Episodes

  • Is Lucy Letby Innocent? Dr Svilena Dimitrova Explains the Evidence | Part 2

    Is Lucy Letby Innocent? Dr Svilena Dimitrova Explains the Evidence | Part 2
    Mar 16 2026
    In the second and final part of this special two-part series, True Criminals continues its examination of the case of Lucy Letby — the neonatal nurse convicted at Manchester Crown Court of murdering seven babies and attempting to murder seven others at the Countess of Chester Hospital. Letby is currently serving multiple whole life orders, following convictions secured after a lengthy investigation by Cheshire Police known as Operation Hummingbird. At trial, the prosecution argued that babies were deliberately harmed through methods including air embolism, insulin administration and physical interference. But the case has since become the subject of intense debate among some medical experts, legal commentators and campaigners who question whether the convictions are safe. In this episode, Sky News crime correspondent Martin Brunt and journalist Helen Fospero explore the ongoing arguments surrounding the evidence presented to the jury — including the medical testimony, statistical analysis and clinical interpretations that played a central role in the prosecution case. Our guest once again is consultant neonatologist Dr Svilena Dimitrova, who has reviewed large parts of the medical evidence used during the trial. She discusses why she believes some of the conclusions presented in court are deeply flawed, raising questions about issues including the interpretation of insulin test results, the statistical chart used to link Letby to baby collapses, and the clinical understanding of events inside the neonatal unit. Dr Dimitrova also addresses the controversial question of whether systemic failures within the hospital — including staffing pressures, clinical oversight and wider NHS challenges — may provide alternative explanations for some of the tragedies that occurred on the unit in 2015 and 2016. The episode examines why the defence at trial called no expert medical witnesses, the role played by prosecution expert testimony, and the debate now unfolding among specialists about how complex neonatal medicine was presented to a jury. We also explore what could happen next in the legal process. Letby’s legal team has asked the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) to examine the case, a step that could potentially lead to the Court of Appeal reviewing the convictions if the commission finds grounds that they may be unsafe. At the centre of this story remain the babies who died or collapsed and the families who continue to live with the consequences of those events. Their loss is profound and enduring. This podcast examines the evidence and the arguments with care, recognising the complexity and sensitivity of a case that continues to divide opinion across the UK. .................................... 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: BLEACHED Music Composition: BLEACHED Artwork: BLEACHED Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    47 mins
  • Is Lucy Letby Innocent? Dr Svilena Dimitrova Explains the Evidence | Part 1

    Is Lucy Letby Innocent? Dr Svilena Dimitrova Explains the Evidence | Part 1
    Mar 4 2026
    In this two-part episode of True Criminals, we explore one of modern Britain’s most debated true crime cases: is Lucy Letby innocent? This Lucy Letby podcast looks at the case of the neonatal nurse at the Countess of Chester Hospital convicted of murdering seven babies and attempting to kill seven others, with an additional attempted murder conviction added after a 2024 retrial. She is serving 15 whole life orders following the Cheshire Police investigation, Operation Hummingbird, which alleged deliberate harm including air embolism, insulin poisoning, and physical assault. We are joined in the studio by Dr. Svilena Dimitrova, consultant neonatologist and patient safety expert advising the defence. Dr. Dimitrova reviews the medical evidence in the case, including insulin poisoning claims and the death of Baby O, and considers how clinical errors, system pressures, and data interpretation may have influenced the investigation and trial. Part One revisits the Countess of Chester neonatal unit in 2015–16, a high-pressure environment facing staff shortages and rising infant deaths. We explore how the police investigation unfolded, the expert testimony presented in court, and the questions that continue to be raised by legal analysts, medical experts, and the public. At the centre of the story are the babies and their families, whose loss is profound. This episode examines the Lucy Letby case with care, presenting the events, the evidence, and the ongoing debate over the convictions. ....................................... Support the Show Ad-free and bonus content here: 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
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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor & Lord Peter Mandelson arrested over public office misconduct allegations | True Criminals Briefing

    Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor & Lord Peter Mandelson arrested over public office misconduct allegations | True Criminals Briefing
    Feb 26 2026
    Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, and Peter Mandelson are at the centre of major breaking news in the United Kingdom, following their arrests in connection with ongoing misconduct in public office investigations. Both men have been arrested and questioned by police. Both have since been released. No charges have been brought. Andrew Mountbatten Windsor has consistently denied wrongdoing in relation to his past association with Jeffrey Epstein. Peter Mandelson has not publicly addressed the allegations in detail, but it has been reported that he denies acting unlawfully or using public office for personal financial gain. This is True Criminals. In this True Criminals Briefing, Martin Brunt and Helen Fospero analyse the latest developments in one of the biggest UK political and royal stories in recent years. From the dramatic arrest of Andrew Mountbatten Windsor at his home on the Sandringham estate, to Peter Mandelson being taken in for hours of police questioning before being released on bail, this episode breaks down exactly what happened, why police acted, and what comes next. The investigations centre on suspected misconduct in public office, a serious criminal offence involving the alleged misuse of official roles and the handling of confidential or market sensitive information. Detectives are reviewing key evidence, including documents originating from the United States, to determine whether the threshold for criminal charges has been met. We examine how newly released material linked to Jeffrey Epstein may be influencing UK investigations, the role of multiple police forces including Thames Valley Police and the Metropolitan Police, and why this case could take months or even years to resolve. The episode also explores the wider implications for the Royal Family, including the response from King Charles III, and what this could mean for public trust, political accountability, and the future of those involved. This is a fast-moving and developing story. Both men deny wrongdoing. Both remain under investigation. And at this stage, no charges have been brought. For the latest on the Andrew Mountbatten Windsor arrest, Peter Mandelson investigation, and all major UK crime and political news, follow True Criminals now. Support the ShowListen 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 CriminalsInstagram: @true.criminalsTikTok: @truecriminalspodcast Connect with Martin BruntFollow 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: https://amzn.eu/d/g1WisSY Connect with Helen FosperoFollow Helen on Instagram at @helenfospero and check out her podcast, The Convex Conversation: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-convex-conversation/id1510209575 CreditsTrue Criminals is produced by Audio Bleach Global.Visit www.audiobleachglobal.com/truecriminals for more information. Executive Producer: Lee MannProducer: Russell BarnesAudio Production: BLEACHEDMusic Composition: BLEACHEDArtwork: BLEACHED Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    19 mins
  • Delroy Grant: The Night Stalker - How DCI Colin Sutton Caught a Serial Predator - Part 2

    Delroy Grant: The Night Stalker - How DCI Colin Sutton Caught a Serial Predator - Part 2
    Feb 23 2026
    In part two of this True Criminals double episode, Martin Brunt and Helen Fospero are joined by retired DCI Colin Sutton to reveal how the hunt for Delroy Grant finally turned after years of failure. Known as the Night Stalker, Grant terrorised vulnerable elderly victims across South London for nearly two decades, committing burglary, rape and sexual assault while evading capture despite leaving DNA at multiple scenes. The investigation, Operation Minstead, became a test of modern policing, with mass screenings, huge suspect lists and mounting public fear. When Sutton took over in 2009, he rejected the DNA led focus and reframed the case as a pattern of burglary, using geographical profiling, behavioural insight and covert surveillance to predict where the offender would strike next. What followed was a high stakes operation placing officers in hidden observation posts across South East London, leading to the moment Grant was finally caught and identified through DNA. The episode explores his chilling double life as a seemingly kind neighbour and carer hiding a predatory reality, as well as the devastating impact on victims, many of whom lived in lasting fear. Sutton also reflects on a critical missed opportunity in 1999 that allowed hundreds more offences to happen, exposing the consequences of human error in policing. Convicted in 2011 of 29 offences and sentenced to 27 years, Grant’s case remains one of the most disturbing in UK criminal history and a powerful example of how persistence, strategy and leadership can finally bring a serial offender to justice. .................................... 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: BLEACHED Music Composition: BLEACHED Artwork: BLEACHED Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    56 mins
  • Delroy Grant: The Night Stalker - Inside the 17 Year Reign of Terror - Part 1

    Delroy Grant: The Night Stalker - Inside the 17 Year Reign of Terror - Part 1
    Feb 16 2026
    In this episode of True Criminals, Sky News crime correspondent Martin Brunt and journalist Helen Fospero examine the shocking case of Delroy Grant, known as the Night Stalker. For nearly two decades, Grant terrorised elderly victims across South East London, breaking into their homes in the dead of night and committing a series of burglaries and sexual assaults that left communities living in fear. Part one explores the timeline of the case, from the first reported attack in 1992 through the launch of Operation Minstead and the mounting police investigation. Martin Brunt shares his firsthand memories of covering the case, revealing how DNA evidence, missed opportunities and investigative blunders allowed one of the UK’s most prolific serial sex offenders to evade capture for 17 years. The episode examines how Grant targeted vulnerable elderly victims, how forensic breakthroughs shaped the manhunt and why the case exposed critical lessons about policing, persistence and the limits of early DNA databases. This is the inside story of the Night Stalker before the arrest, the trial and the life sentences that followed. Listen to part one now and join us for part two, featuring retired Detective Chief Inspector Colin Sutton on how Operation Minstead finally closed the net. .................................... 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: BLEACHED Music Composition: BLEACHEDArtwork: BLEACHED Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    31 mins
  • Manhunt: How DCI Colin Sutton Caught Levi Bellfield

    Manhunt: How DCI Colin Sutton Caught Levi Bellfield
    Feb 10 2026
    How do you catch a killer who leaves no trace? In this episode of True Criminals, legendary Sky News Crime Correspondent Martin Brunt and veteran journalist Helen Fospero dive deep into one of the most chilling cases in British history: the hunt for serial killer Levi Bellfield. Joining them in the studio is the man who finally brought him to justice, Retired DCI Colin Sutton. Known for his "old-fashioned" detective work, Sutton reveals the inside story of the investigation that spanned years and multiple murders, eventually linking the deaths of Milly Dowler, Marsha McDonnell, and Amélie Delagrange. The Breakthrough: Discover how DCI Colin Sutton connected the dots between seemingly unrelated attacks when others couldn't see the pattern. The Investigation: A behind-the-scenes look at the "Manhunt"—the relentless surveillance and the crucial CCTV footage of a white Vauxhall Belmont that became the catalyst for Bellfield's arrest. Catching a Monster: How Sutton’s team built a case with zero DNA evidence, relying instead on meticulous forensic link-building and "boots-on-the-ground" policing. The Conviction: The moment Levi Bellfield was finally identified as the "Bus Stop Killer" and the subsequent confession that brought closure to the family of Milly Dowler. …………………………. 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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    1 hr and 16 mins
  • Charles Bronson: Parole Update | True Criminals Briefing

    Charles Bronson: Parole Update | True Criminals Briefing
    Feb 3 2026
    Charles Bronson is often cited as Britain’s most notorious prisoner, having spent nearly 50 years behind bars. In this episode of True Criminals, Sky News crime correspondent Martin Brunt and journalist Helen Fospero take a deep dive into the life and legacy of Michael Peterson—the man who became an underworld icon and later transformed into the artist known as Charles Salvador. Martin shares a unique perspective on the man behind the headlines, detailing a personal relationship built over years of correspondence. For the first time in the studio, Martin showcases original artwork sent to him by Bronson, offering a rare glimpse into the "cartoonish" yet often nightmarish creative world that has become the prisoner's primary outlet while in high-security isolation. The discussion traces Bronson's long history within the UK penal system, from his initial seven-year sentence for armed robbery in 1974 to the repeated violent outbursts and hostage situations that kept him inside. Martin explains the complexities of the 2000 discretionary life sentence—triggered by the 44-hour hostage-taking of an art teacher at HMP Hull—which has seen Bronson remain in custody long past his original minimum term. With the Parole Board having denied his 2023 public bid for freedom, the team examines what the future holds for his upcoming hearings. Martin reveals Charles’s own unwavering conviction that he will one day walk free, sharing a recent invitation from the prisoner to join him for a celebratory Guinness at a "freedom party" upon his release. The Origins: How a petty criminal became the "most violent prisoner in Britain." The Art: A look at the vivid, award-winning artwork Martin has brought into the studio. The Letters: Insights into the personal letters and postcards Martin receives from HMP Woodhill. The Legal Battle: An analysis of the parole process and why the board remains hesitant despite Bronson’s claims of being a "reformed character." The Future: Martin’s expert prediction on whether Bronson will ever experience life outside a prison cell again. 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 Instagram: ⁠@true.criminals⁠ YouTube: Subscribe here⁠ Martin Brunt: Follow Martin on Twitter at ⁠@skymartinbrunt⁠. Discover more about his career in his book, No One Got Cracked Over the Head for No Reason: Dispatches from a Crime Reporter, available here. Helen Fospero: Follow Helen on Instagram at ⁠@helenfospero⁠ and check out her podcast, The Convex Conversation, here. 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: Chap Mannequin | Artwork: Bleached Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    18 mins
  • John J. Lennon: Killer and Author, A Prison Interview

    John J. Lennon: Killer and Author, A Prison Interview
    Jan 27 2026
    In a True Criminals exclusive first, the podcast interviews John J. Lennon, a writer and journalist currently serving a prison sentence at Sing Sing Correctional Facility following a conviction for murder. The interview, recorded inside the prison, examines Lennon’s account of his case, his life in custody, and his work as an author. Lennon is the writer of The Tragedy of True Crime, a book that explores how murder cases — including his own — are constructed, reported and consumed, and the consequences those narratives have for victims, offenders and the justice system. The conversation is conducted by Sky News Crime Correspondent Martin Brunt and journalist Helen Fospero, who question Lennon on the circumstances surrounding his conviction, the challenges of writing from prison, and the broader issues raised by the true crime genre. The episode focuses on established facts, Lennon’s published work, and the realities of producing journalism while incarcerated. …………………………. Artwork photography credit: Luke Piotrowski 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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    53 mins