True Criminals

The trail for a child’s killer had gone cold. The investigation was, in Neil Basu’s own words, “wobbling.” Then, from the shadows of North West London, a single street name emerged: Cane. In the gripping conclusion of this two-part True Criminals special, Neil Basu QPM returns to reveal how the hunt for Toni-Ann Byfield’s murderer stretched from the streets of London to the heart of Toxteth, Liverpool. What follows is a story of calculated risk, psychological strategy, and a detective determined that no grieving family should ever feel “second best.” In Part 2, Neil reveals: • The Toxteth Manhunt – The bold move of taking Metropolitan Police surveillance into Liverpool 8, and the cross-border cooperation that kept the operation alive• The “Crimewatch” Trap – How a carefully planned TV appeal sparked a panicked confession from inside a prison cell• The Interview Room Gambit – A moment of psychological strategy, as a detective adopted a “doctor’s” persona to place the killer at the scene• The Breaking Point – Neil’s candid reflection on the emotion of the Old Bailey trial, and why failures in social services still resonate in this case Read Neil’s memoir, Turmoil: 30 Years of Policing, Politics and Prejudice:https://www.amazon.co.uk/Turmoil-Years-Policing-Politics-Prejudice-ebook/dp/B0DG9DVMTK?ref_=ast_author_mpb Listen to his podcast, The Crime Agents:https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-crime-agents/id1820933088 Support the show and listen ad-free on Patreon:www.patreon.com/truecriminals You can also donate via PayPal:https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=YQVFJR5766BJE Follow True Criminals on Instagram: @true.criminalsSubscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@True-Criminals Connect with Martin Brunt on Twitter: @skymartinbruntRead his book: https://amzn.eu/d/g1WisSY Connect with Helen Fospero on Instagram: @helenfosperoListen to The Convex Conversation: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-convex-conversation/id1510209575 True Criminals is produced by Audio Bleach Global.Find out more: www.audiobleachglobal.com/truecriminals Executive Producer: Lee MannProducer: Russell BarnesAudio Production: BLEACHEDMusic Composition: BLEACHEDArtwork: BLEACHED Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the early hours of September 14, 2003, seven-year-old Toni-Ann Byfield was fatally shot in the back inside a cramped bedsit in North London. She became a tragic victim of a violent drug feud—an innocent child caught in the crossfire after witnessing the murder of the man she knew as her father, Bertram “Blacker” Byfield. In this exclusive two-part episode of True Criminals, we’re joined by Neil Basu QPM, former Assistant Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police and the Senior Investigating Officer who led Operation Trident’s pursuit of the killer. In Part 1, Neil shares: The intense pressure of leading a “Category A” murder investigation in the aftermath of the Macpherson Report How a single “broken cigarette” clue nearly caused the case to collapse The emotional toll of supporting grieving families while managing 16 other homicide investigations The pivotal moment when a national TV appeal changed the course of the case Neil Basu is widely regarded as one of the UK’s most accomplished detectives. After a distinguished career tackling organized crime, gang violence, and terrorism, he retired as Head of UK Counter-Terrorism and the highest-ranking officer of color in British policing history. Read Neil’s memoir: Turmoil: 30 Years of Policing, Politics and Prejudice – an unflinching account of his career, including the Toni-Ann Byfield case. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Turmoil-Years-Policing-Politics-Prejudice-ebook/dp/B0DG9DVMTK?ref_=ast_author_mpb Listen to his podcast: The Crime Agents on Apple Podcasts, where Neil explores how major criminal investigations unfold behind the scenes. https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-crime-agents/id1820933088 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: BLEACHED Music Composition: BLEACHED Artwork: BLEACHED Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the second and final part of this special two-part series, True Criminals continues its examination of the case of Lucy Letby — the neonatal nurse convicted at Manchester Crown Court of murdering seven babies and attempting to murder seven others at the Countess of Chester Hospital. Letby is currently serving multiple whole life orders, following convictions secured after a lengthy investigation by Cheshire Police known as Operation Hummingbird. At trial, the prosecution argued that babies were deliberately harmed through methods including air embolism, insulin administration and physical interference. But the case has since become the subject of intense debate among some medical experts, legal commentators and campaigners who question whether the convictions are safe. In this episode, Sky News crime correspondent Martin Brunt and journalist Helen Fospero explore the ongoing arguments surrounding the evidence presented to the jury — including the medical testimony, statistical analysis and clinical interpretations that played a central role in the prosecution case. Our guest once again is consultant neonatologist Dr Svilena Dimitrova, who has reviewed large parts of the medical evidence used during the trial. She discusses why she believes some of the conclusions presented in court are deeply flawed, raising questions about issues including the interpretation of insulin test results, the statistical chart used to link Letby to baby collapses, and the clinical understanding of events inside the neonatal unit. Dr Dimitrova also addresses the controversial question of whether systemic failures within the hospital — including staffing pressures, clinical oversight and wider NHS challenges — may provide alternative explanations for some of the tragedies that occurred on the unit in 2015 and 2016. The episode examines why the defence at trial called no expert medical witnesses, the role played by prosecution expert testimony, and the debate now unfolding among specialists about how complex neonatal medicine was presented to a jury. We also explore what could happen next in the legal process. Letby’s legal team has asked the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) to examine the case, a step that could potentially lead to the Court of Appeal reviewing the convictions if the commission finds grounds that they may be unsafe. At the centre of this story remain the babies who died or collapsed and the families who continue to live with the consequences of those events. Their loss is profound and enduring. This podcast examines the evidence and the arguments with care, recognising the complexity and sensitivity of a case that continues to divide opinion across the UK. .................................... 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: BLEACHED Music Composition: BLEACHED Artwork: BLEACHED Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this two-part episode of True Criminals, we explore one of modern Britain’s most debated true crime cases: is Lucy Letby innocent? This Lucy Letby podcast looks at the case of the neonatal nurse at the Countess of Chester Hospital convicted of murdering seven babies and attempting to kill seven others, with an additional attempted murder conviction added after a 2024 retrial. She is serving 15 whole life orders following the Cheshire Police investigation, Operation Hummingbird, which alleged deliberate harm including air embolism, insulin poisoning, and physical assault. We are joined in the studio by Dr. Svilena Dimitrova, consultant neonatologist and patient safety expert advising the defence. Dr. Dimitrova reviews the medical evidence in the case, including insulin poisoning claims and the death of Baby O, and considers how clinical errors, system pressures, and data interpretation may have influenced the investigation and trial. Part One revisits the Countess of Chester neonatal unit in 2015–16, a high-pressure environment facing staff shortages and rising infant deaths. We explore how the police investigation unfolded, the expert testimony presented in court, and the questions that continue to be raised by legal analysts, medical experts, and the public. At the centre of the story are the babies and their families, whose loss is profound. This episode examines the Lucy Letby case with care, presenting the events, the evidence, and the ongoing debate over the convictions. ....................................... Support the Show Ad-free and bonus content here: 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 Instagram: ⁠⁠@true.criminals⁠⁠ TikTok: @truecriminalspodcast 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: BLEACHED Music Composition: BLEACHED Artwork: BLEACHED. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, and Peter Mandelson are at the centre of major breaking news in the United Kingdom, following their arrests in connection with ongoing misconduct in public office investigations. Both men have been arrested and questioned by police. Both have since been released. No charges have been brought. Andrew Mountbatten Windsor has consistently denied wrongdoing in relation to his past association with Jeffrey Epstein. Peter Mandelson has not publicly addressed the allegations in detail, but it has been reported that he denies acting unlawfully or using public office for personal financial gain. This is True Criminals. In this True Criminals Briefing, Martin Brunt and Helen Fospero analyse the latest developments in one of the biggest UK political and royal stories in recent years. From the dramatic arrest of Andrew Mountbatten Windsor at his home on the Sandringham estate, to Peter Mandelson being taken in for hours of police questioning before being released on bail, this episode breaks down exactly what happened, why police acted, and what comes next. The investigations centre on suspected misconduct in public office, a serious criminal offence involving the alleged misuse of official roles and the handling of confidential or market sensitive information. Detectives are reviewing key evidence, including documents originating from the United States, to determine whether the threshold for criminal charges has been met. We examine how newly released material linked to Jeffrey Epstein may be influencing UK investigations, the role of multiple police forces including Thames Valley Police and the Metropolitan Police, and why this case could take months or even years to resolve. The episode also explores the wider implications for the Royal Family, including the response from King Charles III, and what this could mean for public trust, political accountability, and the future of those involved. This is a fast-moving and developing story. Both men deny wrongdoing. Both remain under investigation. And at this stage, no charges have been brought. For the latest on the Andrew Mountbatten Windsor arrest, Peter Mandelson investigation, and all major UK crime and political news, follow True Criminals now. Support the ShowListen 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 CriminalsInstagram: @true.criminalsTikTok: @truecriminalspodcast Connect with Martin BruntFollow 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: https://amzn.eu/d/g1WisSY Connect with Helen FosperoFollow Helen on Instagram at @helenfospero and check out her podcast, The Convex Conversation: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-convex-conversation/id1510209575 CreditsTrue Criminals is produced by Audio Bleach Global.Visit www.audiobleachglobal.com/truecriminals for more information. Executive Producer: Lee MannProducer: Russell BarnesAudio Production: BLEACHEDMusic Composition: BLEACHEDArtwork: BLEACHED Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In part two of this True Criminals double episode, Martin Brunt and Helen Fospero are joined by retired DCI Colin Sutton to reveal how the hunt for Delroy Grant finally turned after years of failure. Known as the Night Stalker, Grant terrorised vulnerable elderly victims across South London for nearly two decades, committing burglary, rape and sexual assault while evading capture despite leaving DNA at multiple scenes. The investigation, Operation Minstead, became a test of modern policing, with mass screenings, huge suspect lists and mounting public fear. When Sutton took over in 2009, he rejected the DNA led focus and reframed the case as a pattern of burglary, using geographical profiling, behavioural insight and covert surveillance to predict where the offender would strike next. What followed was a high stakes operation placing officers in hidden observation posts across South East London, leading to the moment Grant was finally caught and identified through DNA. The episode explores his chilling double life as a seemingly kind neighbour and carer hiding a predatory reality, as well as the devastating impact on victims, many of whom lived in lasting fear. Sutton also reflects on a critical missed opportunity in 1999 that allowed hundreds more offences to happen, exposing the consequences of human error in policing. Convicted in 2011 of 29 offences and sentenced to 27 years, Grant’s case remains one of the most disturbing in UK criminal history and a powerful example of how persistence, strategy and leadership can finally bring a serial offender to justice. .................................... 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: BLEACHED Music Composition: BLEACHED Artwork: BLEACHED Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of True Criminals, Sky News crime correspondent Martin Brunt and journalist Helen Fospero examine the shocking case of Delroy Grant, known as the Night Stalker. For nearly two decades, Grant terrorised elderly victims across South East London, breaking into their homes in the dead of night and committing a series of burglaries and sexual assaults that left communities living in fear. Part one explores the timeline of the case, from the first reported attack in 1992 through the launch of Operation Minstead and the mounting police investigation. Martin Brunt shares his firsthand memories of covering the case, revealing how DNA evidence, missed opportunities and investigative blunders allowed one of the UK’s most prolific serial sex offenders to evade capture for 17 years. The episode examines how Grant targeted vulnerable elderly victims, how forensic breakthroughs shaped the manhunt and why the case exposed critical lessons about policing, persistence and the limits of early DNA databases. This is the inside story of the Night Stalker before the arrest, the trial and the life sentences that followed. Listen to part one now and join us for part two, featuring retired Detective Chief Inspector Colin Sutton on how Operation Minstead finally closed the net. .................................... 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: BLEACHED Music Composition: BLEACHEDArtwork: BLEACHED Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How do you catch a killer who leaves no trace? In this episode of True Criminals, legendary Sky News Crime Correspondent Martin Brunt and veteran journalist Helen Fospero dive deep into one of the most chilling cases in British history: the hunt for serial killer Levi Bellfield. Joining them in the studio is the man who finally brought him to justice, Retired DCI Colin Sutton. Known for his "old-fashioned" detective work, Sutton reveals the inside story of the investigation that spanned years and multiple murders, eventually linking the deaths of Milly Dowler, Marsha McDonnell, and Amélie Delagrange. The Breakthrough: Discover how DCI Colin Sutton connected the dots between seemingly unrelated attacks when others couldn't see the pattern. The Investigation: A behind-the-scenes look at the "Manhunt"—the relentless surveillance and the crucial CCTV footage of a white Vauxhall Belmont that became the catalyst for Bellfield's arrest. Catching a Monster: How Sutton’s team built a case with zero DNA evidence, relying instead on meticulous forensic link-building and "boots-on-the-ground" policing. The Conviction: The moment Levi Bellfield was finally identified as the "Bus Stop Killer" and the subsequent confession that brought closure to the family of Milly Dowler. …………………………. 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

Charles Bronson is often cited as Britain’s most notorious prisoner, having spent nearly 50 years behind bars. In this episode of True Criminals, Sky News crime correspondent Martin Brunt and journalist Helen Fospero take a deep dive into the life and legacy of Michael Peterson—the man who became an underworld icon and later transformed into the artist known as Charles Salvador. Martin shares a unique perspective on the man behind the headlines, detailing a personal relationship built over years of correspondence. For the first time in the studio, Martin showcases original artwork sent to him by Bronson, offering a rare glimpse into the "cartoonish" yet often nightmarish creative world that has become the prisoner's primary outlet while in high-security isolation. The discussion traces Bronson's long history within the UK penal system, from his initial seven-year sentence for armed robbery in 1974 to the repeated violent outbursts and hostage situations that kept him inside. Martin explains the complexities of the 2000 discretionary life sentence—triggered by the 44-hour hostage-taking of an art teacher at HMP Hull—which has seen Bronson remain in custody long past his original minimum term. With the Parole Board having denied his 2023 public bid for freedom, the team examines what the future holds for his upcoming hearings. Martin reveals Charles’s own unwavering conviction that he will one day walk free, sharing a recent invitation from the prisoner to join him for a celebratory Guinness at a "freedom party" upon his release. The Origins: How a petty criminal became the "most violent prisoner in Britain." The Art: A look at the vivid, award-winning artwork Martin has brought into the studio. The Letters: Insights into the personal letters and postcards Martin receives from HMP Woodhill. The Legal Battle: An analysis of the parole process and why the board remains hesitant despite Bronson’s claims of being a "reformed character." The Future: Martin’s expert prediction on whether Bronson will ever experience life outside a prison cell again. 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 Instagram: ⁠@true.criminals⁠ YouTube: Subscribe here⁠ Martin Brunt: Follow Martin on Twitter at ⁠@skymartinbrunt⁠. Discover more about his career in his book, No One Got Cracked Over the Head for No Reason: Dispatches from a Crime Reporter, available here. Helen Fospero: Follow Helen on Instagram at ⁠@helenfospero⁠ and check out her podcast, The Convex Conversation, 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: Chap Mannequin | Artwork: Bleached Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a True Criminals exclusive first, the podcast interviews John J. Lennon, a writer and journalist currently serving a prison sentence at Sing Sing Correctional Facility following a conviction for murder. The interview, recorded inside the prison, examines Lennon’s account of his case, his life in custody, and his work as an author. Lennon is the writer of The Tragedy of True Crime, a book that explores how murder cases — including his own — are constructed, reported and consumed, and the consequences those narratives have for victims, offenders and the justice system. The conversation is conducted by Sky News Crime Correspondent Martin Brunt and journalist Helen Fospero, who question Lennon on the circumstances surrounding his conviction, the challenges of writing from prison, and the broader issues raised by the true crime genre. The episode focuses on established facts, Lennon’s published work, and the realities of producing journalism while incarcerated. …………………………. Artwork photography credit: Luke Piotrowski 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

He stabbed her 24 times and nearly killed her and her unborn baby now the system is preparing to let him walk free. In the final part of this harrowing series, Natalie Queiroz reveals the devastating twist she never expected. Nearly a decade after surviving a brutal attempted murder, Natalie discovers that quiet policy changes could allow her attacker to move to an open prison years early, giving him day release and freedom of movement without her knowledge. Natalie speaks with raw honesty about the fear and trauma this decision reignites for her and her children, and why she believes the criminal justice system continues to fail victims of domestic abuse and stalking. She explains how learning of his Cat D eligibility shattered her sense of safety and forced her back into survival mode. But this is also a story of extraordinary resilience. Natalie shares how she transformed her pain into purpose, working inside prisons with violent offenders, campaigning against knife crime, supporting young people at risk, and becoming a victims advocate holding police and government to account. Her work earned her an MBE, but the fight is far from over. Presented by journalists Helen Fospero and Martin Brunt, this episode explores the uncomfortable reality of offender rehabilitation, early release, prison overcrowding and the lifelong sentence carried by victims. It asks urgent questions about public safety, victims rights, and whether the balance has tipped too far away from those who survive extreme violence. This episode contains distressing discussions of violence, trauma and ongoing fear. Listener discretion is advised. .................................. 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

After surviving a frenzied knife attack that nearly killed her and her unborn child, Natalie Queiroz is forced to confront an even more devastating reality: the man who tried to murder her was her fiancé, a partner she had trusted for decades, and the father of her baby. In this second episode, Natalie takes listeners inside the aftermath of the attack, the physical pain, the psychological trauma, and the slow unravelling of the truth about the man she thought she knew. As she pieces her life back together with a newborn baby and catastrophic injuries, Natalie reveals the hidden coercive control, lies and manipulation that only became clear once his carefully constructed façade collapsed. Natalie also recounts the criminal justice process in harrowing detail: the court hearings, the defence arguments, the judge’s damning assessment of a cold, premeditated plot, and the shock of what she believes was a lenient sentence. For the first time, she describes coming face to face with her attacker in prison, confronting him eye-to-eye in a tense restorative justice meeting that leaves her with few answers, but a renewed sense of power. Presented by journalists Helen Fospero and Martin Brunt, True Criminals continues its forensic examination of a case that raises urgent questions about coercive control, honour-based abuse, sentencing, and how victims survive — and live — after unimaginable violence. This episode contains graphic descriptions of violence, trauma and psychological distress. Listener discretion is advised. …………………………… 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 March 2016, Natalie Queiroz was eight months pregnant, walking through a busy town centre in broad daylight, when a hooded man jumped onto her back and stabbed her 24 times with a 12-inch kitchen knife. Her lung collapsed. Her uterus was slashed. The blade missed her unborn baby by just two millimetres. Against all odds, both Natalie and her daughter survived. In this first episode, Natalie recounts — in her own words — the nine-minute frenzied attack, the strangers who risked their lives to save her, and the fight to stay conscious as she bled out on the pavement. As the full horror unfolds, listeners learn the devastating truth: the attacker was not a stranger, but her partner and the father of her unborn child. Presented by journalists Helen Fospero and Martin Brunt, True Criminals examines the story behind the headlines — with compassion, clarity and forensic insight. This episode contains graphic descriptions of violence and is deeply distressing. Listener discretion is advised. …………………………… 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 this special True Criminals Briefings episode, Sky News crime correspondent Martin Brunt and journalist Helen Fospero reflect on a remarkable year in crime reporting — and a defining moment in Martin’s four-decade career. From the early days of Sky News in 1989 to some of the most notorious criminal cases of recent times, Martin looks back on the stories that shaped him: covering wars before choosing “a life of crime,” confronting fugitives in courtrooms, receiving letters and postcards from Charles Bronson, and reporting on cases that continue to haunt Britain. The episode dives into major crime stories that dominated 2025, including: The release of Christian Brückner, the prime suspect in the Madeleine McCann case Fresh hopes for a new search in the Muriel McKay murder investigation The Manchester synagogue attack A shocking train stabbing in Huntingdon Inside accounts of high-security prisons, parole hearings, and life in solitary confinement Alongside the hard-hitting journalism, there are lighter — and surprising — moments, including Martin’s unforgettable confession to once taking a goldfish for a walk in the early days of 24-hour news. As Martin steps back into semi-retirement from Sky News, this candid conversation explores the personal cost of crime reporting, the evolution of true crime journalism, and what lies ahead for True Criminals in 2026. Insightful, reflective, and deeply human — this is essential listening for anyone fascinated by true crime, criminal investigations, and the people who dedicate their lives to reporting them. …………………………… 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

You won’t believe the questions we got this Christmas! In this special festive Q&A episode of True Criminals, hosts Martin Brunt and Helen Fospero dive into the fascinating, chilling, and sometimes puzzling queries from our amazing listeners. We want to start by thanking everyone who wrote in and shared their thoughts, theories, and questions with us. Your curiosity and engagement make this show what it is, and we love hearing from you all. In this episode, we cover everything from the enduring mystery of Madeleine McCann and the investigation into Christian Bruckner, to historical cases like Muriel Mackay’s kidnapping, as well as discussions about terrorism in the UK and notorious criminals like John Warboys and O.J. Simpson. We reflect on investigative techniques, crime reporting, and the stories that continue to captivate audiences worldwide. Martin and Helen also take a moment to wish all our listeners a Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year, and to stay safe during the festive season. Tune in for a thought-provoking, gripping, and thoroughly festive True Criminals experience. …………………………… 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

At 10.31pm a pop concert turned into a war zone. Children were screaming, parents were searching in terror and Britain was once again under attack. In this powerful episode of True Criminals, Sky News crime reporter Martin Brunt and journalist Helen Fospero revisit the deadliest terror attack in the UK since 7 7. They take listeners back to the night of 22 May 2017 when a suicide bomber detonated a homemade device at the Ariana Grande concert, killing 22 innocent people and injuring hundreds more. Drawing on Martin’s frontline reporting and exclusive material from the investigation, the episode explores how the attack unfolded, the chaos and failures in the emergency response and the devastating human cost for victims and families. Joining the hosts is Neil Basu, the former Assistant Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police and the UK’s senior national coordinator for counter terrorism policing at the time, who now co hosts the Crime Agents podcast. In a deeply personal interview, Neil gives rare insight into the first frantic hours after the bombing, the decision to declare a terror attack, the fear of further strikes and the immense pressure of leading the national response alongside MI5. He reflects on watching the CCTV of the blast, the hunt for accomplices and the long lasting impact the attack had on those tasked with preventing the next one. Eight years on, the Manchester Arena bombing still scars the city and the nation. This episode reflects on the resilience shown in the aftermath, the solidarity of ordinary people and why the lessons of that night continue to matter. …………………………… 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 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 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

The terror that gripped California for over a decade finally came into focus in 2018. Joseph James D’Angelo, a former police officer and seemingly ordinary father, was unmasked as the Golden State Killer – a serial predator responsible for at least 13 murders, over 50 rapes, and countless home invasions from the mid-1970s to the 1980s. In this second part of our True Criminals special, Sky News crime correspondent Martin Brunt and journalist Helen Fospero continue their conversation with retired FBI profiler Julia Cowley, who led the behavioural analysis of D’Angelo’s crimes. Julia reveals the full psychological profile of one of America’s most notorious offenders, providing a chilling window into the mind of a man whose need for control, feelings of inadequacy, and escalating violence allowed him to operate undetected for decades. We examine the investigation that finally brought D’Angelo to justice and explore his courtroom behaviour, revealing the stark contrast between the predator who terrorised families and the frail, confused man who faced the law. Julia also reflects on the key factors that shaped his deviant behaviour, the rare moments where his crimes escalated to deadly violence, and what his capture tells us about profiling, policing, and the evolution of forensic science. In Part Two, listeners will discover: How D’Angelo’s psychological profile explained his obsession with control, power, and sexual fantasy The breakthrough DNA techniques that cracked one of America’s most infamous cold cases Insights into his behaviour during arrest and court proceedings, exposing the true man behind the mask The challenges and debates within FBI profiling and the accuracy of Julia Cowley’s predictions Lessons for investigators and the public on identifying potential offenders before escalation This gripping episode offers an unparalleled insight into the criminal mind, the painstaking investigation that unmasked a decades-long predator, and the groundbreaking science that is transforming cold case investigations. 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. Senior Researcher: Rebecca Stinton Audio Production: Andrew Chappell. Music Composition: Chap Mannequin. Artwork: Bleached Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For more than ten years, California was terrorised by a phantom. A man who slipped into bedrooms, blinded victims with a flashlight, tied them up, and vanished before police ever arrived. He was a serial burglar, rapist and murderer who operated under multiple names , the Visalia Ransacker, the East Area Rapist, the Original Night Stalker, before the world finally knew him as the Golden State Killer. In this exclusive two-part True Criminals special, Sky News crime correspondent Martin Brunt and journalist Helen Fospero trace the evolution of one of the most prolific offenders in US criminal history. From more than 100 ransackings to over 50 rapes and at least 13 murders, Joseph James D’Angelo’s decade-long spree left 61 known victims and decades of unanswered questions. Joining us is retired FBI profiler Julia Cowley, lead behavioural analyst on the Golden State Killer investigation and host of The Consult: Real FBI Profilers. Julia breaks down the ritualistic MO, escalating violence, sexual compulsions, and the psychological signatures that set D’Angelo apart, and ultimately helped identify him through pioneering genetic genealogy. We revisit the crime scenes, the methods, the fear that paralysed entire neighbourhoods, and the breakthrough that finally unmasked a predator hiding behind a police badge. In Part One, we explore: The Visalia Ransacker burglaries and early signs of sexual motivation The escalation to the East Area Rapist attacks His obsessive rituals: binding, blindfolds, threats, ransacking and “control theatre” How he manipulated couples and used psychological torture Why the case remained unsolved for 40 years Julia Cowley’s firsthand insight into profiling one of America’s most sadistic offenders A gripping deep dive into the mind and methods of a killer whose crimes haunted California for decades — and the investigators who refused to give up. ................................................. 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. Senior Researcher: Rebecca Stinton Audio Production: Andrew Chappell. Music Composition: Chap Mannequin. Artwork: Bleached Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

He confessed to Shirley Banks. But what about Suzy Lamplugh? In this gripping second episode of our two-part series, True Criminals uncovers the terrifying link between two young women and one of Britain’s most dangerous predators. Sky News crime correspondent Martin Brunt and journalist Helen Fospero trace how John Cannan, a convicted rapist and murderer, went from the shadows of Bristol to becoming the prime suspect in the disappearance of estate agent Suzy Lamplugh. Joined by former Detective Chief Inspector Michael Barley, who spent over a decade investigating Suzy’s case, we explore the chilling evidence, tense interviews, and investigative breakthroughs that connected Cannan to the mystery that has haunted the UK for decades. From a hidden car, altered number plates, and forensic clues, to his brazen confession to Shirley Banks’ murder, every detail exposes a predator’s twisted mind and the painstaking detective work that followed. This episode examines the heartbreaking consequences for Suzy’s family, the lessons learned for police and society, and why, nearly 40 years later, her fate remains a haunting unsolved puzzle. True Criminals reveals how one man’s crimes shaped national awareness of women’s safety and left an indelible mark on British criminal history. ................................................. 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

A young estate agent leaves her office for a routine appointment and simply never returns. It is the kind of moment that stops ordinary life in its tracks and forces a country to look more closely at the shadows it usually ignores. In this first of two episodes, True Criminals follows the earliest steps of the investigation into Suzy Lamplugh’s disappearance and the man she was meant to meet, known only as Mr Kipper. Sky News crime correspondent Martin Brunt and journalist Helen Fospero walk through Suzy’s final confirmed movements and the police actions taken in those first decisive hours. We are joined in the studio by retired Detective Chief Inspector Michael Barley whose experience brings a clear eyed understanding of how investigators approached a case that offered almost nothing and demanded everything. What followed shaped decades of inquiry, public speculation and police work. This episode sets the scene as Martin and Helen trace the small details and larger questions that defined the opening chapter of this enduring mystery. ................................................. 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 this special briefing of True Criminals, Sky News crime correspondent Martin Brunt and journalist Helen Fospero break down the stabbing on the Doncaster to London Kings Cross train on 1 November 2025. Minutes after departing Peterborough, a lone passenger launched a knife attack, injuring several people. Martin details how the driver alerted control and made an emergency stop at Huntingdon, where armed officers boarded the train. A crew member was seriously injured while protecting passengers, a moment of extraordinary bravery highlighted in this episode. Martin and Helen explain how the suspect boarded at Peterborough, how the alarm was raised, and why Operation PLATO, Britain’s major-incident terrorism protocol, was briefly activated before police confirmed the attack was not terror-related. They examine the responses of passengers, staff, and emergency services as they dealt with a fast-moving incident on a moving train. The briefing also updates listeners on the investigation: a 32-year-old man from Peterborough has been charged with multiple counts of attempted murder and is being linked to earlier knife incidents in the area. ................................................. 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

The woman who proclaimed, “I am Madeleine,” has finally heard her verdict. In this special episode of True Criminals Briefings, hosts Martin Brunt and Helen Fospero uncover the extraordinary and unsettling story of Julia Wandelt, the young Polish woman who shocked the world by claiming she was Madeleine McCann, the British child who vanished from a Portuguese resort in 2007. What began as an internet frenzy ended in a Leicester courtroom. After months of speculation and global attention, a jury found Julia Wandelt guilty of harassment against Kate and Gerry McCann, but not guilty of stalking. The court heard that her repeated visits, letters and online messages had caused serious distress to the McCann family. DNA testing provided conclusive evidence that she was not Madeleine McCann, closing one of the strangest chapters in the case’s long history. ................................................. 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

He was the trusted face of London’s black cab trade, charming and friendly, always ready to share a drink to celebrate a big win. But the champagne John Worboys offered his passengers was laced with sedatives. The women who believed they were safe on their way home would wake up hours later with no memory, their trust betrayed. In this gripping episode of True Criminals, Sky News crime correspondent Martin Brunt and journalist Helen Fospero discuss the chilling story of John Worboys, the man now known as The Black Cab Rapist. Between 2000 and 2008, Worboys drugged and sexually assaulted dozens of women across London while evading police for years. Martin and Helen revisit how Worboys’ horrific crimes came to light, the shocking police failures that allowed him to keep attacking, and the extraordinary courage of the victims who fought to bring him to justice. From his arrest and trial to the public outcry over his possible release, this is one of Britain’s most disturbing true crime cases, and a story that changed the UK justice system forever. Featuring first-hand insight from Martin’s original Sky News reporting, this episode re-examines the case that shattered trust in London’s taxi trade and exposed deep failings within the Metropolitan Police and the parole system. Patreon Exclusive: In this episode’s Extra Chat, find out what connects Eric Cantona and Boris Johnson’s wife to the John Worboys case — only on Patreon - Link Below ................................................. 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

What happens when the world’s most prolific serial killer finally loses control? In Part 2 of our two-part special on Dr. Harold Shipman, hosts Martin Brunt and Helen Fospero uncover what happened after Britain’s most infamous GP was found guilty of murdering his patients — and how his shocking suicide inside Wakefield Prison denied families the truth they so desperately sought. Returning to the studio is true crime journalist and author Jean Ritchie, co-writer of Prescription for Murder: The True Story of Harold Shipman. Together, they explore Shipman’s life behind bars, his chilling refusal to admit guilt, and the final calculated act that left his victims’ families without justice. From his manipulative relationships in prison to the cold reasoning behind his suicide, this episode examines how Shipman’s need for control endured until his last breath. Martin and Helen also discuss the Shipman Inquiry, led by Dame Janet Smith, which uncovered the full extent of his crimes — more than 250 confirmed murders, possibly over 300 — and how it reshaped the safeguards within British medicine. Finally, we hear how the community of Hyde began to heal, with the creation of the Garden of Tranquility memorial, and how Shipman’s legacy continues to influence every doctor-patient relationship today. True Criminals reveals how the case of Harold Shipman not only redefined evil but also transformed the systems meant to protect us — a story of betrayal, accountability, and the enduring pursuit of truth. Read Jean’s book: Harold Shipman – Prescription for Murderhttps://www.amazon.co.uk/Prescription-Murder-Story-Harold-Shipman/dp/0751529982 ................................................. 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 ShowListen 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 PayPal⁠https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=YQVFJR5766BJE⁠ Follow True CriminalsFollow us on Instagram at ⁠⁠@true.criminals⁠⁠ and subscribe to our YouTube channel at ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@True-Criminals⁠⁠. Connect with Martin BruntFollow 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 FosperoFollow 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 MannProducer: Russell BarnesAudio Production: Andrew ChappellMusic Composition: Chap MannequinArtwork: Bleached Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What happens when the person you trust most with your life, your family doctor, turns out to be one of the most prolific serial killers in history? In this chilling two-part special of True Criminals, hosts Martin Brunt and Helen Fospero uncover the horrifying story of Dr. Harold Shipman, the GP who murdered more than 200 of his patients while maintaining the façade of a caring, beloved community doctor. Joining them in the studio is Jean Ritchie, co-author of the bestselling book Prescription for Murder, who helped unravel the truth behind Shipman’s deadly secret. Together, they revisit how a respected family doctor from Hyde became a monster in plain sight, a man addicted not only to morphine, but to killing. From the first suspicions and the bungled police investigation to the forged will that finally exposed him, this episode examines how Shipman exploited the deepest trust between doctor and patient, and how his crimes changed the face of British medicine forever. Featuring never-before-heard insights into Shipman’s psychology, his obsession with morphine, and the arrogance that led to his capture, True Criminals reveals how one man’s god complex spiralled into decades of murder, all behind the doors of his surgery. Read Jeans book: Harold Shipman - Prescription for Murder https://www.amazon.co.uk/Prescription-Murder-Story-Harold-Shipman/dp/0751529982 ................................................. 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

Step back into the sweltering summers of 1984 and 1985 as journalists Helen Fospero and Martin Brunt return to the chilling case of Richard Ramirez, the man who became known as “The Night Stalker.” From the sensational trial to his cult-like following of fans, we unpack the psychological forces that turned one of California’s most feared serial killers into a figure of morbid fascination. This episode examines Ramirez’s brutal childhood, his obsession with Satanism, and the four-year legal battle that led to his death sentence. But beyond the crimes, we explore a darker cultural phenomenon: why do some people, particularly women, develop obsessions or romantic attachments to notorious killers. Joining us is special guest Dr. Amanda Vicary, a social psychologist and leading voice on the intersection of crime, psychology and media. Dr. Vicary’s research on why women are drawn to violent men has been featured in The New York Times, The Atlantic and NPR. Together, we delve into the unsettling allure of Ramirez, how media portrayals fuel serial killer celebrity, and what this reveals about society. Listen for: • The psychological profile of Richard Ramirez and how his crimes terrorized California• The long and dramatic trial that exposed his Satanic beliefs • How Ramirez gained a cult following including women who claimed to love him• Dr. Amanda Vicary’s expert analysis on the psychology of attraction to violent men • The ethical questions facing journalists, podcasters and the true crime industry today True Criminals investigates the stories behind the headlines, exploring the criminal mind, the cultural impact and the people whose lives were changed forever. Hosted by Sky News crime correspondent Martin Brunt and journalist Helen Fospero. For our Patreon members, you can now hear extended versions of our podcast with added content by becoming an Insider member. Click the link here to join: www.patreon.com/truecriminals You can also donate via PayPal https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=YQVFJR5766BJE ................................................. 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 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. Senior Researcher: Rebecca Stinton Audio Production: Andrew Chappell. Music Composition: Chap Mannequin. Artwork: Bleached. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the early 1960s, a young couple from Manchester fell in love and together became the most reviled killers in British history. Ian Brady and Myra Hindley’s sadistic crimes shocked the nation, leaving five young victims buried in shallow graves across the bleak Saddleworth Moor. Their names are now synonymous with horror, and the story still chills Britain to this day. In this second episode of True Criminals, Martin Brunt and Helen Fospero uncover what happened after the trial as Hindley began a new chapter behind bars. With exclusive insight from crime writer Howard Sounes, who spent years investigating her life, we explore how Britain’s most notorious female killer tried to rewrite her own story. From failed redemption to an audacious escape plot involving a former nun, this episode delves deep into the manipulative power of Myra Hindley, the battle over her parole, and why decades later she remains a figure of national revulsion and uneasy fascination. Who was Myra Hindley in the end: a woman transformed or a master manipulator until the very last breath? You can read Howards book "This Woman" here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/This-Woman-Hindleys-Prison-Attempt/dp/1841885118 ................................................. 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 the early 1960s, a young couple from Manchester fell in love, and together became the most reviled killers in British history. Ian Brady and Myra Hindley’s sadistic crimes shocked the nation, leaving five young victims buried in shallow graves across the bleak Saddleworth Moor. Their names are now synonymous with horror and the story still chills Britain to this day. In this powerful two part special of True Criminals, Martin Brunt and Helen Fospero uncover how an office romance turned into a killing spree that defined a generation’s fear. We explore how Brady’s obsession with Nazi ideology and violence met Hindley’s fatal devotion, and how their twisted partnership spiraled into unthinkable evil. Part One investigates their crimes, the abductions, the shocking evidence hidden in a railway locker, and the trial that made Myra Hindley the face of pure evil. Part Two features exclusive insight from crime writer Howard Soones, who reveals what happened inside prison — Myra’s decades of manipulation, her failed redemption, and her infamous escape plot with a former nun. Almost sixty years on, the Moors Murders still haunt Britain. Who was Myra Hindley — monster, victim, or both? ................................................. 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

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

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, 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 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

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

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

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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected]. 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