Hooked on True Crime

In this episode Ali gets distracted from Sydney Smith and tells the story of the Shark Arm Murder Case form 1935.  A tiger shark regurgitates a human arm in an aquarium in Australia, but how did James Smiths' arm get inside the 14 foot long creature?  While discussing the murder of James Smith, Ali and Sarah consider the many possible scenarios which could have led to his untimely demise.  Who...

In this episode we discuss two cases where Sir Sidney Smithwas engaged by the defence team at trial to prove the innocence of their client. The first case was the trial of Sidney Harry Fox, for themurder of his mother Roseline.  As well as looking into the possibility that Fox wasn’t guilty, we discus the way in which the evidence was presented at trial by the Home Office Pathologist Sir Bernard S...

In this episode we talk about the beginnings of forensic ballistics through the lens of Sydney Smiths early solving of Lee Stacks murder. He was one of the first to be able to positively identify the gun which fired a specific bullet through microscopic comparison. Lee Stack was assassinated in his staff car as he was being driven through Cairo. Sydney Smiths ability to match guns recovered during...

*Warning: Although limited, please be aware, contains some content that viewers may find disturbing.* Welcome to the first in our hero's series! Explore the fascinating world of forensic pathology through the life and work of Sir Sidney Smith, focusing on two intriguing cases from Egypt and Scotland that highlight the importance of victim identification in solving crimes. What happens when the...

The disturbing story of Victor Prevost, who trained as a butcher before joining the Military and then the French Police. During his time as a Police Officer Victor murdered 2 confirmed victims, Alexandre Lenoble and Adele Blondin and used his knowledge of butchery to dismember and dispose of the bodies. Ali and Sarah look at the life of this serial killer and discus what could have prompted him to...

Dive into the unbelievable story of Pascal Payet — the French criminal who became infamous for pulling off not one, but THREE daring helicopter prison escapes. In this true crime podcast episode, we break down the meticulous planning, shocking execution, and dramatic aftermath of one of the most legendary prison escape stories in history. From the first helicopter breakout in France to the final c...

Have you heard of the fictional Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde? Probably. But have you heard of the case of the real Dr Hyde? Long before Dr Harold Shipman, there was Dr Bennett Hyde. This episode explores the chilling case of Dr Bennett Hyde, a doctor involved in grave robbing, poisoning, and murder in early 20th-century Kansas City. Discover how Hyde's crimes were uncovered, the legal battles that en...

Michel Vajour, known as the "King of Escape," offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of prison breaks. Born in 1951 in northern France, Michel's childhood was anything but ordinary. After being abandoned by his parents, he was raised by an aunt who loved him dearly until her untimely death. This left him in the care of his alcoholic parents, pushing him toward a life of rebellio...

Warning: Possibly the saddest story we have told. Listen with tissues! This episode explores the tragic case of Bridget Cleary, often called the last woman burned alive in Ireland, highlighting the dangerous power of superstition, folklore, and societal beliefs in late 19th-century Ireland. Use code HOOKED for 10% off your tickets to https://www.crimecon.co.uk/ Support this podcast by buying us a...

In this episode, we talk all things CrimeCon Birmingham . We include the content and all the links you need to continue your CrimeCon UK experience or start it a fresh! Plus we hear from the lovely Nancy from CrimeCon UK HQ about the next CrimeCon in London i(October 3rd and 4th, 2026) and a very important addition to the Crimecon family. Links below. Special thanks to our listeners (esp. Andrea)...

One dark and, hopefully, stormy night in 1574, Richard Galis went to bed after closing up the Garter Inn for the evening.  He blew out the candle but, try though he did, he could not reach a restful slumber.  So alone in the blackness, Richard tossed and turned and worked himself into a greater state of anxiety by listing in hishead his many misfortunes.  Then around about the hour of midnight it...

What makes an relatively ordinary woman murder three women in less than a year? This is the story of the cursed life and crimes of the Italian Serial killer Leonarda Cianciulli. Leonarda deceived three women, murdered them with an axe and then used the bodies to make soap and teacakes. But why? this is far from a simple case. We tell you what really happened to Faustina Setti, Francesca Soave and...

In this episode, Ali and Sarah conclude their coverage of the Kouri Richins trial by looking into the closing arguments and the verdict. They speak about the evidence and the points which both the prosecution and the defence highlighted to the Jury on the last day of trial. Using recorded exerts from the trial, they compare the different tactics and methods used by the State and the defendant. Aft...

Sarah and Ali go through the 12 days of witnesses in the trial of Kouri Richins for the murder of Eric Richins. They discuss the important testimonies and evidence presented by the prosecution and whether it is enough to convict beyond a reasonable doubt. They also talk about the strategies employed by the state and the defence during the trial. Scottish word of the week: Slaiver. To help support...

Ali and Sarah begin to cover the trial of Kouri Richins for the aggravated murder of her husband Eric Richins. In this episode, they talk about the early life of the victim, Eric Richins and his relationship with Kouri. They also look at the opening statements of the trial from the prosecution and defence's case. Discussing the strategies used by both sides and how effective they were, or inde...

In this episode as we explore a chilling 19th-century case from rural Suffolk, where rumours, suspicious deaths, and a man’s dire fate reveal the dark side of Victorian life. Discover the detailed investigation, trial, and haunting questions that remain about motive and justice. In this episode: The early rural life of William Morley and his family in Suffolk The suspicious death of William Patric...

This week on HOTC, we continue with the story of Edith Thompson and the murder of her lover, Frederick Bywaters. We cover Edith's Trial and talk about the obfuscation and dissembling used by the prosecution. We also discuss our thoughts on her culpability. Scottish word of the week: Aoanach (actually means a gathering place, not the devil, Ali!!) Use code 'HOOKED' for 10% off your Crim...

This week on Hooked on True Crime, Ali tells the story of the murder of Percy Thompson by Frederick Bywaters (the lover of Percy's wife, Edith). We also discuss what lead Edith into the arms of Frederick, her marriage to Percy and the evidence which would lead her to be charged for her husbands murder, including the letters, which could show a prolonged plot to poison Percy. Scottish word of t...

In this episode, Ali and Sarah talk about the death of Racing Driver David Blakely by Ruth Ellis. They also look at what drove Ruth to a place where she decided to murder her lover, by discussing her tragic life, from her childhood abuses at the hands of her father to her entry into the sex trade of 1950s London and her violent relationship with David Blakely. They consider what motivated Ruth to...

Part 2 : The Trial In this episode we talk about the trial of Derek Bentley and Christopher Craig for the murder of PC Sidney Miles. Looking at the political and judicial pressures of the case. We talk about the evidence which led to their conviction and the interesting differences in their defence strategies and the sentences that each would receive. We also look in detail at the long campaign to...

Part 1: the Crime In this weeks episode we delve into the infamous case of Derek Bentley, a young man executed for the murder of police officer Sidney Miles in 1952. The discussion covers Bentley's troubled upbringing, his relationship with Christopher Craig, and the events leading up to the tragic incident. We explore the complexities of the case, including the legal implications of joint ent...

The end of the trilogy in 13 parts ;) This podcast episode delves into the world of true crime, focusing on the life of Albert Pierrepoint, a notorious hangman in the UK, and the tragic case of Sarah Ricketts, who was poisoned by her live-in servants, Louisa and Alfred Merrifield. The hosts explore the complexities of the investigation, the trial, and the societal implications of these events, all...

Sarah overcomes the problems of a paperless society. In this episode of the True Crime podcast, hosts Ali and Sarah Downie explore the historical context of poaching in Scotland, focusing on the Cumnock Poaching Riots of 1833. Talking about the daring actions of a poaching gang in Ayrshire, and the community's response to law enforcement. The episode highlights the tragic death of constable Da...

The 'beat around the bush' episode *thanks @Garron In this episode of 'Hooked on True Crime', Sarah and 'Scottish Batman' Ali explore the complex themes surrounding poaching and the tragic story of George Thirkell, a gamekeeper who was killed while on duty. The episode culminates in a reflection on the impact of crime on families and communities, highlighting the emotional...

This week, Ali and Sarah talk about the the beginning of the slow move away from Capital Punishment in the UK with the Criminal Justice Act of 1948 and the following Royal Commission looking at the Death Penalty. Then, they look in detail at the Cameo Cinema Murders of 1949 where Leonard Thomas and John Catterall were killed by a masked gunman. Possible mistakes early in the investigation and publ...