True Criminals

Still Standing: Stabbed 24 Times While Pregnant | Natalie Queiroz | Part 1

In March 2016, Natalie Queiroz was eight months pregnant, walking through a busy town centre in broad daylight, when a hooded man jumped onto her back and stabbed her 24 times with a 12-inch kitchen knife. Her lung collapsed. Her uterus was slashed. The blade missed her unborn baby by just two millimetres. Against all odds, both Natalie and her daughter survived. In this first episode, Natalie recounts — in her own words — the nine-minute frenzied attack, the strangers who risked their lives to save her, and the fight to stay conscious as she bled out on the pavement. As the full horror unfolds, listeners learn the devastating truth: the attacker was not a stranger, but her partner and the father of her unborn child. Presented by journalists Helen Fospero and Martin Brunt, True Criminals examines the story behind the headlines — with compassion, clarity and forensic insight. This episode contains graphic descriptions of violence and is deeply distressing. Listener discretion is advised. …………………………… 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

A Life of Crime: Martin Brunt | True Criminals Briefing

In this special True Criminals Briefings episode, Sky News crime correspondent Martin Brunt and journalist Helen Fospero reflect on a remarkable year in crime reporting — and a defining moment in Martin’s four-decade career. From the early days of Sky News in 1989 to some of the most notorious criminal cases of recent times, Martin looks back on the stories that shaped him: covering wars before choosing “a life of crime,” confronting fugitives in courtrooms, receiving letters and postcards from Charles Bronson, and reporting on cases that continue to haunt Britain. The episode dives into major crime stories that dominated 2025, including: The release of Christian Brückner, the prime suspect in the Madeleine McCann case Fresh hopes for a new search in the Muriel McKay murder investigation The Manchester synagogue attack A shocking train stabbing in Huntingdon Inside accounts of high-security prisons, parole hearings, and life in solitary confinement Alongside the hard-hitting journalism, there are lighter — and surprising — moments, including Martin’s unforgettable confession to once taking a goldfish for a walk in the early days of 24-hour news. As Martin steps back into semi-retirement from Sky News, this candid conversation explores the personal cost of crime reporting, the evolution of true crime journalism, and what lies ahead for True Criminals in 2026. Insightful, reflective, and deeply human — this is essential listening for anyone fascinated by true crime, criminal investigations, and the people who dedicate their lives to reporting them. …………………………… Shop Air Up here: Treat yourself or someone special to a refreshing twist with Air Up!  Enjoy 10% off your order using the code TRUECRIMINALS at airup.link/truecriminals. Explore all their delicious flavours today. 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

True Criminals 2025 Christmas Special: Listener Q&A 

You won’t believe the questions we got this Christmas! In this special festive Q&A episode of True Criminals, hosts Martin Brunt and Helen Fospero dive into the fascinating, chilling, and sometimes puzzling queries from our amazing listeners. We want to start by thanking everyone who wrote in and shared their thoughts, theories, and questions with us. Your curiosity and engagement make this show what it is, and we love hearing from you all. In this episode, we cover everything from the enduring mystery of Madeleine McCann and the investigation into Christian Bruckner, to historical cases like Muriel Mackay’s kidnapping, as well as discussions about terrorism in the UK and notorious criminals like John Warboys and O.J. Simpson. We reflect on investigative techniques, crime reporting, and the stories that continue to captivate audiences worldwide. Martin and Helen also take a moment to wish all our listeners a Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year, and to stay safe during the festive season. Tune in for a thought-provoking, gripping, and thoroughly festive True Criminals experience. …………………………… Shop Air Up here: Treat yourself or someone special to a refreshing twist with Air Up!  Enjoy 10% off your order using the code TRUECRIMINALS at airup.link/truecriminals. Explore all their delicious flavours today. 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

The Manchester Arena Bombing with special guest Neil Basu

At 10.31pm a pop concert turned into a war zone. Children were screaming, parents were searching in terror and Britain was once again under attack. In this powerful episode of True Criminals, Sky News crime reporter Martin Brunt and journalist Helen Fospero revisit the deadliest terror attack in the UK since 7 7. They take listeners back to the night of 22 May 2017 when a suicide bomber detonated a homemade device at the Ariana Grande concert, killing 22 innocent people and injuring hundreds more. Drawing on Martin’s frontline reporting and exclusive material from the investigation, the episode explores how the attack unfolded, the chaos and failures in the emergency response and the devastating human cost for victims and families. Joining the hosts is Neil Basu, the former Assistant Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police and the UK’s senior national coordinator for counter terrorism policing at the time, who now co hosts the Crime Agents podcast. In a deeply personal interview, Neil gives rare insight into the first frantic hours after the bombing, the decision to declare a terror attack, the fear of further strikes and the immense pressure of leading the national response alongside MI5. He reflects on watching the CCTV of the blast, the hunt for accomplices and the long lasting impact the attack had on those tasked with preventing the next one. Eight years on, the Manchester Arena bombing still scars the city and the nation. This episode reflects on the resilience shown in the aftermath, the solidarity of ordinary people and why the lessons of that night continue to matter. …………………………… Shop Air Up here: Treat yourself or someone special to a refreshing twist with Air Up!  Enjoy 10% off your order using the code TRUECRIMINALS at airup.link/truecriminals. Explore all their delicious flavours today. 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 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 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

Hunting the Golden State Killer: Profiling Joseph D’Angelo with FBI Expert Julia Cowley – Part 2

The terror that gripped California for over a decade finally came into focus in 2018. Joseph James D’Angelo, a former police officer and seemingly ordinary father, was unmasked as the Golden State Killer – a serial predator responsible for at least 13 murders, over 50 rapes, and countless home invasions from the mid-1970s to the 1980s. In this second part of our True Criminals special, Sky News crime correspondent Martin Brunt and journalist Helen Fospero continue their conversation with retired FBI profiler Julia Cowley, who led the behavioural analysis of D’Angelo’s crimes. Julia reveals the full psychological profile of one of America’s most notorious offenders, providing a chilling window into the mind of a man whose need for control, feelings of inadequacy, and escalating violence allowed him to operate undetected for decades. We examine the investigation that finally brought D’Angelo to justice and explore his courtroom behaviour, revealing the stark contrast between the predator who terrorised families and the frail, confused man who faced the law. Julia also reflects on the key factors that shaped his deviant behaviour, the rare moments where his crimes escalated to deadly violence, and what his capture tells us about profiling, policing, and the evolution of forensic science. In Part Two, listeners will discover: How D’Angelo’s psychological profile explained his obsession with control, power, and sexual fantasy The breakthrough DNA techniques that cracked one of America’s most infamous cold cases Insights into his behaviour during arrest and court proceedings, exposing the true man behind the mask The challenges and debates within FBI profiling and the accuracy of Julia Cowley’s predictions Lessons for investigators and the public on identifying potential offenders before escalation This gripping episode offers an unparalleled insight into the criminal mind, the painstaking investigation that unmasked a decades-long predator, and the groundbreaking science that is transforming cold case investigations. Shop Air Up here: Treat yourself or someone special to a refreshing twist with Air Up!  Enjoy 10% off your order using the code TRUECRIMINALS at airup.link/truecriminals. Explore all their delicious flavours today. 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.  Senior Researcher: Rebecca Stinton Audio Production: Andrew Chappell.  Music Composition: Chap Mannequin.  Artwork: Bleached Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices