True Criminals

Most Captivating Hosts – Thank You!

We're still pinching ourselves... 🎉 In this short bonus episode, Martin Brunt and Helen Fospero reflect on an unforgettable evening at the True Crime Awards, where we were honoured to win Most Captivating Hosts. A huge thank you to everyone at the True Crime Awards, the judging panel, and everyone involved in recognising the work that goes into bringing these stories to you each week. Most importantly, thank you for listening, supporting the podcast, and being part of our incredible community. If you've enjoyed the show, we'd love it if you could take a moment to leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, give us a thumbs up wherever you listen, or follow the show so you never miss an episode. Every review, rating and recommendation really helps more people discover the podcast. From Martin and Helen, thank you once again for your support—we couldn't have done it without you. ........................... 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.truecriminals.co.uk⁠⁠ 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

Story of a Murder: Hallie Rubenhold on the Dr Crippen Case

This week on True Criminals, Martin Brunt and Helen Fospero revisit one of the most infamous murder cases in British history, the story of Dr Hawley Harvey Crippen. Joined by bestselling historian and author Hallie Rubenhold, they explore the murder of Belle Elmore and the extraordinary investigation that gripped the Edwardian world, from the first international manhunt to the pioneering use of wireless telegraphy. Drawing on Hallie's acclaimed book Story of a Murder, the conversation moves beyond the familiar legend of Crippen to uncover the lives of the women at the heart of the case, offering a compelling new perspective on a crime that has shaped true crime history for more than a century. Find Hallie Rubenhold's Story of a Murder here: https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/441693/story-of-a-murder-by-rubenhold-hallie/9781804992920 .......... 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 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.truecriminals.co.uk⁠⁠ 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

ITV’s Believe Me Review: The John Worboys Story Told Through the Victims | True Criminals

In this episode of True Criminals, Martin Brunt and Helen Fospero take a closer look at ITV’s powerful drama Believe Me, which tells the story of convicted black cab rapist John Worboys through the experiences of his victims. Having both followed and covered the case, Martin and Helen discuss how the four-part drama brings one of Britain’s most shocking criminal cases back into focus — not by centring Worboys, but by telling the story of the women who survived his attacks and the fight to be believed. They explore the performances, the difficult realities behind the drama, the police failings that allowed Worboys’ offending to continue, and why the battle for justice did not end with his conviction. Martin shares his memories of seeing Worboys in court, the evidence that ultimately exposed the scale of his crimes, and the disturbing details that revealed the man behind the headlines. They also discuss Carrie Johnson’s extraordinary role in helping keep Worboys behind bars and why her story became such an important part of the fight for victims’ voices to be heard. A powerful discussion about true crime, dramatisation, accountability and the women at the heart of one of the UK’s most infamous cases. ......... 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 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

A Conversation with Jo Procter, CEO of Embrace Child Survivors of Crime

At True Criminals, we spend much of our time examining criminal investigations, court cases and the pursuit of justice. But what happens after the headlines fade? What support exists for children and families living with the lasting impact of crime? We are incredibly proud to launch the first of four special episodes created in partnership with Embrace Child Survivors of Crime, a remarkable charity dedicated to helping children and young people recover from trauma, abuse and violence. Through this special series, we hope to shine a light on the vital work Embrace does every day, raise awareness of the challenges faced by child survivors of crime, and support the charity's mission to ensure no child or family has to face the impact of crime alone. For this first instalment, Martin Brunt and Helen Fospero are joined in the studio by Embrace CEO Jo Procter. Drawing on more than 25 years of safeguarding experience, Jo explains how Embrace supports children affected by domestic abuse, sexual abuse, exploitation, serious violence and major incidents, regardless of whether a crime is reported or prosecuted. She discusses why so many children struggle to speak about what has happened to them, how trauma often reveals itself through behaviour rather than words, and why being heard can be the first step towards healing. The conversation explores the hidden impact of crime on children and families, the challenges faced when cases do not reach court, and the growing risks posed by online exploitation. Jo also shares powerful examples of young people who, with the right support, have been able to rebuild their lives and move forward after experiencing significant harm. Martin reflects on some of the major child abuse investigations he has covered throughout his career, including the abuse scandals in Jersey care homes and football, while Helen and Jo discuss the importance of recognising the signs that a child may be struggling, even when they are unable to disclose what has happened directly. The episode also examines the support provided to families affected by major incidents and acts of terrorism, including the Manchester Arena bombing, and the importance of long term care once the immediate emergency response has ended. Together, they discuss what needs to change to better protect children, from listening more carefully to children's experiences, to improving collaboration between agencies, and ensuring long term support services receive sustainable funding. This is a thoughtful and important conversation about resilience, recovery and the people working tirelessly to ensure that children affected by crime are not forgotten. If you or your family have been affected by any of the issues discussed in this podcast, Embrace Child Survivors of Crime is here for you. Embrace is a national children's charity offering free support across the UK. From remote emotional support and counselling for children and young people to days out, family activities and parental peer support programmes, Embrace is here to help children and families recover from the impact of crime and trauma. The majority of services are free to access and can be applied for directly through the charity's website: https://www.embracecsoc.org.uk Support is available regardless of whether a crime has been reported or prosecuted. We are here waiting to help you, so please get in touch. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

John Worboys: The Black Cab Rapist — with Special Guest Carrie Johnson

A black cab was once considered the safest way home. For dozens of women, that faith was destroyed by one of Britain’s most prolific sexual predators. In this special episode, we speak to Carrie Johnson, who was 19 when she got into a London black cab driven by the convicted serial rapist John Worboys. Johnson recounts the night she accepted what seemed an ordinary lift home, her role as a key witness at Worboys’ trial, and her later campaign to overturn the decision to release him from prison. She reflects on the culture of disbelief many victims faced and the fight that forced greater transparency from the parole system. The case has returned to the spotlight with ITV’s Believe Me, a drama told from the victims’ perspective. Since speaking publicly about her experience and following the series’ broadcast, Johnson says around 10 women have contacted her believing they may also have encountered Worboys. Some believe they were drugged. Others say they were assaulted. Several say they reported their experiences to police but were told their evidence was not needed. For Johnson, the question remains unresolved: has the true scale of Worboys’ offending ever been fully understood? Information for Potential Witnesses and Victims Any woman who believes she may have been in Worboys' cab and had a similar experience, or anyone with information that could assist investigators, is urged to call 101 and quote Operation Safford. The Metropolitan Police have also created a dedicated reference number: CAD 4648/23MAY26. Quoting this reference will help call handlers identify the nature of the call more quickly. Those who would prefer to make contact by email can do so at CIT@met.police.uk. ...................................... Support the Show Listen ad free and unlock our full catalogue, plus receive a True Criminals coffee mug, by joining us on Patreon: Patreon: www.patreon.com/truecriminals As an independent podcast, we rely on listener support. If you'd like to help, you can also make a donation via PayPal: PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=YQVFJR5766BJE Instagram: @true.criminals YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@True-Criminals X: @skymartinbrunt Find out more about Martin's career and the cases he has covered in his book, No One Got Cracked Over the Head for No Reason: Dispatches from a Crime Reporter: https://amzn.eu/d/g1WisSY Instagram: @helenfospero Listen to Helen's podcast, The Convex Conversation: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-convex-conversation/id1510209575 True Criminals is produced by Audio Bleach Global. For more information, visit: truecriminals.co.uk 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