Talking True Cases

In the summer of 2003, Jodi Jones was brutally murdered in a quiet Scottish town, and her 14-year-old boyfriend, Luke Mitchell, was revealed as the killer. Mitchell has consistently denied the murder, raising questions about whether he is the true culprit or a victim of a wrongful conviction. Join us as we examine the case with Dr. Sandra Lean, an author and criminologist who has worked with individuals and families who claim wrongful conviction and factual innocence. Dr. Lean not only writes books on miscarriages of justice but also contributes to case reviews aimed at securing appeals through the Court of Appeal or the Criminal Cases Review Commission in the UK. She also contributes to podcasts, articles, and website content that highlight individual cases.

In this episode, we dive deep into the hidden layers of history with none other than the distinguished historian, author, and broadcaster, Prof. Carl Chinn MBE. Join us as we unravel the enigmatic world of the notorious Peaky Blinders gang in a conversation that goes beyond the TV screen.

Michael O'Brien, one of The Cardiff Newsagent Three, was wrongfully convicted of murder and spent 11 years in prison. Since his release, Michael has been campaigning on behalf of victims of miscarriages of justice. Now, he is here to discuss the Merthyr 3 case, along with two others. #JusticePrevails #PodcastInterview #MichaelOBrien #WrongfulConvictions

Join us as we dive deep into the world of forensic psychiatry with our esteemed guest, Dr. Sohom Das (MBChB, BSc, MSc, MRCPsych) @APsychForSoreMinds. In this captivating episode, Dr. Das, a Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist and expert witness, shares his first hand experiences assessing hundreds of patients in prisons, secure psych wards, and courts across the UK. From intriguing diagnoses like schizophrenia, PTSD, and personality disorders to shocking offenses ranging from arson to murder, Dr. Das offers valuable insights and stories from the front line of his profession.

Akhmed Yakoob is a criminal defence solicitor, the director of Maurice Andrews Solicitors, and also a notable TikTok star. He has over 15 years of experience in handling complex cases and serious crimes. Akhmed frequently employs his slogan, "There is a defence for every offence" in his viral social media videos, garnering hundreds of thousands of views and followers.

Darren Gee is a former Everton drug gang leader. After spending 12 years behind bars for his role in a murder, Darren emerged as a transformed individual. Today, he commands a devoted following on social media, using his platform to raise awareness and fight against knife crime.

Michael Hallowes is a former Scotland Yard detective, had has authored a book titled 'Operation Abonar' which is the untold inside story of Britain’s biggest gun-running investigation, which he led. It explores how MAC10 machine guns began appearing in gangland shootings in the 1990s and the lengths Michael and his colleagues had to go to to bring them in, including a Home Office scandal. Machine guns from the investigation are still in circulation today.

Neil Woods is a former UK police officer and undercover drugs operative. Between 1993 and 2007, he conducted covert operations, befriending and winning the trust of some of Britain's most dangerous and unpredictable criminals. Neil eventually understood the futility of the war on drugs, how it stigmatises those who need help and encourages the very worst elements in society. He is now an active member of the international drug policy reform movement. 

Mark Osborne was found guilty of murdering Mark Treddinik by joint enterprise along with his brother Tony Osborne and Wayne Collins. Mark is reported to have arranged the murder from prison whilst serving time for another crime and is now serving a 30-year minimum sentence. Our guests are Mark's friend Julie Major who has been campaigning for his release and believes this case is a miscarriage of justice and Jan Cunliffe one of the founders of ‘Joint Enterprise Not Guilty by Association’ or JENGbA. 

Graham Williams is Professor of Forensic Science and Programme Director at The University of Hull. His areas of expertise are in DNA profiling, body fluid evidence, clothing damage analysis, and bloodstain pattern analysis. He is the UK's Leading Body Fluid researcher.