In 2024, Nikkita Azzopardi was killed by her partner, Joel Micallef, in a horrifying attack.

He was charged with murder, but found not guilty due to mental impairment, after forensic psychiatrists told the court he was suffering acute psychosis at the time of the killing. The verdict devastated Nikita’s family, who felt like they had not had justice. Now, in a shocking turn of events, Micallef has been found dead in custody while awaiting transfer to a secure mental health facility.

Rejoining Wayne on the podcast is Nikkita’s brothers, Sean and Darren Azzopardi. They discuss this unexpected development, their calls for legal reform, and their victim impact statement, which they will now never be able to deliver to Joel Micallef.

Help shape the Crime Desk by taking our quick, listener survey. It takes just five minutes, and you could win a £50 Amazon voucher.

Terms and conditions

• Open to UK residents aged 18 or over.
• Enter between 00:01 BST on 23rd April 2026 and 23:59 BST on 23rd May 2026, inclusive
• The Promotion is free to enter by visiting, completing the online survey and providing your contact details (including email address).
• There will be one (1) winner.
• The winner will win £50 Amazon Voucher
• Amazon Vouchers are subject to Amazon’s T&Cs found here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/
• Full T&Cs apply, click here to read them.

The Trial Australia is part of The Crime Desk. Subscribe today for ad-free listening, early access to new shows, exclusive bonus episodes and complete access to our true-crime podcast collection. Visit thecrimedesk.com for more information.

Follow us on Tiktok @DailyMailCrime

Follow us on instagram @TheTrialPod

Subscribe to our YouTube channel @TheCrimeDesk

Click here to sign up to The Crime Desk's weekly newsletter. It's free and packed with exclusive interviews, expert insight, and gripping deep dive investigations from across the world.

Email us thetrial@dailymail.com

Whatsapp us +447796657512 (start your message with ‘Trial’)

Presenter: Wayne Flower

Producer: Sam Morris

Creative Director: Caroline Cheetham

Production Manager: Vittoria Cecchini

A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.