Crime Time Inc

Lead prosecutor Joseph Cooksey Jackson sits with his right-hand man, Maxwell Fyfe, discussing their mounting concerns about the forensic evidence. Jackson knows the stakes are high. The success of their case hinges on presenting complex forensic evidence in a way that a jury of laymen can understand. They don’t want any doubts, reasonable or otherwise, sneaking in. Despite the damning evidence aga...

John Milligan, a reporter from the UK’s biggest tabloid, News of the World, finds himself in the home of Dr. Buck Ruxton, now the prime suspect in the disappearance—and likely murder—of his wife Isabella and their nanny Mary Rogerson. Since the women vanished nearly a month ago, Ruxton has spun a web of lies, claiming they ran away to Scotland – or was it Blackpool? But with the discovery of the m...

Peter Rogerson is desperate and furious. His sister Mary, the Ruxton family’s nanny, has been missing for nearly two weeks. Peter, defying social norms, confronts Dr. Buck Ruxton at his doorstep, demanding answers. Despite Ruxton’s attempts to deflect him with tales of theft and a trip to Scotland for an illegal abortion, Peter is not convinced. He fears something terrible has happened and that Ru...

In the early morning of September 15, 1935, Agnes Oxley, a housekeeper at the home of Dr. Buck Ruxton, is roused from her sleep by an unexpected visitor. Ruxton, usually composed and well-groomed, stands disheveled and agitated at her door. Oxley finds his nervous behavior and insistence that she stay away from the house for the day odd to say the least. Little does she know, this is the beginning...

The leading forensic scientists from Scotland have traveled to the tiny village of Moffatt to examine the body parts discovered in a ravine by a sister and brother out hiking. Authorities do not yet know how many people were killed, or by what method, or where or when; they certainly do not know who the victims are.  Beyond Recognition is available on all the usual podcast platforms, includin...

Crime Time Inc co-authors, Tom Wood and Simon Maclean talk about the podcast serialisation of Tom's book, Ruxton: The First Modern Murder, which they have called 'Beyond Recognition'. It is explained how the relationship between Tom and the hugely successful True Crime podcast, Small Town Dicks was formed. Our co-hosts also discuss the first episode of the series called Horror in the Ravine. Rotti...

A look back at the highlights of Season 2 About Crime Time Inc. Season 5 of Crime Time Inc. broadens its reach across two sides of the Atlantic. This season features cases from Scotland and across the wider UK — rooted in real investigative experience — alongside deep dives into some of the most infamous murder cases in American history. Hosted by former detectives Simon and Tom, with experience i...

A look back at the highlights of Season 2 About Crime Time Inc. Season 5 of Crime Time Inc. broadens its reach across two sides of the Atlantic. This season features cases from Scotland and across the wider UK — rooted in real investigative experience — alongside deep dives into some of the most infamous murder cases in American history. Hosted by former detectives Simon and Tom, with experience i...

Mike Bonventre shares his experiences with the mafia, law enforcement, and the war on drugs. He discusses how his family's business was embezzled by the Italian mafia and how the FBI refused to investigate. He also talks about his undercover work and the corruption he witnessed within law enforcement. Bonventre highlights the profit-driven nature of the war on drugs and the influence of organised...

In this compelling episode, Simon McLean recounts a pivotal case from his early days as a young detective that significantly shaped his career. Simon reflects on his investigation into a series of indecent assaults in Rothesay, a small town plagued by unsolved crimes presumed to be committed by a local gangster named Contini. Despite the prevalent assumptions, Simon suspected otherwise and pursued...

In this episode, Simon and Tom dive into a range of compelling topics. Simon starts with a light-hearted dilemma about promising free entry to a podcast event, but the conversation quickly takes a serious turn as they discuss a major inquiry into the sexual abuse and rape of young boys in Glasgow's Govan area. Using insights from Tom’s FBI training, they delve into the complexities of linking mult...

In this engaging episode, Tom and Simon discuss their anticipation for the upcoming live event at Hillhead Library, scheduled for August 25th. Simon shares his old-school wisdom about feeling nervous and recounts critical lessons from his policing days, including stories from court and major crime scenes. The duo reflects on the decline of police presence on the streets, the growing concern over r...

In this episode of Crime Time Inc, hosted solo by Simon Maclean, the focus is on the multifaceted challenges facing Police Scotland. The show features an insightful interview with David Threadgold, the national chair of the Scottish Police Federation, who discusses the morale of officers, resource constraints, and recent changes within the force. The conversation highlights inefficiencies in the c...

In this episode, Tom shares the remarkable story of Violet van der Elst, an almost forgotten yet incredibly influential British campaigner against capital punishment. Stumbling upon her name while researching the Ruxton murders, Tom discovered Violet's enduring fight against the death penalty, motivated by her strong belief in the sanctity of life as guided by her religious convictions. Born into...

In this episode, Tom and the host discuss the captivating story of Gentle Johnny Ramensky, a legendary safe breaker and prison escaper from post-war Scotland. Renowned for his non-violent nature and acrobatic skills, Ramensky became a Robin Hood-like figure whose exploits were widely covered in the tabloids. Born as Johannes Ramanskus to Lithuanian immigrants in Lanarkshire, Johnny learned his pro...

This episode covers a wide range of topics related to policing history and contemporary events. It begins with a discussion on the Elizabeth Emblem, a new award available to families of emergency service personnel who died in the line of duty. Various families have applied, and there are sentiments about the need for further individual recognitions. The conversation then shifts to historical polic...

In this episode of Crime Time Inc., our host, Simon McLean, interviews Mike Bonventre, an extraordinary guest from New York. Mike details his life story, beginning with his family's encounter with organised crime in 1957. His father, an honest exterminator, was approached by the Mafia but refused to collaborate, earning respect within the criminal community. However, years later, after selling his...

In this episode, Simon and Tom engage in a detailed discussion about the evolution of crime investigation, particularly focusing on the mistakes made by senior investigating officers (SIOs) in the past. They explore the concept of 'tunnel vision' and how biases and assumptions can lead to missed opportunities and unsolved cases. The hosts reflect on historical cases, emphasising the importance of...

In this episode of Crime Time Inc., the hosts, Simon and Tom, welcome a special guest, Martin Lupton, a seasoned crime scene investigator. Martin shares his journey from his initial aspirations in aviation to his career switch to the police force, detailing his 31-year tenure starting in 1982. The discussion delves into significant cases he worked on, including the chilling murder of Amanda Duffy...

In this gripping episode of Crime Time Inc., hosts Tom Wood and Simon dive deep into the haunting tale of Burke and Hare, the infamous 19th-century body-snatchers of Edinburgh. The conversation begins with some light-hearted banter before transitioning into the chilling details of Burke and Hare's gruesome activities, providing listeners with a vivid picture of Edinburgh's socio-economic backdrop...

This episode takes a deep dive into one of Scotland's most notorious cases - the story of Burke and Hare, infamously known for their grisly serial murders in 1828 Edinburgh. Our hosts, Tom and Simon, explore the background of these crimes, beginning with the initial interactions between Burke and Hare and setting the stage with detailed descriptions of 19th-century Edinburgh's social and economic...

In this compelling episode of Crime Time Inc., we welcome Jane Hamilton, an esteemed crime reporter with over 25 years of experience in the field, delving into the depths of crime journalism and exploring the intricacies of unsolved cases. Jane shares her journey from aspiring to join the police force to becoming a leading investigative journalist in Scotland, shedding light on her accidental debu...

"Undercover Cop 2" unfolds as a candid conversation between Simon and Tom, offering a deep dive into the world of undercover police work. Simon shares personal anecdotes and insider perspectives, shedding light on the complexities, risks, and ethical dimensions of operating undercover. The discussion starts with lighter moments, including banter about wearing a new Crime Time Inc sweatshirt to a f...

In this compelling episode of our podcast, we dive deep into the transformative power of physical fitness and discipline, particularly focusing on PTSD recovery and battling addiction through strength training. Our guests, Bobby Preston, a renowned global strength coach, and John Mullen, share their groundbreaking work in helping individuals overcome mental health issues, addictions, and the linge...

Dive into the thrilling world of undercover operations with 'Simon Undercover'. Join Simon as he recounts his extensive career diving deep into the shadows to blend in, gather intelligence, and emerge unscathed. From his early days of accidental bar fisticuffs to elaborate surveillance stings and setting up undercover operations, Simon shares vivid anecdotes that blur the lines between the law and...