughts and Questions: Connect with us via email at contact@audiobleachglobal.com. We’d love to hear from you! Follow Us: Instagram: @true.criminals Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@True-Criminals Support Us: If you love the podcast, consider supporting us on Patreon for exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/c/TrueCriminals 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 Helen Fospero: Instagram: @helenfospero Check out Helen’s podcast, The Convex Conversation: Listen Here. https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-convex-conversation/id1510209575 Credits: True Criminals is produced by Audio Bleach Global. Visit www.audiobleachglobal.com/truecriminals for more information. Executive Producer: Lee Mann Producer: Russell Barnes Audio Production: Andrew Chappell Music Composition: Chap Mannequin Artwork: Bleached Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. #SouthportMurders #TrueCrimePodcast #KnifeCrimeUK #AxelRudakubana #TaylorSwiftClubAttack #ChildVictims #UKCrime #TrueCriminals #YouthViolence #MassAttack If this case gripped you, also listen to: The Manchester Arena Bombing The Killing of Lee Rigby Children Who Kill The Dunblane Massacre Knife Crime in Britain: A Nation on Edge ................................................. Shop Air Up here: Treat yourself or someone special to a refreshing twist with Air Up!  Enjoy 10% off your order using the code TRUECRIMINALS at ⁠airup.link/truecriminals⁠. Explore all their delicious flavours today. Share Your Thoughts and Questions: Connect with us via email at contact@audiobleachglobal.com. We’d love to hear from you! Follow Us: Instagram: @true.criminals Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@True-Criminals Support Us: If you love the podcast, consider supporting us on Patreon for exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/c/TrueCriminals 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 Helen Fospero: Instagram: @helenfospero Check out Helen’s podcast, The Convex Conversation: Listen Here. https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-convex-conversation/id1510209575 Credits: True Criminals is produced by Audio Bleach Global. Visit www.audiobleachglobal.com/truecriminals for more information. Executive Producer: Lee Mann Producer: Russell Barnes Audio Production: Andrew Chappell Music Composition: Chap Mannequin Artwork: Bleached Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this special True Criminals Briefing episode, we bring you the latest updates on the ongoing mystery of Madeleine McCann, one of the world’s most haunting and unsolved missing persons cases. Martin and Helen discuss Martin’s recent trip to Portugal with Sky News. He shares new insights into the Madeleine McCann case, examining the release of prime suspect Christian Brueckner, the evidence prosecutors insist exists but cannot present in court, and the resurfacing of long-abandoned theories. From the troubling allegations against Christian Brueckner, to the controversial idea that Madeleine may have wandered from her family’s holiday apartment in Praia da Luz, this episode explores frustrating dead ends, circumstantial clues, and the lasting impact on both the McCann family and the local community. We discuss: Why German prosecutors insist Christian Brueckner, is guilty but still can’t charge him The theory of a cover-up involving a hit-and-run accident in Portugal How locals in Praia da Luz feel about the continued spotlight on their village The cultural divide fuelling harsh opinions of the McCanns What might come next in the investigation 18 years later, the Madeleine McCann case remains one of the most talked-about true crime mysteries worldwide. Join us as we dissect the latest developments, explore unanswered questions, and consider where the investigation could go next. 👉 Subscribe to True Criminals for more investigative deep dives and breaking updates on the world’s most compelling unsolved cases. If you'd like to listen to this episode ad-free, along with our entire back catalogue, which includes a True Criminals coffee mug, please visit our Patreon page: www.patreon.com/truecriminals As an independent podcast, we rely on listener support. If you’d like to help, you can donate via our PayPal link: PayPal ................................................. Shop Air Up here: Treat yourself or someone special to a refreshing twist with Air Up!  Enjoy 10% off your order using the code TRUECRIMINALS at ⁠airup.link/truecriminals⁠. Explore all their delicious flavours today. Follow us: Instagram: @true.criminals Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@True-Criminals 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 Helen Fospero: Instagram: @helenfospero Check out Helen’s podcast, The Convex Conversation: Listen Here. https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-convex-conversation/id1510209575 Credits: True Criminals is produced by Audio Bleach Global. Visit www.audiobleachglobal.com/truecriminals for more information. Executive Producer: Lee Mann Producer: Russell Barnes Audio Production: Andrew Chappell Music Composition: Chap Mannequin Artwork: Bleached Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. #SarahPayne #SarahsLaw #TrueCrimePodcast #JusticeForSarah #UKCrime #ChildSafety #RoyWhiting #ForensicBreakthrough #TrueCriminals #BritishJustice If this episode moved you, also try: Murdered By My Father The Disappearance of Shannon Matthews Baby P: The Untold Story The Moors Murders Justice for James: The James Bulger Case ................................................. Shop Air Up here: Treat yourself or someone special to a refreshing twist with Air Up!  Enjoy 10% off your order using the code TRUECRIMINALS at ⁠airup.link/truecriminals⁠. Explore all their delicious flavours today. Share Your Thoughts and Questions: Connect with us via email at contact@audiobleachglobal.com. We’d love to hear from you! Follow Us: Instagram: @true.criminals Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@True-Criminals Support Us: If you love the podcast, consider supporting us on Patreon for exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/c/TrueCriminals 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 Helen Fospero: Instagram: @helenfospero Check out Helen’s podcast, The Convex Conversation: Listen Here. https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-convex-conversation/id1510209575 Credits: True Criminals is produced by Audio Bleach Global. Visit www.audiobleachglobal.com/truecriminals for more information. Executive Producer: Lee Mann Producer: Russell Barnes Audio Production: Andrew Chappell Music Composition: Chap Mannequin Artwork: Bleached Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 ................................................. Shop Air Up here: Treat yourself or someone special to a refreshing twist with Air Up!  Enjoy 10% off your order using the code TRUECRIMINALS at ⁠airup.link/truecriminals⁠. Explore all their delicious flavours today. Share Your Thoughts and Questions: Connect with us via email at contact@audiobleachglobal.com. We’d love to hear from you! Follow Us: Instagram: @true.criminals Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@True-Criminals Support Us: If you love the podcast, consider supporting us on Patreon for exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/c/TrueCriminals 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 Helen Fospero: Instagram: @helenfospero Check out Helen’s podcast, The Convex Conversation: Listen Here. https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-convex-conversation/id1510209575 Credits: True Criminals is produced by Audio Bleach Global. Visit www.audiobleachglobal.com/truecriminals for more information. Executive Producer: Lee Mann Producer: Russell Barnes Audio Production: Andrew Chappell Music Composition: Chap Mannequin Artwork: Bleached Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. #TorsoInTheThames #JusticeForAdam #TrueCrimePodcast #UKMurderMystery #UnsolvedCase #RitualKilling #ColdCaseUK #ForensicBreakthrough #NigeriaInvestigation #BritishCrime If this episode gripped you, check out: The Boy in the Cellar The Nobody Zone Casefile: Unknown Victim The Missing Cryptoqueen The Disappearance of Madeleine McCann ................................................. Shop Air Up here: Treat yourself or someone special to a refreshing twist with Air Up!  Enjoy 10% off your order using the code TRUECRIMINALS at ⁠airup.link/truecriminals⁠. Explore all their delicious flavours today. Share Your Thoughts and Questions: Connect with us via email at contact@audiobleachglobal.com. We’d love to hear from you! Follow Us: Instagram: @true.criminals Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@True-Criminals Support Us: If you love the podcast, consider supporting us on Patreon for exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/c/TrueCriminals 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 Helen Fospero: Instagram: @helenfospero Check out Helen’s podcast, The Convex Conversation: Listen Here. https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-convex-conversation/id1510209575 Credits: True Criminals is produced by Audio Bleach Global. Visit www.audiobleachglobal.com/truecriminals for more information. Executive Producer: Lee Mann Producer: Russell Barnes Audio Production: Andrew Chappell Music Composition: Chap Mannequin Artwork: Bleached Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On September 21, 2001, a horrifying discovery was made in London’s River Thames—the torso of a young African boy, dismembered and stripped of identity. The case was chilling, and what followed was one of the most disturbing and complex international investigations in British history. The victim, named Adam by investigators, appeared to be the subject of a ritualistic killing. With no immediate leads, detectives turned to African communities and cultural experts for answers. In April 2002, the investigation took an extraordinary turn when Police Commander Andy Baker and his team traveled to South Africa. There, former President Nelson Mandela issued a public plea for information in a desperate effort to uncover the truth. The search for answers led the team into the dark world of ritual sacrifice and spiritual belief systems, even consulting a witch doctor to understand the potential motives behind the crime. In Torso in the Thames (Part 1), Martin and Helen trace the origins of the investigation, the shocking cultural dimensions of the case, and the global manhunt for a name, a motive, and ultimately, justice. #TorsoInTheThames #TrueCrimePodcast #UKCrime #UnsolvedMurder #RitualKilling #ColdCase #ChildVictim #JusticeForAdam #BritishCrime #CrimeInvestigation If you found this episode compelling, try: The Butcher of Delicias The Boy in the Suitcase Unheard: The Fred & Rose West Tapes Shreds: Murder in the Dock The Nobody Zone ................................................. Shop Air Up here: Treat yourself or someone special to a refreshing twist with Air Up!  Enjoy 10% off your order using the code TRUECRIMINALS at ⁠airup.link/truecriminals⁠. Explore all their delicious flavours today. Share Your Thoughts and Questions: Connect with us via email at contact@audiobleachglobal.com. We’d love to hear from you! Follow Us: Instagram: @true.criminals Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@True-Criminals Support Us: If you love the podcast, consider supporting us on Patreon for exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/c/TrueCriminals 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 Helen Fospero: Instagram: @helenfospero Check out Helen’s podcast, The Convex Conversation: Listen Here. https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-convex-conversation/id1510209575 Credits: True Criminals is produced by Audio Bleach Global. Visit www.audiobleachglobal.com/truecriminals for more information. Executive Producer: Lee Mann Producer: Russell Barnes Audio Production: Andrew Chappell Music Composition: Chap Mannequin Artwork: Bleached Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Who really killed Jill Dando? In this gripping conclusion to our two-part true crime series, Sky News Crime Correspondent Martin Brunt, journalist Helen Fospero, and Detective Chief Inspector Hamish Campbell revisit the most controversial and puzzling elements of the case. This episode takes a deep dive into Barry George—the man once convicted of Jill Dando’s murder, only to be acquitted years later. We re-examine the flawed evidence, the intense media scrutiny, and the legal battle that led to his release. But did the justice system get it right? Or did the real killer slip through the cracks? Beyond George, we explore alternate theories that continue to capture public imagination: Was Jill Dando the target of a professional hit? Could this have been a case of mistaken identity? Or was it a personal grudge with deadly consequences? With fresh insight from those closest to the investigation, we unravel the contradictions, cover the lasting impact, and ask the hard questions that still remain unanswered over two decades later. This is not just a cold case—it's a national obsession. Subscribe now and be part of the conversation. If you liked this episode, try: The Lazarus Heist Who Killed Jill Dando? (Netflix) Hunting Warhead The Trials of Frank Carson West Cork ................................................. Shop Air Up here: Treat yourself or someone special to a refreshing twist with Air Up!  Enjoy 10% off your order using the code TRUECRIMINALS at ⁠airup.link/truecriminals⁠. Explore all their delicious flavours today. Share Your Thoughts and Questions: Connect with us via email at contact@audiobleachglobal.com. We’d love to hear from you! Follow Us: Instagram: @true.criminals Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@True-Criminals Support Us: If you love the podcast, consider supporting us on Patreon for exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/c/TrueCriminals 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 Helen Fospero: Instagram: @helenfospero Check out Helen’s podcast, The Convex Conversation: Listen Here. https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-convex-conversation/id1510209575 Credits: True Criminals is produced by Audio Bleach Global. Visit www.audiobleachglobal.com/truecriminals for more information. Executive Producer: Lee Mann Producer: Russell Barnes Audio Production: Andrew Chappell Music Composition: Chap Mannequin Artwork: Bleached Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The murder of Jill Dando shocked the UK—this true crime podcast revisits the unsolved case that continues to baffle investigators. In Part 1 of our gripping two-part series, we explore the 1999 killing of BBC Crimewatch presenter and national treasure, Jill Dando, who was shot outside her home in a crime that stunned the nation. Despite one of the largest homicide investigations in British history, the case remains unsolved. Host and Sky News Crime Correspondant, Martin Brunt, the first journalist on the scene, recounts the moment he broke the tragic news to the public. He’s joined by Helen Fospero and Detective Chief Inspector Hamish Campbell of the original “Dando Squad,” to examine the earliest days of the investigation. Why did police focus on Barry George as the prime suspect? What clues were missed? And why, decades later, does this case still leave so many questions unanswered? This episode lays the foundation for a story of twists, controversy, and a justice system under the microscope. Stay tuned for Part 2, where we dig deeper into the theories, the fallout, and the search for the truth. 👉 Subscribe now to follow the full story. ................................................. Shop Air Up here: Treat yourself or someone special to a refreshing twist with Air Up!  Enjoy 10% off your order using the code TRUECRIMINALS at ⁠airup.link/truecriminals⁠. Explore all their delicious flavours today. If you liked this episode, try: Death of a Star: The Jill Dando Murder Mystery The Teacher’s Pet Who Killed Daphne? Beyond Reasonable Doubt The Doorstep Murder ............................ Share Your Thoughts and Questions: Connect with us via email at contact@audiobleachglobal.com. We’d love to hear from you! Follow Us: Instagram: @true.criminals Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@True-Criminals Support Us: If you love the podcast, consider supporting us on Patreon for exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/c/TrueCriminals 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 Helen Fospero: Instagram: @helenfospero Check out Helen’s podcast, The Convex Conversation: Listen Here. https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-convex-conversation/id1510209575 Credits: True Criminals is produced by Audio Bleach Global. Visit www.audiobleachglobal.com/truecriminals for more information. Executive Producer: Lee Mann Producer: Russell Barnes Audio Production: Andrew Chappell Music Composition: Chap Mannequin Artwork: Bleached Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The final chapter in the Mark Acklom saga—global fraud, romance scams, and justice. Carolyn Woods and Martin Brunt reveal how a master manipulator was caught. In the gripping conclusion to our two-part true crime mini-series, Sleeping With a Psychopath, journalist Helen Fosperoand Sky News Crime Correspondent Martin Brunt uncover the global trail of deceit left by one of the UK’s most notorious conmen—Mark Acklom. From defrauding Carolyn Woods out of £850,000 to orchestrating sophisticated scams across Spain, Italy, and Switzerland, Acklom’s criminal career is a chilling example of calculated deception and psychological manipulation on an international scale. Martin Brunt recounts his tense and revealing prison meeting with Acklom, shedding light on the fraudster’s unsettling persona. The episode also unravels how Acklom operated under a web of false identities and aliases, and how a complex, multi-country investigation finally led to his extradition and prosecution in the UK. We hear again from Carolyn Woods, who reflects on her harrowing experience and how she teamed up with Brunt—and a mysterious internet sleuth known only as “Charlie’s Angel”—to help bring Acklom to justice. This episode is a must-listen for anyone fascinated by romance scams, identity fraud, and international true crime investigations. If you’re a fan of The Tinder Swindler, Dirty John, Love Fraud, The Puppet Master, or Inventing Anna, don’t miss this shocking final chapter in a story of love, betrayal, and relentless pursuit of justice. Want to read Carolyn’s full story? Grab a copy of her Sunday Times Top Ten Bestseller, Sleeping with a Psychopath: A real-life psychological crime thriller, available now on Amazon: 👉 Sleeping with a Psychopath ................................................. Shop Air Up here: Treat yourself or someone special to a refreshing twist with Air Up!  Enjoy 10% off your order using the code TRUECRIMINALS at ⁠airup.link/truecriminals⁠. Explore all their delicious flavours today. Share Your Thoughts and Questions: Connect with us via email at contact@audiobleachglobal.com. We’d love to hear from you! Follow Us: Instagram: @true.criminals Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@True-Criminals Support Us: If you love the podcast, consider supporting us on Patreon for exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/c/TrueCriminals 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 Helen Fospero: Instagram: @helenfospero Check out Helen’s podcast, The Convex Conversation: Listen Here. https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-convex-conversation/id1510209575 Credits: True Criminals is produced by Audio Bleach Global. Visit www.audiobleachglobal.com/truecriminals for more information. Executive Producer: Lee Mann Producer: Russell Barnes Audio Production: Andrew Chappell Music Composition: Chap Mannequin Artwork: Bleached Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Carolyn Woods shares how serial conman Mark Acklom posed as an MI6 agent and stole her life savings. A gripping true story of deception, love, and betrayal. In Part 1 of our two-part series, we delve into the jaw-dropping true story of Mark Acklom—a manipulative conman who deceived and defrauded Carolyn Woods out of £850,000 by posing as a charming MI6 agent and successful businessman. Based on Carolyn’s book Sleeping With a Psychopath, this episode explores the early stages of their relationship and the psychological tactics Acklom used to create trust, dependency, and urgency. With incredible detail, Carolyn shares how she was swept into a whirlwind romance that quickly turned into a sophisticated financial and emotional trap. Join us as we examine how love, lies, and manipulation collided in one of the UK’s most disturbing cases of romance fraud. Part 1 reveals the warning signs, red flags, and methods used by one of Britain’s most notorious serial conmen. For fans of The Tinder Swindler, Dirty John, The Puppet Master, and Love Fraud, this is a must-listen. Want to read Carolyn’s full story? Grab a copy of her Sunday Times Top Ten Bestseller, Sleeping with a Psychopath: A real-life psychological crime thriller, available now on Amazon: 👉 Sleeping with a Psychopath ................................................. Shop Air Up here: Treat yourself or someone special to a refreshing twist with Air Up!  Enjoy 10% off your order using the code TRUECRIMINALS at ⁠airup.link/truecriminals⁠. Explore all their delicious flavours today. Share Your Thoughts and Questions: Connect with us via email at contact@audiobleachglobal.com. We’d love to hear from you! Follow Us: Instagram: @true.criminals Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@True-Criminals Support Us: If you love the podcast, consider supporting us on Patreon for exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/c/TrueCriminals 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 Helen Fospero: Instagram: @helenfospero Check out Helen’s podcast, The Convex Conversation: Listen Here. https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-convex-conversation/id1510209575 Credits: True Criminals is produced by Audio Bleach Global. Visit www.audiobleachglobal.com/truecriminals for more information. Executive Producer: Lee Mann Producer: Russell Barnes Audio Production: Andrew Chappell Music Composition: Chap Mannequin Artwork: Bleached Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In case you didn't know, Helen hosts her own podcast, The Convex Conversation, where she interviews some of the world's most inspiring figures—including record-breaking athletes, explorers, royalty, scientists, and inventors. Before joining True Criminals, Helen had the opportunity to interview Martin about his remarkable career and his book, No One Got Cracked Over the Head for No Reason: Dispatches from a Crime Reporter. In their conversation, Martin shares gripping stories about his interactions with notorious figures like violent prisoner Charles Bronson, recounts an unexpected encounter with his music idol Sir Paul McCartney, and explores the nation’s unquenchable fascination with crime—both real and fictional. He also reveals how his interest in Valerio Viccei, the charismatic Italian mastermind behind Britain’s largest jewelry heist, led to a chilling death threat. ................................................. Shop Air Up here: Treat yourself or someone special to a refreshing twist with Air Up!  Enjoy 10% off your order using the code TRUECRIMINALS at ⁠airup.link/truecriminals⁠. Explore all their delicious flavours today. Share your thoughts and questions by emailing contact@audiobleachglobal.com.  Connect with us:  Instagram @true.criminals 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  Available Here Connect with Helen Fospero: Instagram: @helenfospero  Check out Helen’s podcast, The Convex Conversation:  Listen Here Credits:  True Criminals is produced by Audio Bleach Global.  Visit www.audiobleachglobal.com/truecriminals for more information.  Executive Producer: Lee Mann Producer: Russell Barnes  Audio Production: Andrew Chappell Music  Composition: Chap Mannequin  Artwork: Bleached   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the thrilling conclusion to our two-part series on the infamous Knightsbridge Heist, we unveil the shocking truth behind the world’s largest robbery through an exclusive interview with Valerio Viccei—the criminal mastermind himself. Join Sky News’ Martin Brunt as he recounts his pivotal trip to Italy, where he met Viccei for the first time and crossed paths with Detective Dick Leach, the man who played a crucial role in bringing the mastermind to justice. This powerful encounter would forever alter their views on the audacious man behind one of history's most daring heists. A tale of ambition, recklessness, and the devastating cost of living on the edge, this is a story you won't want to miss. Don’t miss the thrilling finale to the Knightsbridge Heist saga as we dive deep into the high-stakes world of criminal masterminds and the relentless pursuit of justice. For fans of The Great Robbery of Brazil's Central Bank, How to Rob a Bank, The Masked Scammer, Cocaine Cowboys: The Kings of Miami, Big Mäck: Gangsters and Gold, Shiny_Flakes: The Teenage Drug Lord, Illusions for Sale: The Rise and Fall of Generation Zoe, and Vjeran Tomic: The Spider-Man of Paris. ................................................. Shop Air Up here: Treat yourself or someone special to a refreshing twist with Air Up!  Enjoy 10% off your order using the code TRUECRIMINALS at ⁠airup.link/truecriminals⁠. Explore all their delicious flavours today. Share Your Thoughts and Questions: Connect with us via email at contact@audiobleachglobal.com. We’d love to hear from you! Follow Us: Instagram: @true.criminals Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@True-Criminals Support Us: If you love the podcast, consider supporting us on Patreon for exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/c/TrueCriminals 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 Helen Fospero: Instagram: @helenfospero Check out Helen’s podcast, The Convex Conversation: Listen Here. https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-convex-conversation/id1510209575 Credits: True Criminals is produced by Audio Bleach Global. Visit www.audiobleachglobal.com/truecriminals for more information. Executive Producer: Lee Mann Producer: Russell Barnes Audio Production: Andrew Chappell Music Composition: Chap Mannequin Artwork: Bleached Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on True Criminals, hosted by Sky News Crime Correspondent Martin Brunt and Journalist Helen Fospero, we investigate one of Britain’s most notorious fugitives, Kevin Parle. Parle, also known as “Hemp,” is wanted by police for two brutal murders in Liverpool: the 2004 shooting of 16-year-old Liam Kelly and the 2005 killing of young mother Lucy Hargreaves. For more than 20 years, Kevin Parle has been on the run — making him one of the UK’s most wanted men, with international appeals, renewed rewards, and alleged sightings stretching from Spain’s Costa del Sol to Dubai and Australia. Joining us in the studio is Peter Bleksley, former Scotland Yard undercover detective turned author, broadcaster and investigator. Bleksley is best known for hosting the BBC Sounds podcast Manhunt: Finding Kevin Parle, and for writing the acclaimed book Manhunt: Hunting Britain’s Most Wanted Murderer. He has spent years tracking Parle across continents, piecing together fresh leads and uncovering hidden truths about the fugitive’s network. In this episode, Peter shares what drives him to keep chasing Britain’s most wanted criminal, the dangers he has faced in his personal manhunt, and the latest developments in the search for Kevin Parle. Surfshark VPN: https://surfshark.com/truecriminals or use code TRUECRIMINALS at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN Kevins Book: Manhunt: Hunting Britain's Most Wanted Murderer Available here: https://amzn.eu/d/1y01Opy If you'd like to listen to this episode ad-free, along with our entire back catalogue, which includes a True Criminals coffee mug, please visit our Patreon page: www.patreon.com/truecriminals As an independent podcast, we rely on listener support. If you’d like to help, you can donate via our PayPal link: PayPal ............................ Follow us: Instagram: @true.criminals Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@True-Criminals 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 Helen Fospero: Instagram: @helenfospero Check out Helen’s podcast, The Convex Conversation: Listen Here. https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-convex-conversation/id1510209575 Credits: True Criminals is produced by Audio Bleach Global. Visit www.audiobleachglobal.com/truecriminals for more information. Executive Producer: Lee Mann Producer: Russell Barnes Audio Production: Andrew Chappell Music Composition: Chap Mannequin Artwork: Bleached Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Discover the shocking details of the Knightsbridge Heist from 1987, one of the world’s largest robberies. Join Martin Brunt, Helen Fospero, and Dick Leach as they reveal how Valerio Viccei's £60 million heist was foiled. Exclusive insights and true crime storytelling await in this first part of our double episode. On July 12, 1987, one of the world’s largest robberies took place at the Knightsbridge Safe Deposit Centre in London. Led by the notorious Valerio Viccei, his criminal crew managed to steal an estimated £60 million, making it one of the most audacious heists in history. Known for his dangerous past and playboy lifestyle, Viccei left behind a bloody fingerprint that eventually led to his capture. In the first part of our "True Criminals" double episode on the Knightsbridge Heist, crime expert Martin Brunt from Sky News and seasoned journalist Helen Fospero sit down with Dick Leach, the detective who played a pivotal role in bringing the mastermind Valerio Viccei to justice. Listen as they discuss the investigation, hear exclusive insights from Dick Leach, and learn how this daring heist was eventually unraveled. Tune in to this gripping true crime story and discover the secrets behind one of the UK's most infamous robberies. ................................................. Shop Air Up here: Treat yourself or someone special to a refreshing twist with Air Up!  Enjoy 10% off your order using the code TRUECRIMINALS at ⁠airup.link/truecriminals⁠. Explore all their delicious flavours today. Share Your Thoughts and Questions: Connect with us via email at contact@audiobleachglobal.com. We’d love to hear from you! Follow Us: Instagram: @true.criminals Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@True-Criminals Support Us: If you love the podcast, consider supporting us on Patreon for exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/c/TrueCriminals 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 Helen Fospero: Instagram: @helenfospero Check out Helen’s podcast, The Convex Conversation: Listen Here. https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-convex-conversation/id1510209575 Credits: True Criminals is produced by Audio Bleach Global. Visit www.audiobleachglobal.com/truecriminals for more information. Executive Producer: Lee Mann Producer: Russell Barnes Audio Production: Andrew Chappell Music Composition: Chap Mannequin Artwork: Bleached Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In Part 3 of True Criminals, Martin Brunt and Helen Fospero delve into the chilling consequences of online trollingand media pressure in the Madeleine McCann case. The episode explores how digital abuse, public scrutiny, and media sensationalism escalated to tragic outcomes, culminating in the heartbreaking death of Brenda Leyland. This raises critical questions about the responsibility of both media and digital platforms in perpetuating online hate. In this compelling conclusion to Madeleine McCann: Disappeared, True Criminals shifts focus from the physical search to the psychological and digital landscape that followed. Hosted by Sky News Crime Correspondent Martin Brunt and veteran journalist Helen Fospero, the episode unravels the profound toll of online harassment on the McCann family and the role the media played in exacerbating public outrage and misinformation. Part 3: Trolls centers on the tragic story of Brenda Leyland, a Twitter user who became notorious for spreading conspiracy theories about the McCanns. After being confronted by Martin Brunt in a Sky News interview, Leyland tragically took her own life. This devastating incident highlights the dark side of digital platforms and ignites a wider conversation about media ethics, mental health, and the consequences of online hate. Martin Brunt offers rare, deeply personal reflections on the impact of this tragedy—on both the individuals involved and the media landscape at large. He also addresses the ethical dilemmas journalists face when navigating the digital age. For fans of The Disappearance of Madeleine McCann (Netflix), The Missing, and Crime Junkie, this episode provides a sobering examination of how true crime obsession and digital trolling collide, with devastating consequences for real people. ................................................. Shop Air Up here: Treat yourself or someone special to a refreshing twist with Air Up!  Enjoy 10% off your order using the code TRUECRIMINALS at ⁠airup.link/truecriminals⁠. Explore all their delicious flavours today. Share Your Thoughts and Questions: Connect with us via email at contact@audiobleachglobal.com. We’d love to hear from you! Follow Us: Instagram: @true.criminals Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@True-Criminals Support Us: If you love the podcast, consider supporting us on Patreon for exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/c/TrueCriminals 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 Helen Fospero: Instagram: @helenfospero Check out Helen’s podcast, The Convex Conversation: Listen Here. https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-convex-conversation/id1510209575 Credits: True Criminals is produced by Audio Bleach Global. Visit www.audiobleachglobal.com/truecriminals for more information. Executive Producer: Lee Mann Producer: Russell Barnes Audio Production: Andrew Chappell Music Composition: Chap Mannequin Artwork: Bleached Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In Part 2 of Madeleine McCann: Disappeared, True Criminals takes you deeper into one of the most infamous missing persons cases of the 21st century. Hosts Martin Brunt and Helen Fospero speak with Jim Gamble, former head of the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP) and the architect of the 2010 review that led to Operation Grange—the official UK investigation into Madeleine McCann’s disappearance. In this exclusive interview, Gamble reveals why he never considered Kate and Gerry McCann suspects, highlights the early missteps that compromised the case, and explores the lasting damage caused by media speculation and online misinformation. He also discusses the current investigation into Christian Brueckner, the main suspect, and outlines what still needs to happen to bring the case closer to resolution. Seventeen years on, the disappearance of Madeleine McCann continues to spark global fascination, frustration, and heartbreak. This episode offers rare behind-the-scenes insight from one of the UK’s leading experts in child protection and missing persons cases. For fans of Netflix - The Disappearance of Madeleine McCann, The Missing, and Crime Junkie, this is essential true crime listening. #MadeleineMcCann #OperationGrange #JimGamble #CEOP #TrueCrimePodcast #UKTrueCrime #ChildAbduction #MissingPersons #MartinBrunt #HelenFospero #TrueCriminals #DisappearanceOfMadeleineMcCann #CrimeInvestigation #NetflixDocumentary #UnsolvedMystery ................................................. Shop Air Up here: Treat yourself or someone special to a refreshing twist with Air Up!  Enjoy 10% off your order using the code TRUECRIMINALS at ⁠airup.link/truecriminals⁠. Explore all their delicious flavours today. Share Your Thoughts and Questions: Connect with us via email at contact@audiobleachglobal.com. We’d love to hear from you! Follow Us: Instagram: @true.criminals Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@True-Criminals Support Us: If you love the podcast, consider supporting us on Patreon for exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/c/TrueCriminals 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 Helen Fospero: Instagram: @helenfospero Check out Helen’s podcast, The Convex Conversation: Listen Here. https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-convex-conversation/id1510209575 Credits: True Criminals is produced by Audio Bleach Global. Visit www.audiobleachglobal.com/truecriminals for more information. Executive Producer: Lee Mann Producer: Russell Barnes Audio Production: Andrew Chappell Music Composition: Chap Mannequin Artwork: Bleached Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In Part 1 of Madeleine McCann: Disappeared, True Criminals investigates the shocking disappearance of three-year-old Madeleine McCann in 2007—one of the most infamous child abduction cases of the 21st century. Join Sky News Crime Correspondent Martin Brunt and veteran journalist Helen Fospero as they explore the media frenzy, investigative flaws, and unanswered questions that have haunted the world for over 15 years. On the night of May 3, 2007, Madeleine vanished from her family’s holiday apartment in Praia da Luz, Portugal. While her parents, Kate and Gerry McCann, dined nearby with friends, the moment Kate realized her daughter was missing ignited a global search, sparking one of the most high-profile missing persons investigations in history. In this opening episode, Martin Brunt, who arrived just days after the case broke, offers a unique insider perspective on the chaotic early days of the investigation. He recounts behind-the-scenes interactions with Portuguese authorities, the role of the media, and how the global media storm shaped public perception and influenced the direction of the search. This episode also delves into how missteps in the investigation and the media coverage fueled global speculation, leaving the case shrouded in mystery. Despite years of investigation, Madeleine's disappearance remains one of the most haunting unsolved child abduction mysteries. 🔍 For fans of Netflix’s The Disappearance of Madeleine McCann, The Missing, and Cold Case Files, this episode is a must-listen as we begin the deep dive into this unforgettable true crime case. Don’t miss Part 2, where we’ll be joined by Jim Gamble, former head of the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP), and the architect of the 2010 review that led to Operation Grange. We will dive deeper into investigative missteps, CEOP’s role, and the ongoing search for Madeleine McCann. #MadeleineMcCann #TrueCrime #MissingChild #Abduction #CrimeInvestigation #MissingPersons #UnsolvedMystery #MadeleineMcCannCase #MediaFrenzy #TrueCrimePodcast #PraiaDaLuz #InvestigationReport #SkyNewsCrime #KateAndGerryMcCann #ChildAbduction #TrueCrimeStory #GerryMcCann #CEOP #OperationGrange ................................................. Shop Air Up here: Treat yourself or someone special to a refreshing twist with Air Up!  Enjoy 10% off your order using the code TRUECRIMINALS at ⁠airup.link/truecriminals⁠. Explore all their delicious flavours today. Share Your Thoughts and Questions: Connect with us via email at contact@audiobleachglobal.com. We’d love to hear from you! Follow Us: Instagram: @true.criminals Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@True-Criminals Support Us: If you love the podcast, consider supporting us on Patreon for exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/c/TrueCriminals 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 Helen Fospero: Instagram: @helenfospero Check out Helen’s podcast, The Convex Conversation: Listen Here. https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-convex-conversation/id1510209575 Credits: True Criminals is produced by Audio Bleach Global. Visit www.audiobleachglobal.com/truecriminals for more information. Executive Producer: Lee Mann Producer: Russell Barnes Audio Production: Andrew Chappell Music Composition: Chap Mannequin Artwork: Bleached Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on True Criminals, join Sky News Crime Correspondent Martin Brunt and veteran journalist Helen Fospero as they investigate the chilling story that shocked Britain and changed child protection laws forever. In August 2002, the quiet town of Soham, Cambridgeshire, was thrust into the national spotlight when 10-year-old friends Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman vanished. What began as a desperate search soon turned into a chilling true crime case when the girls’ bodies were found—and the horrifying truth about their killer, Ian Huntley, was revealed. Ian Huntley, a school caretaker, had been hiding in plain sight. But what stunned the public even more was that his girlfriend, Maxine Carr, lied for him, providing a false alibi and fueling one of the most disturbing cover-ups in modern UK history. This case would later serve as a wake-up call for the UK’s vetting and child protection systems. This is not just a murder story—this is a case that exposed critical flaws in child safety systems, leading to significant changes in how the UK protects children, from improved background checks to new laws for those working with minors. 🔍 For fans of My Favourite Murder, Criminal, Crime Junkie, and The Murders of Rotherham, this gripping episode of True Criminals is a must-listen for anyone interested in unsolved crimes, child protection reform, and the dark side of human nature. ................................................. Shop Air Up here: Treat yourself or someone special to a refreshing twist with Air Up!  Enjoy 10% off your order using the code TRUECRIMINALS at ⁠airup.link/truecriminals⁠. Explore all their delicious flavours today. Share Your Thoughts and Questions: Connect with us via email at contact@audiobleachglobal.com. We’d love to hear from you! Follow Us: Instagram: @true.criminals Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@True-Criminals Support Us: If you love the podcast, consider supporting us on Patreon for exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/c/TrueCriminals 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 Helen Fospero: Instagram: @helenfospero Check out Helen’s podcast, The Convex Conversation: Listen Here. https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-convex-conversation/id1510209575 Credits: True Criminals is produced by Audio Bleach Global. Visit www.audiobleachglobal.com/truecriminals for more information. Executive Producer: Lee Mann Producer: Russell Barnes Audio Production: Andrew Chappell Music Composition: Chap Mannequin Artwork: Bleached Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

True Criminals reopens the shocking 1969 Muriel McKay case — a chilling kidnap and murder driven by mistaken identity. Martin Brunt and Helen Fospero investigate one of Britain’s most haunting true crime stories. True Criminals revisits the case that gripped Britain in horror — the 1969 kidnap and murder of Muriel McKay, a woman mistakenly believed to be Rupert Murdoch’s wife. Taken from her London home and held for ransom, Muriel’s tragic fate marked the first time someone in the UK was convicted of murder without a body being found. Sky News crime correspondent Martin Brunt and investigative journalist Helen Fospero dive into the murky details of this astonishing case of mistaken identity, media obsession, and family heartbreak. This gripping episode features exclusive access to Mark Dyer, Muriel’s grandson, who has spent decades fighting for the truth. Mark speaks candidly about his efforts to recover her remains — including working directly with one of the original kidnappers — and his emotional return to the Hertfordshire farm where his grandmother is believed to be buried. Brunt also shares insight from his own investigation, leading a new excavation in the hopes of finding answers half a century later. For fans of The Missing and They Walk Among Us. Subscribe now to True Criminals — the hit investigative podcast exposing the darkest corners of British crime. ................................................. Shop Air Up here: Treat yourself or someone special to a refreshing twist with Air Up!  Enjoy 10% off your order using the code TRUECRIMINALS at ⁠airup.link/truecriminals⁠. Explore all their delicious flavours today. Share Your Thoughts and Questions: Connect with us via email at contact@audiobleachglobal.com. We’d love to hear from you! Follow Us: Instagram: @true.criminals Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@True-Criminals Support Us: If you love the podcast, consider supporting us on Patreon for exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/c/TrueCriminals 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 Helen Fospero: Instagram: @helenfospero Check out Helen’s podcast, The Convex Conversation: Listen Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-convex-conversation/id1510209575 Credits: True Criminals is produced by Audio Bleach Global. Visit www.audiobleachglobal.com/truecriminals for more information. Executive Producer: Lee Mann Producer: Russell Barnes Audio Production: Andrew Chappell Music Composition: Chap Mannequin Artwork: Bleached Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

True Criminals concludes its two-part premiere with the shocking conclusion to the Fred and Rose West case. In Part 2, Martin Brunt and Helen Fospero are joined by journalist Howard Sounes to uncover the horrifying truth about the Wests' crimes, exploring the dark secrets and societal impact. Subscribe now! Welcome to the chilling conclusion of True Criminals’ explosive two-part premiere, diving deep into the gruesome crimes of Britain’s most infamous serial killers—Fred and Rose West. In this unmissable episode, hosts Martin Bruntand Helen Fospero are joined by acclaimed journalist and true crime author Howard Sounes, who broke the story that shocked the nation. Sounes, author of Fred & Rose: The Full Story of Fred and Rose West and the Gloucester House of Horrors, offers a rare, first-hand account of the moment the truth about 25 Cromwell Street was unearthed. He details the harrowing excavation that exposed a house of unimaginable horror and the dark secrets buried beneath. Together, Martin, Helen, and Howard explore the wider impact of the case—from critical failures in the criminal justice system to how the media shaped public perception of the Wests’ atrocities. This episode goes beyond the headlines, tackling the deeper psychological and societal implications of the Wests’ crimes—territory rarely explored by other true crime podcasts. With meticulous insight, Sounes traces the disturbing early lives of Fred and Rose West, offering context to the depravity that followed. His expert commentary brings new depth to one of the UK’s most disturbing true crime cases—a story that continues to fascinate and horrify audiences worldwide. For fans of Serial and My Favorite Murder, this episode dives deep into one of the UK's most disturbing true crime cases, offering fresh insights and expert analysis that will keep you captivated from start to finish. Want to learn more? Read Howard Sounes’ definitive book on the case here: Fred & Rose: The Full Story of Fred and Rose West and the Gloucester House of Horrors Amazon Link For Howard’s podcast on the Wests and the House of Horrors, listen here: Unheard: The Fred and Rose West Tapes Apple Podcasts Link Subscribe now to True Criminals on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform—and never miss an episode of this gripping, investigative true crime series. ................................................. Shop Air Up here: Treat yourself or someone special to a refreshing twist with Air Up!  Enjoy 10% off your order using the code TRUECRIMINALS at ⁠airup.link/truecriminals⁠. Explore all their delicious flavours today. Share Your Thoughts and Questions: Connect with us via email at contact@audiobleachglobal.com. We’d love to hear from you! Follow Us: Instagram: @true.criminals Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@True-Criminals Support Us: If you love the podcast, consider supporting us on Patreon for exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/c/TrueCriminals 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 Helen Fospero: Instagram: @helenfospero Check out Helen’s podcast, The Convex Conversation: Listen Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-convex-conversation/id1510209575 Credits: True Criminals is produced by Audio Bleach Global. Visit www.audiobleachglobal.com/truecriminals for more information. Executive Producer: Lee Mann Producer: Russell Barnes Audio Production: Andrew Chappell Music Composition: Chap Mannequin Artwork: Bleached Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In Part 1 of True Criminals, we dive into the chilling story of Fred and Rose West’s infamous House of Horrors. Sky News Crime Correspondent Martin Brunt and journalist Helen Fospero, uncover behind-the-scenes details, rare interviews, and the investigation that brought the Wests to justice. The True Criminals podcast debuts with a chilling two-part premiere on Fred and Rose West, one of Britain’s most infamous true crime cases. This gripping episode revisits the twisted crimes committed inside the notorious Cromwell Street "House of Horrors", shedding light on the dark secrets behind the couple’s decades-long killing spree. Hosted by Sky News Crime Correspondent Martin Brunt and journalist Helen Fospero, True Criminals takes listeners behind the scenes, featuring exclusive insights from those who lived the story. Brunt reveals rare details from his interviews with survivors and recounts his rare access to Cromwell Street, exposing truths often overlooked in mainstream coverage. This powerful debut episode breaks down how law enforcement missed key red flags and how systemic failures allowed the Wests to evade capture for years. The episode also delves into critical forensic breakthroughs that ultimately led to their arrest. Helen Fospero offers a journalist’s perspective on covering high-profile crime, revealing the emotional and professional challenges of reporting on such disturbing material. For fans of Serial, Making a Murderer, and The Ted Bundy Tapes, this must-listen series dives deep into one of the UK’s darkest true crime stories. Don't forget to subscribe to True Criminals and stream the two-part premiere now on all major podcast platforms. #FredAndRoseWest #TrueCrimePodcast #CromwellStreet #HouseOfHorrors #SerialKillers #TrueCriminalsPodcast #TrueCrimeUK #SkyNewsCrime .............................................................. Shop Air Up here: Treat yourself or someone special to a refreshing twist with Air Up!  Enjoy 10% off your order using the code TRUECRIMINALS at ⁠airup.link/truecriminals⁠. Explore all their delicious flavours today. Share Your Thoughts and Questions: Connect with us via email at contact@audiobleachglobal.com. We’d love to hear from you! Follow Us: Instagram: @true.criminals Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@True-Criminals Support Us: If you love the podcast, consider supporting us on Patreon for exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/c/TrueCriminals 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 Helen Fospero: Instagram: @helenfospero Check out Helen’s podcast, The Convex Conversation: Listen Here. https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-convex-conversation/id1510209575 Credits: True Criminals is produced by Audio Bleach Global. Visit www.audiobleachglobal.com/truecriminals for more information. Executive Producer: Lee Mann Producer: Russell Barnes Audio Production: Andrew Chappell Music Composition: Chap Mannequin Artwork: Bleached Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Premiering on the 5th of November! Join us for a special double episode with Howard Sounes, the investigative author who first broke the notorious Fred and Rose West "House of Horrors" story. True Criminals is your ultimate source for in-depth explorations of historical crime cases, hosted by veteran crime reporter Martin Brunt and journalist Helen Fospero. Each week, Martin and Helen draw on their decades of frontline experience to bring you stories packed with unique insights and hidden details that you won’t hear anywhere else. Tune in as they uncover compelling, often unheard details about real cases, with special guests like true crime authors, detectives who’ve cracked infamous cases, investigative journalists who broke major headlines, and sometimes even those with firsthand connections to the criminals themselves. For true crime fans hungry for a backstage pass to justice and investigation, True Criminals is your deep dive into the world of real crime. Send your comments and questions to: contact@audiobleachglobal.com Follow us: Instagram YouTube TikTok True Criminals is an Audio Bleach Global production. Visit us at www.audiobleachglobal.com/truecriminals Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Carl Miller, the investigative journalist behind the award-winning true crime podcast Kill List, joins Helen and Martin again in the studio for the second part of this conversation. This episode delves deeper into the dark web assassination market, revealing a world where online fantasy bleeds into real violence. Carl and his team exposed a hitman-for-hire site with 175 people targeted for murder. The focus is the shocking case of Kelly Harper, a woman who tried to hire a hitman to kill her ex-husband. We hear Carl’s unfiltered account of the moral dilemmas and personal dangers faced by his team as they raced to warn the victim. Carl explores the emotional and psychological toll of their work and the reality of navigating an incompetent police bureaucracy. He explains why, despite the risks, they had to intervene. Beyond the specific stories, Carl offers critical insights into the failure of law enforcement to combat cybercrime. He explains why the current policing model is broken and argues for a single, national unit to handle these cross-border digital investigations. This powerful story is a testament to courage and resilience, highlighting how ordinary people can become both perpetrators and targets in the modern digital underworld. To listen to Kill List on apple podcasts please follow this link https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/kill-list/id1769072368 If you'd like to listen to this episode ad-free, along with our entire back catalogue, which includes a True Criminals coffee mug, please visit our Patreon page: www.patreon.com/truecriminals As an independent podcast, we rely on listener support. If you’d like to help, you can donate via our PayPal link: PayPal Surfshark VPN: https://surfshark.com/truecriminals or use code TRUECRIMINALS at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN ............................ Follow us: Instagram: @true.criminals Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@True-Criminals 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 Helen Fospero: Instagram: @helenfospero Check out Helen’s podcast, The Convex Conversation: Listen Here. https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-convex-conversation/id1510209575 Credits: True Criminals is produced by Audio Bleach Global. Visit www.audiobleachglobal.com/truecriminals for more information. Executive Producer: Lee Mann Producer: Russell Barnes Audio Production: Andrew Chappell Music Composition: Chap Mannequin Artwork: Bleached Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Inside Carl Miller’s Killer Podcast Helen and Martin are joined by investigative journalist Carl Miller, creator of the hit podcast Kill List, as he reveals a chilling story of a dark web assassination marketplace, where users paid in cryptocurrency to have real people killed. With thousands of names, detailed profiles, and conversations unfolding in real time, Carl navigates the terrifying line between online fantasy and real-world violence. We dive deep into cases of domestic betrayal, obsession, and power-driven crimes, including the shocking story of Amy Allwine, whose tragic fate unfolded despite police warnings, and Dr. Ronald Ilg, a respected doctor leading a sinister double life. Discover how Carl and his team worked in the shadows to warn potential victims, navigate police bureaucracy, and expose the human desperation fueling these crimes. This episode explores intimate partner violence, the psychology of control, and the modern digital underworld, providing an unflinching look at how ordinary people can become perpetrators and targets of extreme online plots.  Tune in for a gripping, real-world true crime story that reveals how the internet can amplify the darkest impulses—and the courage it takes to confront them. To listen to Kill List on apple podcasts please follow this link https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/kill-list/id1769072368 If you'd like to listen to this episode ad-free, along with our entire back catalogue, which includes a True Criminals coffee mug, please visit our Patreon page: www.patreon.com/truecriminals As an independent podcast, we rely on listener support. If you’d like to help, you can donate via our PayPal link: PayPal Surfshark VPN: https://surfshark.com/truecriminals or use code TRUECRIMINALS at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN ................................................. Follow us: Instagram: @true.criminals Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@True-Criminals 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 Helen Fospero: Instagram: @helenfospero Check out Helen’s podcast, The Convex Conversation: Listen Here. https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-convex-conversation/id1510209575 Credits: True Criminals is produced by Audio Bleach Global. Visit www.audiobleachglobal.com/truecriminals for more information. Executive Producer: Lee Mann Producer: Russell Barnes Audio Production: Andrew Chappell Music Composition: Chap Mannequin Artwork: Bleached Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tia Sharp’s tragic murder shocked the nation, but the investigation revealed far more than her disappearance. In this gripping second episode, Sky News Crime Correspondent Martin Brunt and journalist Helen Fospero, with former Detective Chief Inspector Nick Scola, uncover the tense police operations, media scrutiny, and public outrage as Stuart Hazell’s horrific crimes came to light. Hear how investigators pieced together evidence, navigated a fear-driven police culture, and faced the pressures of solving a high-profile child murder. Explore the ethical dilemmas journalists confronted, the emotional toll on Tia’s family, and the intense public and online reactions following the case. This episode highlights how meticulous police work and overwhelming evidence led to Hazell’s conviction while examining the delicate balance between legal justice and the grief endured by Tia’s loved ones. Part 2 also honors Tia’s life, celebrating the vibrant, loving girl she was beyond the tragedy. #TrueCrimePodcast #TiaSharp #StuartHazell #BritishTrueCrime #ChildMurderCase #UKCrime #TrueCriminals #MartinBrunt #NickScola If you'd like to listen to this episode ad-free, along with our entire back catalogue, which includes a True Criminals coffee mug, please visit our Patreon page: www.patreon.com/truecriminals As an independent podcast, we rely on listener support. If you’d like to help, you can donate via our PayPal link: PayPal ................................................. Shop Air Up here: Treat yourself or someone special to a refreshing twist with Air Up!  Enjoy 10% off your order using the code TRUECRIMINALS at ⁠airup.link/truecriminals⁠. Explore all their delicious flavours today. Follow us: Instagram: @true.criminals Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@True-Criminals 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 Helen Fospero: Instagram: @helenfospero Check out Helen’s podcast, The Convex Conversation: Listen Here. https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-convex-conversation/id1510209575 Credits: True Criminals is produced by Audio Bleach Global. Visit www.audiobleachglobal.com/truecriminals for more information. Executive Producer: Lee Mann Producer: Russell Barnes Audio Production: Andrew Chappell Music Composition: Chap Mannequin Artwork: Bleached Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In August 2012, the disappearance of 12-year-old Tia Sharp from her home in New Addington, South London, became one of the most heartbreaking and high-profile true crime cases in British history. In this gripping first episode of a two-part investigation, True Criminals revisits the shocking murder that stunned the UK and exposed the dark truth hiding within a family home. Hosted by Sky News Crime Correspondent Martin Brunt and journalist Helen Fospero, with exclusive insight from former Detective Chief Inspector Nick Scola—the lead investigator on the case—this episode delivers an unprecedented look inside the real police investigation. Discover how what began as a nationwide missing persons search quickly turned into a murder hunt, the crucial missteps that delayed the discovery of Tia’s body, and how prime suspect Stuart Hazell, her step-grandfather, tried to mislead detectives and the public. True Criminals takes you through the tense week-long search, the false witness who threw police off track, and the shocking “human error” that allowed a killer to hide in plain sight. This is not just a crime story—it’s a haunting reminder of the dangers that can exist behind closed doors. Listen to The Killing of Tia Sharp: Part 1 now and subscribe to True Criminals for more real-life murder investigations, UK true crime cases, and in-depth storytelling that reveals how detectives solve Britain’s most disturbing crimes. #TrueCrimePodcast #BritishTrueCrime #TiaSharp #StuartHazell #MurderInvestigation #LondonCrime #MissingChildCase #TrueCriminals #MartinBrunt #NickScola If you'd like to listen to this episode ad-free, along with our entire back catalogue, which includes a True Criminals coffee mug, please visit our Patreon page: www.patreon.com/truecriminals As an independent podcast, we rely on listener support. If you’d like to help, you can donate via our PayPal link: PayPal ................................................. Shop Air Up here: Treat yourself or someone special to a refreshing twist with Air Up!  Enjoy 10% off your order using the code TRUECRIMINALS at ⁠airup.link/truecriminals⁠. Explore all their delicious flavours today. Follow us: Instagram: @true.criminals Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@True-Criminals 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 Helen Fospero: Instagram: @helenfospero Check out Helen’s podcast, The Convex Conversation: Listen Here. https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-convex-conversation/id1510209575 Credits: True Criminals is produced by Audio Bleach Global. Visit www.audiobleachglobal.com/truecriminals for more information. Executive Producer: Lee Mann Producer: Russell Barnes Audio Production: Andrew Chappell Music Composition: Chap Mannequin Artwork: Bleached Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We conclude our two-part special with forensic science legend Ray Fysh, former advisor to the Metropolitan Police. Joined by hosts Helen Fospero and Martin Brunt, Ray details the pivotal investigations that shaped modern British policing. In this episode, discover the explosive forensic breakthroughs behind London’s most infamous cases. What You'll Hear: Gangland Forensics: The inside story of Operation Sturdy. Learn how a single ballistics match and DNA from a stolen mobile phone were the crucial links that unmasked a brutal gang of killers in 1998. 7/7 & 21/7 Bombings: Ray recounts his radical decision to establish a 24/7 forensic lab. This innovation led to the rapid identification of the 7/7 bombers and foiled a second terror plot just two weeks later. The "Hoax" Demolition: For the first time, Ray reveals how a "proof of concept" explosion—recreating the 21/7 bombers' own device—was used to prove their lethal intent in court and secure convictions. If you'd like to listen to this episode ad-free, along with our entire back catalogue, which includes a True Criminals coffee mug, please visit our Patreon page: www.patreon.com/truecriminals As an independent podcast, we rely on listener support. If you’d like to help, you can donate via our PayPal link: PayPal ................................................. Shop Air Up here: Treat yourself or someone special to a refreshing twist with Air Up!  Enjoy 10% off your order using the code TRUECRIMINALS at ⁠airup.link/truecriminals⁠. Explore all their delicious flavours today. Ray's book: Shallow Graves: My life as a Forensic Scientist on Britain's Biggest Cases Available here https://amzn.eu/d/2Y5Vn2f Follow us: Instagram: @true.criminals Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@True-Criminals 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 Helen Fospero: Instagram: @helenfospero Check out Helen’s podcast, The Convex Conversation: Listen Here. https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-convex-conversation/id1510209575 Credits: True Criminals is produced by Audio Bleach Global. Visit www.audiobleachglobal.com/truecriminals for more information. Executive Producer: Lee Mann Producer: Russell Barnes Audio Production: Andrew Chappell Music Composition: Chap Mannequin Artwork: Bleached Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When Christian B walked free from a German prison this month, the only official suspect in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann stepped back into the spotlight, and straight into controversy. In this True Criminals Briefing, Sky News crime correspondent Martin Brunt and journalist Helen Fospero unpack the extraordinary scenes around his release, the media circus that followed, and the prosecutor’s unwavering insistence that Christian B abducted and murdered Madeleine, despite no arrest or charges. Martin recounts the tense hours outside the prison, the motorbike chase that was stopped by police, and the moment Christian B surfaced at a McDonald’s for his first meal of freedom. We also hear about the backlash in his new community, the police intervention that forced him to move, and the continuing shadow cast by accusations he denies. Martin and his team at Sky secured an exclusive interview with the suspect. For the first time since his release, Christian B has spoken. Though he refused to answer the crucial question — “Did you kill Madeleine McCann?” — his claims of a witch hunt by prosecutors reveal the strange and uneasy position he now occupies: condemned in the world’s most famous missing child case, but still a free man. As Helen and Martin reflect on the challenges of reporting this story, they ask the difficult question: what can really be learned by confronting the suspect at the heart of one of the most haunting mysteries of our time? Support the Show ................................................. Shop Air Up here: Treat yourself or someone special to a refreshing twist with Air Up!  Enjoy 10% off your order using the code TRUECRIMINALS at ⁠airup.link/truecriminals⁠. Explore all their delicious flavours today. Listen ad free and access our full catalogue, including a True Criminals coffee mug, on Patreon at ⁠www.patreon.com/truecriminals⁠.  As an independent podcast, we rely on listener support. You can also donate via PayPal https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=YQVFJR5766BJE Follow True Criminals Follow us on Instagram at ⁠@true.criminals⁠ and subscribe to our YouTube channel at ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@True-Criminals⁠. Connect with Martin Brunt Follow Martin on Twitter at ⁠@skymartinbrunt⁠. Discover more about his 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, available here: ⁠https://amzn.eu/d/g1WisSY⁠. Connect with Helen Fospero Follow Helen on Instagram at ⁠@helenfospero⁠ and check out her podcast, The Convex Conversation, here: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-convex-conversation/id1510209575⁠. Credits True Criminals is produced by Audio Bleach Global.  Visit ⁠www.audiobleachglobal.com/truecriminals⁠ for more information.  Executive Producer: Lee Mann.  Producer: Russell Barnes.  Audio Production: Andrew Chappell.  Music Composition: Chap Mannequin.  Artwork: Bleached. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices