True Criminals

• Myra Hindley: Britain’s Most Hated Woman

  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? 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

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• True Criminals Briefing | Madeleine McCann: Christian B breaks silence after prison release

  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 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

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• Stephen Lawrence: Legacy with special guest Neil Basu

  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 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

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• Fugitives: The Great Train Robbery - Part 2

  Step inside one of Britain’s most notorious crimes—the Great Train Robbery of 1963—in this gripping true crime podcast episode. Join journalist Helen Fospero and Sky News Crime Correspondent Martin Brunt as they uncover the real story behind the £2.6 million heist (worth over £70 million today) that stunned the nation. Featuring an exclusive interview with Nick Reynolds, son of criminal mastermind Bruce Reynolds, this episode reveals never-before-heard details about the meticulous planning, dramatic execution, and dramatic aftermath of the infamous train robbery in Buckinghamshire. Discover the colorful cast of characters behind the robbery, the chilling assault on train driver Jack Mills, and the gang’s rural hideout at Leatherslade Farm. Hear how tiny mistakes unraveled the plan, leading to one of the biggest manhunts in UK history. Nick Reynolds offers intimate insights into his father’s criminal legacy and shares emotional memories from Bruce Reynolds’ funeral—attended by iconic figures like Ronnie Biggs and poet John Cooper Clarke. Listen now to uncover the untold truth behind the Great Train Robbery. ............................ 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

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• Stephen Lawrence: Legacy

  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. 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

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