This Much is True Crime

Who REALLY abducted Madeleine McCann?

Tue, 12 May 2026 23:00:00 -0000

If you like this episode please hit subscribe so you don't miss any updates... - Check out our Patreon for bonus weekly episodes and access to live recordings, plus monthly newsletters! ⁠⁠Click here to join. - In this episode, we investigate one of the most infamous missing child cases in modern history: the disappearance of Madeleine McCann. On the evening of 3 May 2007, three-year-old Madeleine vanished from a holiday apartment in Praia da Luz, Portugal, while her family were on holiday. What followed became a global media storm, a decades-long investigation, and a case filled with theories, mistakes, and unanswered questions. But who took Madeleine McCann? We look at the key events of that night, the investigation that followed, the people police have focused on over the years, and the evidence that has shaped one of the most haunting mysteries of the 21st century. - Produced by Podcast House - This episode is sponsored by the TRUE CRIME channel, where you can tune-in daily for a multitude of true crime documentaries that explore some of the nation’s most chilling cases. The TRUE CRIME channel is available on Sky 146, Freely 37, Freeview 67, Freesat 135, Virgin 148.

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The Truth Behind Madeleine McCann’s Disappearance

Wed, 06 May 2026 10:10:00 -0000

Scotland Yard are hoping to bring the German paedophile suspect Christian Brueckner to the Old Bailey to stand trial for the murder and abduction of the missing three year old.

This week, on the 19th anniversary of Madeline’s disappearance, Martin Frizell and Professor David Wilson have been to the Portuguese Algarve to trace the footsteps of her alleged killer. For the first time, they gain access to the holiday complex where the McCann’s spent an idylic week before their world changed for ever.

Produced by Podcast House

Check out our Patreon for bonus weekly episodes and access to live recordings, plus monthly newsletters! ⁠Click here to join.⁠

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This episode is sponsored by the TRUE CRIME channel, where you can tune-in daily for a multitude of true crime documentaries that explore some of the nation’s most chilling cases.

The TRUE CRIME channel is available on Sky 146, Freely 37, Freeview 67, Freesat 135, Virgin 148.

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What If Your Fiancé Confessed to Killing Someone?

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 23:00:00 -0000

Join our Patreon Murder Club, for bonus weekly episodes! Link here.

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What would you do if the person you loved confessed to killing someone?

In this episode of This Much Is True Crime, we look at the disturbing case of Alexander “Sandy” McKellar, whose relationship with forensic pathologist Caroline Muirhead took a horrifying turn when he revealed the truth about the disappearance of cyclist Tony Parsons.

What began as a romance became a nightmare of secrets, buried evidence and an impossible moral choice. Could Caroline protect the man she loved? Or would she help bring justice for the victim he tried to hide?

This is a story about love, loyalty, guilt — and the moment a proposal turns into a confession.

Produced by Podcast House.

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D4vd's Arrest: Who Really Murdered Celeste?

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 20:24:00 -0000

Please hit the subscribe button, it's free and means you won't miss another episode x ------- In this episode of This Much Is True Crime, we unpack the shocking case surrounding singer D4vd, born David Anthony Burke, following his April 2026 arrest in Los Angeles. Prosecutors allege Burke murdered 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose remains were discovered in the trunk of his impounded Tesla months after she disappeared. He has since pleaded not guilty and is being held without bail as the case moves through court. We explore the timeline of Celeste’s disappearance, the grim discovery that stunned the public, the charges now facing Burke, and the questions still hanging over one of the most disturbing celebrity-linked criminal cases in recent memory. This episode looks at what investigators say happened, what the defence is arguing, and why the case has sparked such intense public attention. Follow for more on our Patreon: https://patreon.com/ThisMuchisTrueCrime?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

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Who Was Behind the Murder of Alistair Wilson?

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 23:00:00 -0000

We have Patreon! You can follow us for weekly bonus episodes and join our community here!

On a quiet evening in Nairn, Alistair Wilson answered his front door and stepped into a mystery that has never been solved. This is the story of a shocking murder, the questions left behind, and the search for the truth in one of Scotland’s most perplexing cases.

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Edinburgh's Hidden Dark Past

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 23:00:00 -0000

We have Patreon! You can follow us for weekly bonus episodes and join our community here!

Don't miss another episode! Hit the subscribe button. In this special on-location episode of This Much Is True Crime, David and Martin take the podcast to the shadowy streets of Edinburgh. Edinburgh may be beautiful, but beneath the surface lies a far darker past. In this episode, we dig into the city’s long history of public hangings, brutal justice, and the crimes that once shocked Scotland. Standing in the very places where crowds gathered to watch executions, we ask: who were the people sent to the gallows, what did they do, and how did these grim spectacles become part of everyday life? Join us as we uncover the darker side of Edinburgh, one step, and one chilling story, at a time.

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Was Epstein Murdered?

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 23:00:00 -0000

We have a Patreon! New bonus episodes every Friday, you can join our weekly community Murder Club here.

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New photographs and documents released from the millions of files linked to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein haver been welcomed by those raising doubts around the official reason for his death. Did he hang himself or was he strangled to prevent him naming names at his upcoming court case? His brother, Mark, has assembled an independent group of pathologists to reexamine Epstein’s autopsy with the results expected soon in what Mark Epstein promises will be a bombshell finding. Top UK criminologist Professor David Wilson and journalist Martin Frizell assess the evidence - with different conclusions. ---------- Produced by Podcast House

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Surely Not Another Salt Path Scandal? EP52

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0000

It was meant to be the romantic, inspiring triumph over adversity tale of a homeless couple, managing a terminal illness finding hope and health walking around England’s South West Coast. It made the authors a million and became a hit movie but The Salt Path was exposed as being misleading with allegations of embezzlement and doubtful medical claims. And now there’s a new scandal and this time it’s been confirmed by the author Raynor Wynn. Journalist Martin Frizell and Professor of Criminology David Wilson return to the Path to explore this new development and the stonewall defence of the publishers… Produced by Podcast House

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EP51: The Truth Behind the Post Office Scandal

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 01:00:00 -0000

The Post Office Scandal is one of the biggest miscarriages of justice in British history, yet for years it unfolded quietly behind the counter of ordinary village post offices. Hundreds of sub-postmasters were accused of theft, fraud and false accounting after a faulty computer system made it look like money was missing.

Lives were ruined, reputations destroyed, and some victims were even sent to prison. Now, after decades of campaigning and a landmark ITV drama that reignited public outrage, the scandal is finally getting the attention it deserves.

But how did the Post Office get away with it for so long? Who was really responsible for the catastrophic failures of the Horizon system? And why did it take so many years for the truth to come out?

Produced by Podcast House.

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Episode 50: Why Is Hannibal Lecter Making A Comeback?

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 09:11:04 -0000

Hannibal the Cannibal has never really gone away, he's remained a pop cultural icon despite being a coldblooded serial killer. Now, thanks to Donald Trump and a new book on the elusive author Thomas Harris, the chianti supping monster is back in the news. But what was the origin of the fictional character brought to chilling life by Anthony Hopkins and Brian Cox? And why does he remain our favourite cannibal killer?

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Episode 49: Soham Killer Ian Huntley’s Final Hours: Life Support Switched Off By Mum

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 11:33:23 -0000

His daughter had wanted him dead, his mum Lydia wanted peace for her family but she was still his mum. However, following a bedside visit she reportedly gave permission to unplug his ventilator.

Ian Huntley was fighting for his life after a ferocious attack by a fellow inmate in jail where the former school caretaker had been serving 40 years for the murders of schoolgirls Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman. Huntley’s injuries made him unrecognisable, catastrophic head and brain trauma, doctors reportedly said he was in a vegetative state.

If he had a better prognosis ,he' would have served his time in Ashworth Prison Hospital where a bed per year costs as much as £335,000!

In this episode , recorded as Huntley stared at death’s door, we debated should such killers be resuscitated and how did the prison system fail to protect its most marked man?

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Episode 48: The Psychic Who Found Nicola Bulley's Body

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 17:43:13 -0000

Exclusive hour long chat with the remarkable Jason Rothwell who says he connected with the dead body of the Lancashire mum of two Nicola and led police to the stretch of river where she was eventually found. Jason says Nicola told him where to find her and she followed his instructions to free her foot allowing her corpse to rise to the surface. Police divers and search teams had looked in vain for 23 days before Jason intervened.

If you are sceptical or think it all sounds far fetched then have a watch or a listen and see if you can be convinced. Jason also shares his feelings, literally, on the very strange disappearance of Nancy Guthrie in Arizona and what he believes happened to her.

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Epiosode 47: Why is the Nancy Guthrie Kidnap Very Strange?

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 12:15:32 -0000

We each have a foot in both camps in this episode. I, broadcaster and journalist Martin Frizell, have spent much of my career in breakfast and daytime tv, indeed I'm married to a former morning show anchor, Fiona Phillips. Professor of Criminology David Wilson has studied the reasons behind kidnapping and the typical profile of abductors. And yet there's something about the kindnap of NBC Today host Savannah Guthrie's 84 year old mum that is puzzling. Three weeks in and no sign of life from Nancy, no confirmation of a ransom note but a very amateurish break in at her home in Tucson, Arizona. And a statement from the Sheriff that no members of the wider Guthrie family are being questioned as part of the inquiry.

All very strange according to our expert criminologist...

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Episode 46: Why Wasn’t The Killer Clown Stopped?

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 02:18:03 -0000

He was one of America’s most prolific serial killers, John Wayne Gacy, murderer of 33 teens and young men, executed for his crimes - but what was the motive?

The new documentary on ITVX, Devil in Disguise, explores Gacy’s clown connection, the trauma on his victims and families, prejudice in 70’s USA and glaring police failings. The killer protested his innocence to the end but his crimes are now textbook reading and possibly led to copycat killings by British serial killer Dennis Nilsen.

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Episode 45: "I warned police the Suffolk Strangler had killed before’

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 14:34:47 -0000

Suffolk Strangler Steve Wright has admitted the murder of 17 year old sixth former Victoria Hall near Felixstowe in 1999. He's already serving life without parole for the killing of five other women in the Ipswich area years later in 2006. Professor of Criminology David Wilson investigated the five murders at the time and wrote a. book on Wright's serial killing methods but he also called on police to investigate the death of young Victoria years earlier. The Professor believed she had been one of the serial killer first victims and today he was proved correct.

This is a half hour of fascinating insight from someone who knows - and his fears that there are other missing girls waiting to be linked to the killer,

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Episode 44: The Former Nurse Who Cured The Gangsters

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 02:15:00 -0000

Why is Karyn McCluskey not a Dame? Along with a colleague she revolutionised the way Glasgow tackled its notorious gangland problem, reduced killings, attacks and made the city streets safe again for the first time in generations.

The former nurse from Falkirk persuaded authorities to treat violence as a disease, a health problem rather than criminal justice issue and the killings and slashings dropped dramatically in a city that was once known as the murder capital of Western Europe. Karyn's strategy was so successful it was adopted in London where murders have also fallen to a new low. And cities around the world are looking to copy. In this episode Karyn explains how it works, an enlightening positive discussion with a remarkable woman who deserves more than an honorary degree from the Open University.

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Episode 43: Did We Jail The Wrong Man For Lin and Megan Russell Murders?

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 04:18:47 -0000

Is this the biggest miscarriage of justice in UK history? If Michael Stone didn’t kill Lin and Megan Russell and leave Josie for dead, then who did? In a major new development, a star forensic scientist has cast doubt on Stone’s conviction, he’s protested his innocence from behind bars for almost 30 years.

In this latest episode, we assess the chances of Stone walking free, and they are high - so says Britain’s leading criminologist who has studied the case and spoken to a member of the original investigation.

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Episode 42: Real Traitors Special

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 02:15:00 -0000

We all loved Alan Carr but what does it take to be a real traitor and what are the real consequences if caught? For many British traitors it wasn't a round table, a hug from Claudia, black Land Rover home and an interview on This Morning, real traitors faced the hangman and several were executed for treason.

In this epsiode we highlight three real traitors, two sentenced to death, the other escaped to be a Soviet hero.

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Episode 41: Is this The Trial of the Century?

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 06:58:05 -0000

Could this be the Trial of the Century? First podcast of the year and we update the astonishing case of Luigi Mangione, the US cult hero accused of assassinating a health insurance boss - a court hearing this week will consider whether he faces the death penalty if guilty. Link in bio

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Episode 40: The Salt Path, Lies and Fantasy?

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 02:15:00 -0000

Why is the family of Salt Path author Raynor Wynn turning against her? After the summer scandal undermining the world bestseller - and movie - Raynor's family and those of her husband Moth have contributed to an update documentary using words such as 'liar' and 'fantasist'. In this bumper edition, we report on the latest developments in all of the most popular stories we have covered this year. Expect Salt Path, Madeline McCann, Suzy Lamplugh, deadly Beef Wellington and more.

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Episode 39: Exclusive, Has The Ripper Been Unmasked?

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 02:30:00 -0000

Why are there more than the five known victims of the Victorian serial killer Jack the Ripper? What was his real name and what does one of the UK's leading criminologists make of the biggest true crime mystery of all time?

Top podcast The Rest is History is broadcasting a five part deep dive into the Ripper and his victims concluding with their reveal of who historians believe Jack was. But is it the same suspect as our crime expert and the national police computer have worked out? Consider this a companion piece to The Rest is....with some fascinating new thoughts.

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Episode 38: The Tragic Motive For The Liverpool Crash

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 02:10:00 -0000

Paul Doyle, loving husband and dad, rammed his car into crowds of celebrating Liverpool fans at last season's Permier League Trophy parade, but why? In this episode Professor David Wilson explains the little known condition that is likely to have caused Doyle to behave in such a devastating manner. He's due for sentencing later in December and although there will be mitigating factors, the former Royal Marine will be behind bars for several years.

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Episode 37: Why Do Women Fall For Felons? It's A Condition

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 02:00:00 -0000

Ever wonder why prisoners, gangsters, generally bad boys attract female attention in disproportionate numbers? It's a condition called Hybristophillia - the sexual interest in and attraction to those who commit crimes.

It'll be in the news next week when Luigi Mangione appears in court as he heads towards a full trial for the killing of the boss of a big US Health insurance company a year ago in Manhattan. Mangione has a growing fan base among young women who compare his looks to Jesus Christ and have contributed $2 million to a fighting fund.

Are they all consumed by hybristophillia ? or simply put, do some bad men exude a self confidence that nature deems attractive? And has social media made it all worse, or easier to fall for a felon?

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Episode 36: He's Worse Than Jimmy Saville!

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 02:00:00 -0000

How is it possible to be more evil than Jimmy Saville? Step forward prison officer and cook Neville Husband, now regarded as the most prolific sex offender in British history. Hundreds of young men were abused by Husband, mainly at a young offenders detention centre outside Durham. How did he get away with if for years before finally being convicted of abusing just five teenagers in 2003? His real tally of misery runs into several hundreds and all the while a blind eye was turned by colleagues and bosses. In this epsiode we also explore what makes a man become a paedophile and has the world changed since Neville Husband was on the prowl 20 years ago.

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Episode 35: The Cruel Madeline McCann Imposters

Sun, 09 Nov 2025 01:45:20 -0000

Police know of at least 12 women who claim to be Madeline McCann, the most infamous of them all, Polish woman Julia Wandelt is about to be deported having been convicted of harassing the McCann family, including Madeline's siblings.

What drives people to believe they are the real deal in the cases of missing persons? Fraudsters, attention seekers or simply mentally ill obsessives who need treatment? This is half an hour of a grown up examination of imposters and the conspiracy theorists who, sadly, may never give up.

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Episode 34: How to Fix our Broken Prisons

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 14:05:34 -0000

How much worse can it get, hundreds of inmates wrongly freed every year from Britain's jails, the latest an Algerian sex offender now at liberty roaming the streets. And this was after new measures introduced to stop it happening again following the embarrassment of the mistaken release of Hadush Kebatu, the Ethiopian illegal migrant who sexually assaulted a 14 year old girl. We have skin in the game, Professor David Wilson is not just a criminologist but was also a prison governor at Wormwood Scrubs and Martin Frizell, broadcaster and journalist lives in the neighbourhood of Wandsworth Prison, scene of the latest scandal. So how do we fix it?

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Episode 33: Manhunt -An Inside Job?

Sat, 25 Oct 2025 12:49:41 -0000

Was it a blunder or something more sinister that allowed Britain's highest profile prisoner to walk free from jail yesterday instead of boarding a flight home to Ethiopia? Professor David Wilson was a prison governor before becoming a world leading criminologist and he believes there's something fishy in the controversial 'mistake' that allowed failed immigrant Hadush Kebatu to disappear from the jail where he was serving time for sex crimes against a 14 year old girl and a woman.

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Episode 32: Should We Protect the Monsters?

Sat, 18 Oct 2025 01:03:11 -0000

How deadly is it to have a target on your back if you’re a high profile prisoner? Lostprophets frontman Ian Watkins has been murdered in jail with two fellow inmates charged with his death.

In this episode we discuss is it simply karma that wicked convicts (mainly sex offenders) are singled out on prison landings or do they deserve protection like everyone else no matter the heinous crimes they’ve committed?

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Episode 31: Ed Gein, the Daddy of all Monsters

Sun, 05 Oct 2025 15:21:16 -0000

Its Number one on Netflix, Monsters - the Ed Gein Story, but what does a world leading criminologist make of this controversial re telling of the original American serial killer and body snatcher?

Professor David Wilson loved all eight hours of dark, macabre and depraved behaviour carried out by the ultimate mummy's boy who's fixation with her led to his bizarre collection of body women's body parts. Journalist and broadcaster Martin Frizell, on the other hand, felt it was overlong, voyeuristic and checked out to watch the Sound of Music! Nazis in both but Ed Gein's influences came from the sinister Bitch of Buchenwald which allegedly fuelled his monsterous cravings. It's a proper non sensationalised half hour discussion about one of the true crime series of the year.

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Episode 30: Tartan Noir

Sun, 28 Sep 2025 18:09:37 -0000

You'll have heard of Scandi Noir, well, now comes Tartan Noir!

Why does Scotland have an unhealthily rich heritage of serial killers, gangsters, bloody violence, turf wars and television detectives? All will be revealed when This Much is True Crime takes to the road next year with journalist and broadcaster Martin Frizell and emeritus Professor of Criminology David Wilson. In this episode we record on location with the Prof on his sell out tour of his book 'A History of Modern Britain in Twenty Murders', listen for half an hour as we explore the dark underbelly of a nation that produced many of the finest minds in the world but also its fair share of the worst.

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Episode 29: The Paedophile Expert on Missing Madeline

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 08:02:49 -0000

Will predatory paedophile Christian Brueckner strike again now he's been released from jail? Very possibly, and will he get away with one of the biggest crimes of our lifetimes, the abduction and murder of Madeline McCann, ( if he did it) that's now very likely.

World leading expert on men who abduct and murder children, ex Surrey senior detective Graham Hill, now a PHD criminologist, presented an ITV documentary focusing on prime suspect Brueckner and there's little doubt he's responsible. In this fascinating discussion with Professor David Wilson, two authorities on men who prey on children, talk the failings of the McCann inquiry, the case against Brueckner and destroy the conspiracy theorists who implicate the toddler's grieving parents.

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Episode 28: The Professor’s Murder Club

Sat, 13 Sep 2025 20:01:32 -0000

Want new insights into 20 crimes of the century from Jack the Ripper to the dreadful murder of Sarah Everard? Our in house Professor of Criminology, David Wilson, has researched and written ‘A History of Modern Britain in 20 Murders’. Order it on Amazon now and have a listen to our discussion in this episode about a fascinating concept that charts our progress and decline through the most heinous of killings

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Episode 27: Erin Patterson, the definition of evil

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 18:03:49 -0000

She’ll likely die in jail an old woman after her sentence for poisoning to death her in-laws but what was Erin Patterson’s motive? Britain’s top criminologist Professor David Wilson examines her behaviour before and during her court case and how she almost committed the perfect murder cooking up a deadly Beef Wellington. Now she has her just desserts, a life of solitary awaits but will she take her secret to the grave?

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Episode 26: Freddie's love child, is this just fantasy?

Sun, 07 Sep 2025 20:22:44 -0000

Is this the real life, is this just fantasy?

Queen legend Freddie Mercury is at the centre of bizarre allegations that he fathered a secret love child to whom he left seventeen volumes of highly revealing diaries, unpublished Queen songs and millions in inheritance in gold bullion and artwork.

It's all contained in a new book that promises to show a side of Freddie never seen before, however, where's the evidence? Hot on the heels of The Salt Path fiasco is this another publishing controversy and what are readers to believe?

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Episode 25: Amanda Knox twisted tales revealed

Sun, 31 Aug 2025 19:46:02 -0000

Will it never end for the family of Meredith Kercher, the British student raped and murdered in her Italian university town in 2007? Flatmate Amanda Knox from Seattle was convicted of her murder twice then cleared. She’s written two books and taken part in a documentary and now, much to the disappointment of Meredith’s family, she’s produced an eight part mini series on her ordeal - from her perspective. We take a look and it’s not flattering.

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Episode 24: The M&M's updates, Maxwell and Menendez

Sun, 24 Aug 2025 09:36:47 -0000

What was Sarah Fergusons role in the Prince and the Paedophile scandal? Dramatic new transcripts from an interview with Ghislaine Maxwell in jail have been released as she tries to reduce her prison term for sex trafficking. Epstein suicide, Trump, secret client files, she answers it all as do we in this episode. But also another high profile criminal soap opera serves up another chapter as the murderous Menendez brothers apply for parole. Fascinating insight from Professor David Wilson as he believes the Menendez 'boys' (claimed sexual abuse by their father) may have escaped with a much shorter jail term had they been before a jury today.

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Episode 23: There's Been a Murder - it's all the rage in classrooms

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 21:22:35 -0000

Doubt Taggart ever studied criminology but it's currently the new hot topic in Universities and schools. What would Jack Regan and George Carter from The Sweeney have made of studying the societal impact of the little toe rags they'd nicked? Why is it on trend and who better to explain than an emeritus Professor of Criminology who, let's face it, has done alright studying it! In this bite size edition David Wilson leads the class in the fundamentals of learning all about crime.

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Episode 22: Was Epstein Silenced? Criminologist Case Notes

Sat, 16 Aug 2025 19:12:59 -0000

Did multi millionaire Jeffrey Epstein hang himself or was he silenced before he could incriminate the rich and powerful men who indulged in his sex abuse ring? It's a conspiracy theory that refuses to disappear and now, for the first time, a world leading criminologist has studied the case notes and delivers his verdict. In this episode, broadcaster Martin Frizell and emeritus Professor of Criminology David Wilson also consider the position of Epstein's enabler, Ghislaine Maxwell, should she be concerned for her safety - and the continuing saga of the broken modern American Dream now embroiling Trump and the Clintons.

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Episode 21: Suzy Lamplugh - Mr Kipper 'the killer' update

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 18:12:31 -0000

Has the main suspect in Britain's biggest ever missing person case cruelly taken his secrets to the grave? Detectives are convinced serial rapist and murderer John Cannan abucted and killed Fulham estate agent Suzy Lamplugh on a summers day almost 40 years ago but never had evidence to charge him. This week a Prison inquiry found Cannan died of natural causes and had been managed with respect and cared for by confident, competent staff - sadly he didn't afford the same compassion to his victims nor did he reveal to the Lamplugh family Suzy's last resting place. In this episode Professor of Criminology David Wilson and journalist Martin Frizell consider the latest update and start with an astonishing development in the case of the Beef Wellington murderer and a new lethal recipe - cookies laced with anti freeze!

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Episode 20: Mums on the Run - the matriarchs running British crime groups

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 00:20:00 -0000

Could a mum really be behind one of the UK's biggest drug smuggling families, teaching her children the dark arts of trafficking? Grannies and mums are more prolific than ever on the British crime scene, one jailed just in the last few days. Not just coerced partners but genuine Dons or Donnas of UK mafioso whose 'quiet lady next door' image belies the dedicated and determined Granny gangster.

And we're exporting our female felons around the world, peddling drugs in country's with the death penalty where one pensioner mum is waiting for the firing squad. So is the 'fairer sex' just as bad as the rest ? Broadcaster Martin Frizell and Professor of Criminology David Wison explore the alpha female.

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Episode 19: The Boomerang Burglar - back from Albania

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 00:49:00 -0000

Why can't we deport 28 year old prolific burglar Dorian Puka back to Albania? He's been convicted twice of burglary in the UK, sent to prison and and kicked out back to Eastern Europe twice and yet he'a arrived back for a third time by illegal means and now he's claiming asylum. That allows him to move around freely until his claim is processed and in doing so he's flaunting spectacular wealth posting TikToks from nightclubs, Knightsbridge restaurants and gifting himself a new £200k Lamborghini.

In this episode, Broadcaster Martin Frizell and emeritus Professor of Criminology David Wilson clash over calling out those responsible for organised crime, are we wrong to pick on Albanians or are they the new Mafia?

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Episode 18: A Pinch of Salt

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 22:55:07 -0000

What's the latest on the Salt Path controversy?

It's seven days on from the original bombshell accusations in The Observer that accused Raynor Winn and Moth of not being 'unflinchingly honest" in their multi million best seller The Salt Path.

Raynor, real name Sally Walker, has rebutted the criticism, meanwhile the Observer journalists have unearthed another character from the past who claims Moth told him that he had just weeks to live -that was four years ago. And bookshops around the country are reporting back on sales and comments from customers and it doesn't look good. Journalist Martin Frizell and emeritus Professor of Criminology David Wilson delve between the covers once again...

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Episode 17: Is The Salt Path bestseller just Cornish Cobblers?

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 20:53:28 -0000

A bumper edition with allegations that the worldwide bestseller The Salt Path is fabricated in parts plus our take on the guilty verdicts for Erin Patterson, the Beef Wellington multiple killer.

The Observer newspaper in the UK is either going to win awards or be sued out of business by Raynor Winn and her terminally ill husband Moth. It alleges the couple made up big parts of their triumph over adversity story including the claim that Moth is slowly dying from an incurable disease. The book has spawned two sequels and now a major motion picture - but what if it's all cobblers? Martin Frizell and Professor David Wilson are careful to acknowledge the authors denials and explore the shockwaves from the allegations.

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Episode 16: I killed the four sleeping students but I’m not saying why

Sun, 06 Jul 2025 11:10:27 -0000

Bryan Kohberger this week escaped execution by firing squad by sensationally changing his plea to guilty of the murder of four students as they slept in their beds in Idaho in November 22. But why the PHD Criminology student, from a different University, picked on these particular victims is still a mystery as he’s refused to explain a motive. In this episode, Professor of Criminology David Wilson, who has met Kohberger’s tutor, analyses whether classroom teachings were behind the killings and reveals that he has to censor some details from students who are worryingly over keen on the mechanics of serial killers. We also look at developments with Lucy Letby and consider six days of jury deliberations in the Beef wellington killer trial.

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Episode 15: Locked up, no bail for dangerous, guilty Diddy

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 22:52:27 -0000

P Diddy's own admission that he's a violent thug that attacked his former girlfriend was instrumental in a Manhattan judge refusing bail at the end of an historic showbiz show trial today. Multi millionaire rapper Sean Combs was found guilty on two counts of transporting prostitutes across state lines but cleared of racketeering and sex trafficking, however, he could still be sentenced to 20 years. Martin Frizell and Professor of Criminology David Wilson were on the case minutes after bail was denied...

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Episode 14: I don’t like violence, I just happen to be good at it

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 06:00:00 -0000

Second part of our discussion with ex prisoner Kevin Lane and this time it’s personal. Frank and honest about kidnapping, torture and his disgust of sharing prison space with paedophile inmates, it’s a window into the world of a lifer - ‘fitted up’ as a contracted hit man for a murder he maintains didn’t commit.

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Episode 13: The Mortician, turning ash to cash

Sun, 22 Jun 2025 18:24:56 -0000

Wow, have you seen The Mortician, can you ever forget it? The true crime story of David Sconce and the Lamb Family Funeral Home and Crematorium in Pasadena is gripping, jaw dropping and all the more astonishing as Sconce himself tells the story of burning multiple bodies, harvesting organs, pulling gold teeth and even more! It's coincidental that this week (June 25 2025) Yorkshire funeral director Robert Bush appears in court in Hull accused of abusing the dead and mixing up ashes. Join Martin Frizell and Professor of Criminology David Wilson as they explore how some are prepared to make a killing out of the dead...

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Episode 12: We Need to Talk to Kevin

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 16:56:10 -0000

Kevin Lane is no angel but he says he’s not a killer.

Growing up he was known as Lights Out Lane, settling scores, usually with violence. For much of his adult life, Kevin was in prison, first for kidnapping, which he accepts, then for a brutal murder, which he denies. He was convicted of being a callous hitman and sentenced to life but Kevin claims he was ‘fitted up’ and wrote 10,000 letters in protest, earning the label the UK’s Mr. Shawshank.

He’s out with a tag on his leg now and joins broadcaster Martin Frizell and emeritus Professor of Criminology David Wilson to share his views on current prison life and his colourful past. It’s across two episodes and gives a rare insight into life inside what Kevin calls the concrete coffin.

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Episode 11: Michelle Mone and the 'unsafe' PPE scandal

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 18:00:15 -0000

Government lawyers are at the High Court demanding a massive payback from a company linked to Michelle Mone - £122 million pounds of taxpayers cash for faulty PPE that’s never been used. Almost thirty million pounds in profit from controversial deal, was put into a trust to benefit Baroness Mone and her children.

Separately, detectives from the National Crime Agency are investigating the Baroness and her tycoon husband Doug Barrowman for possible criminal charges - the couple deny any wrong doing. So in this episode broadcaster Martin Frizell and emeritus Professor of Criminology David Wilson examine the Mone case. For a change, this is alleged white collar crime, instead of the blue stuff!

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Episode 10: Mushroom Killer, The Motive

Mon, 09 Jun 2025 09:18:40 -0000

Erin Patterson was either a calculating poisoner or, as she claimed, an appalling cook who accidentally killed three of her in laws with a Beef Wellington lunch laced with toxic mushrooms. Six weeks into the triple murder trial of the Australian mum of two and we are still no nearer to finding a clear motive for bumping off her estranged husband's parents and an aunt. Was it disputed family finances, a failure to help with school fees? And, if guilty, how did she think she'd ever explain all the lunch gathering dying - except her? Broadcaster Martin Frizell and award winning emeritus Professor of Criminology David Wilson take a look under the pastry lid but also explore poisoners through the years. Done properly, is it the perfect murder method?

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Episode 9: Diddy Done For?

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 00:52:49 -0000

Britain's top criminologist assesses the trial of the century as Sean Diddy Combs , the Hollywood Hip Hop tycoon , fights for his empire and his freedom. Professor David Wilson explains the prosecution's gamble with a controversial charge against Diddy usually reserved for mob bosses. Have the years of brushes with the law finally caught up with the world famous rapper? Diddy's a violent thug who beats up women but is he a mobster? The Prof reveals his prediction of how the jury will vote for or against one of America's cultural superstars.

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Episode 8: Madeleine - Finally call off the search?

Tue, 27 May 2025 10:18:51 -0000

Britain's top criminologist Professor David Wilson has studied the abduction of three year old Madeleine McCann for more than a decade and now, 18 years later since her vanishing from her bed by the Portuguese seaside, he says it's time to end the police search.The Met police still have a team of three working away funded by the taxpayer whilst the most likely suspect, Christian Bruckner could be released from jail later this year for an unrelated crime only to disappear for ever.Professor Wilson believes Christian B is the killer and new evidence unearthed by The Sun this month only strengthens that belief. This is a cracking discussion with Martin Frizell who first alerted the world to Madeleine's disappearance and the Prof who says he knows what happened to her - the only mystery is whoddunnit? And he knows that too!

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Episode 7: Castrate the Paedos and Rapists?

Thu, 22 May 2025 22:06:27 -0000

Chemical castration is being rolled out in the UK for sex offenders and rapists but will it stop these sick men from reoffending again? And violent domestic abusers, muggers and thugs may well be released early from jail to free up spaces in Britains overcrowded prisons. Reporter and broadcaster Martin Frizell and emeritus Professor of Criminology David Wilson have opposing views on dealing with the men who ruin lives, especially young children.

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Episode 6: We jailed the wrong man for 40 years!

Sun, 18 May 2025 12:25:45 -0000

Imagine losing almost forty years of your life? The chance to. have children, a career, homes, holidays - four decades worth that never existed. Peter Sullivan was freed from jail this week after serving 38 years for a crime he didn't commit. He maintained his innocence throughout despite being convicted of the murder of 21 year old Diane Sindall in 1987. All down to modern DNA that proved it wasn't him but his cries for help, for a review were turned down time and again. Martin Frizell and emeritus Professor of Criminology David Wilson try to make sense of Britain's longest miscarriage of justice.

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Episode 5: Sycamore Morons

Fri, 09 May 2025 14:53:36 -0000

Why would anyone want to chop down the world famous Sycamore Gap tree that had stood by Hadrians Wall for more than a century? The two hapless locals found guilty showed no remorse and still haven't explained their actions. Called cowards and morons during their trial, if they wanted infamy they succeeded but now they face up to ten years in jail. Martin Frizell and Professor of Criminology David Wilson discuss this absorbing case just hours after the jury returned the unanimous guilty verdict.

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Episode 4: Natalia Grace -The bizarre case that shocked the world.

Mon, 05 May 2025 01:00:00 -0000

Was she a toddler with dwarfism or a grown woman who tricked a family into adopting her then threatened to murder them as they slept? Emeritus Professor of Criminolgy David Wilson and reporter/broadcaster Martin Frizell explore the odd story of Natalia Grace now made into the Disney+ production Good American Family. Somehow there’s a feeling the story’s not over yet.

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Episode 3: Modern Crime Families

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0000

Drug running, money laundering, extortion and racketeering, its all in a day's work for Britain's crime families and they are alive and well in the modern age. The Kray brothers may have cornered the market in likeable villains (unless you were a target) but there is a rash of new dramas based on gangster families in Britain and Dublin. If you are a fan of Kin, MobLand or This City is Ours, Martin Frizell and Professor David Wilson explore how true they are to the violent families whose turf wars are still as murderous as ever.

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Episode 1: America's worst ever serial killer?

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 07:15:27 -0000

The bodies of eleven women and counting are the believed victims of the Long Island serial killer but there may be many more . It's a crime that had to wait for years to be taken seriously by corrupt police and would have gone neglected were it not for a band of grieving but determind mothers.

Gone Girls is the powerful docu series from Netflix and we're looking at the case and the prospect that the main suspect is an even bigger monster than first thought.

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Episode 2: Prison guards in danger of being murdered?

Sat, 19 Apr 2025 21:55:24 -0000

Three UK prison officers were viciously attacked by Manchester bomb plotter Hashem Abedi who threw boiling oil in their faces and slashed one so badly they were within minutes of death. Join Martin Frizell and ex prison governor and Professor of Criminology David Wilson as they discover why terrorist prisoners have special treatment and why it must change. How long before there's a murder of a prison guard on duty? Also the astonishing revelation that crime bosses have planted gang members within prison officers ranks after going through the official recruitment process.

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