Australian True Crime

The word most commonly used to describe Rolf Harris at the conclusion of his trial and his spectacular fall from grace was remorseless.He still seemed utterly shameless as revelation after revelation rolled out in front of the world and his real character was exposed. We all got an inkling of the sheer entitlement felt by the man and of his expectation that he should be allowed to go on separating his private and public personas with the complete complicity of everyone around him because he was just so famous. Our guest today got more than an inkling, unfortunately. For decades, she was one of the many, many women who knew and who thought he'd get away with it forever. But then miraculously, a group of those women from all over the world, who didn't know each other, decided to stand together. Suzi Dent is a makeup artist. Makeup artists are the heart and soul of any film or television production.They're the ones who hear the secrets, the snickers and the moans. They see the tears and the eye rolls, and they'r

In 1990, social worker Wendy Davis had her dream job at what was then known as Hollywood Private Hospital in Perth. She was the senior grief counsellor in the palliative care unit. It was intense but rewarding work, and at 40 years of age, life was right on track for Wendy Davis.But It was cruelly taken away from her on her youngest daughter's 11th birthday, when she was violently assaulted by a Telecom technician who was working at the hospital.The technician was charged with common assault, for which he received two months probation. Then, for twenty six years, no one wanted to talk about what happened to Wendy. Wendy herself, tried to bury the memory.That was until WA police realised that the technician who attacked Wendy that day, was Bradley Robert Edwards, now known as the Claremont Serial Killer, who was in their custody for the suspicion of murdering Jane Rimmer, Ciara Glennon, and Sarah Spiers.Wendy's book "Don't Make a Fuss: It's Only the Claremont Serial Killer" is available here: https://www.bookt

"Shotgun" Shannon O'Connell is Australia's pre-eminent female boxer. One thing that is absolutely true, is that her toughest opponent is her childhood. She fights it everyday, as do her two brothers, with varying degrees of success. We were introduced to Shannon by a previous guest, Russell Manser from The Voice of a Survivor. He likes to say that boxing has saved more lives than church, and Shannon is definitely one of them. You can keep up to date with all things "Shotgun" Shannon by following her instagram If you have been affected by anything discussed in this episode you can contact:Lifeline on 13 11 1413 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) For ad-free listening, early access and exclusive content, join Australian True Crime Plus on Apple Podcasts here: http://apple.co/australiantruecrime  CREDITS: Host: Meshel Laurie. You can find her on Instagram Co-Host: Emily Webb. You can find her on Instagram here and liste

Our guest this week, Russell Manser, has an incredible podcast of his own called The Stick Up. Please enjoy this rare interview with Mick Gatto, and check out other episodes of The Stick Up wherever you get your podcasts. Show notes:In this rare interview with ex-underworld figure Mick Gatto, you'll hear about his love for his family, passion for charity and the life altering moments that saw him lose two sons, and end up in jail. Russell talks with a man who speaks his truth. Founder of www.thevoiceofasurvivor.comFind Russell on Instagram hereFind Russell on TikTok hereSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/australiantruecrime. Become a subscriber to Australian True Crime Plus here: https://plus.acast.com/s/australiantruecrime. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Russell Manser is an extraordinary man. He's been in and out of prison since we was literally a child, and when he wasn't inside, he was robbing banks to support a raging heroin habit. As we know, lifestyle habits like that don't come out of nowhere. When Russell decided to face the truth of what had happened to him, it changed his life. Since then, he's changed many lives too. This is a very upsetting story involving serious sexual assault. We've talked around these issues before with other guests, but Russell is uncompromisingly honest when talking about his story. Please take care when listening to this episode.To hear more from Russell, as well as the stories of his amazing guests, you can listen to his podcast called The Stick Up with Russell Manser You can also learn more about The Voice of a Survivor at www.thevoiceofasurvivor.com If you have been affected by anything discussed in this episode you can contact:Lifeline on 13 11 1413 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal an

In 1993, Paul Denyer murdered Natalie Russell, Elizabeth Stevens and Deborah Fream in the Frankston area. Denyer had also stalked and terrified women - that’s one of the lesser known aspects of his horrendous offending.Now 50, Denyer was sentenced to life in prison without parole, but the sentence was later appealed and reduced to a non-parole period of 30 years, meaning Denyer is eligible for release in 2023.There’s a genuine fear from many that Denyer will be released - from the families of Natalie, Elizabeth and Deborah - but also the women who were stalked by Denyer.Our guest for this episode is one of the family members who is speaking up.Jake Blair was 12 days old when his mum Debbie was murdered by Denyer. Though he’s almost 30 he’s still known as Baby Jake to the Frankston community. He was a fluffy-haired newborn, cradled in the arms of his dad Garry in a picture that ran in Newspapers across Australia. Over the years, many people, including us, have wondered what happened to him. What was life

Our guests for this episode are Therese Fox and Megan Norris.In 2002 friends Therese Fox and Bronwyn Cartwright travelled to Bali – it was a dream trip that the two Geelong nurses had saved hard for. It was Therese’s first trip overseas and away from her young children.On October 12th Therese and Bronwyn decided to go out to Paddy’s Irish Bar for their last night in Bali.Deadly terrorist attacks on Paddy’s Bar and the Sari Club in Kuta’s party precinct killed 202 people -  88 from Australia including Bronwyn. Therese was critically injured with third-degree burns to 85 per cent of her body.Therese is intensely private but years after the horror of the bombings and her slow, painful road to recovery, she felt that it was important to have her story on record -  for her family, to honour Bronwyn and to acknowledge the people whose lives intersected with hers in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks.Therese turned to crime journalist and author Megan Norris, who you’ll know from previous episodes of A

Our guest for this episode is Michael Adams, host of the fascinating podcast Forgotten Australia. Michael is a master of deep diving into the archives to tell incredible stories most people have never heard of - many of them about crime and society. From historic news articles - even the smallest of briefs and the mere mention of a name, Michael brings old stories, scandals, oddities and the lives of intriguing people back to life.  Michael’s also an author and his latest book, Hanging Ned Kelly looks at Australia's most famous antihero from a new perspective - that of the man who ended Kelly’s life, hangman Elijah Upjohn and the capital punishment history of Australia. This is definitely history you didn’t learn in school.Michael’s book is Hanging Ned Kelly and his podcast is Forgotten Australia. You can find out more about Michael at his website https://michaeladamswrites.com/ If you have been affected by anything discussed in this episode you can contact: Lifeline on 13 11 14 

In celebration of the release of the brand new season of The Handmaid's Tale, we've invited a couple of friends over to chat about the series with. We're joined today by mega fan Joanna Fleming from Adore Beauty, and from the brilliant Eyes On Gilead podcast, Fiona Williams. So, why a special episode about The Handmaid's Tale on our true crime podcast feed? Well, Margaret Atwood, the author of The Handmaid's Tale famously said that there's no crime against women in the book, that hasn't actually been perpetrated against women in real life somewhere in the world. Oh, and spoiler alert. Obviously. Season 5 is available to stream free exclusively on SBS On Demand now: https://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/You can listen to Eyes On Gilead here: https://www.sbs.com.au/guide/podcastcollection/eyes-gileaAnd you can listen to Joanna's podcast with Adore Beauty, Beauty IQ Uncensored here: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/beauty-iq-uncensored/id1478211900GET IN TOUCH: Send us a question or comment on this episode t

Lucy Wessell contacted Australian True Crime to tell her family’s story about the unforeseeable and tragic loss of her brother Andrew - who is remembered by them as a kind and gentle man who loved his family, animals, and nature. He was a seasoned traveller who had friends all over the world. Andrew Drake was stabbed to death in 2019. Andrew, 29, died on the lawn of a house in Batemans Bay on the NSW South Coast, as his sister Penny desperately tried to save his life. The property where he was killed was the home of then 18-year-old Daniel Sharpe, who lived with his parents David and Julie.  Andrew and his sister Penny were invited over to the house for a drink - the kind of thing people do to get to know their neighbours. The night turned into a nightmare - resulting in Andrew’s shocking death. Daniel Sharpe was acquitted of murder, but found guilty of manslaughter by a New South Wales Supreme Court jury.  It was a decision that shattered Andrew’s family and Lucy wanted to tell

This is a re-issue of episode 76 from November 2018In November of 2016, a decade after his death, Michael Atkins finally agreed to tell police where he'd buried the remains of his young lover Matthew Leveson. Matt's tormented parents tell us the twisted tale as to why Atkins will never be convicted in connection with their son's death.Show notes:Your hosts are Meshel Laurie and Emily WebbWith thanks to Mark and Faye Leveson.Like us on the Facebook ​Follow us on Instagram or TwitterSupport us on PatreonThank you for listening!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/australiantruecrime. Become a subscriber to Australian True Crime Plus here: https://plus.acast.com/s/australiantruecrime. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is a re-issue of episode 216 of Australian True Crime.Some of Australia’s most dangerous offenders aren’t housed in prisons because they were judged mentally unfit to stand trial. Dr Danny Sullivan is the Executive Director of Clinical Services at Thomas Embling hospital. It’s been home to some of Victoria's most dangerous people, including Masa Vuktotic’s killer Sean Price, Henry Hammond who murdered Courtney Herron and Bourke Street rampage driver James Gargasoulas.Dr Sullivan joins us to talk about his work.You can find out more about the work of Forensicare at https://www.forensicare.vic.gov.au/Book tickets to the Melbourne Podcast Festival forensics show hereBook tickets to the Karralyka Rowland Legg show hereBook tickets to the Yarraville Rowland Legge show here Pre order Meshel’s book “CSI Told You Lies” here. You can support us with a one-off contribution here.You can become a patron here.You can subscribe to Calm Ya Farm here.You can visit the Calm Ya Farm website here. Like us on

David Cammarata’s childhood best friend is currently a forensic patient in a secure psychiatric facility. He was found not guilty of the machete murder of his own brother at a suburban shopping centre and of stalking and attempting to murder David, because the judge believed he was suffering from severe mental illness when he committed the offences.David and his family were terrorised for years before his former friend Jonathan was apprehended. Now he lives in fear that he’ll one day be released.  David’s former best friend, the best man at his wedding is a man by the name of Jonathan Dick. For ad-free listening, early access and exclusive content, join Australian True Crime Plus on Apple Podcasts here: http://apple.co/australiantruecrimeCREDITS:Host: Meshel Laurie. You can find her on Instagram Co-Host: Emily Webb. You can find her on Instagram here and listen to her podcast Killer Content here. Guest: David CammarataProducer/Editor: Matthew TankardExecutive Producer: Jacqu

A repost of episode #103 In loving memory of Uncle Jack Charles. We send our deepest condolences to the people of the Boon Wurrung, Dja Dja Wurrung, Woiwurrung and Yorta Yorta nations on the loss of Uncle Jack Charles. Stolen from his loving family as a child, he embraced all with love and kindness and was a vital artist until the end.---Jack Charles, known respectfully and affectionately as Uncle Jack Charles is a survivor who has much to tell about life, starting from the impact of being one of the Stolen Generation; Indigenous children forcibly removed from their families as a result of various government policies. Uncle Jack's life has traversed orphanages, prison, addiction, recovery, art, theatre, activism, advocacy… he is a survivor. We speak with Jack about his incredible life and he delves into deep issues of society, all the while maintaining his indisputable charm.Warning: please be advised this episode contains graphic content.Show notes for Episode 103:Your hosts are Meshel Laurie and Emily Webb

Geoff Plunkett's book "Death Row At Truro" investigates the mythology around a case that is often bizarrely overlooking in Australian crime reporting. Geoff joins us today to discuss the seven week serial killing spree committed by Christopher Worrell and James Miller in 1970s Adelaide. For ad-free listening, early access and exclusive content, join Australian True Crime Plus on Apple Podcasts here: http://apple.co/australiantruecrimeCREDITS:Host: Meshel Laurie. You can find her on Instagram Co-Host: Emily Webb. You can find her on Instagram here and listen to her podcast Killer Content here. Guest: Geoff PlunkettProducer/Editor: Matthew TankardExecutive Producer: Jacqueline TonksRecorded at a Hub Australia Media Studio. Find the workspace that's right for you at https://www.hubaustralia.com/If you have been affected by anything discussed in this episode you can contact:Lifeline on 13 11 1413 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people)GET I

This is part 2 of our exploration into Marea Yann’s case and our guests are  Esther Yann and close family friend of Marea and her family, lawyer Frank Chen. You know when someone says they’ll do anything they can to right a wrong…Frank Chen really meant it. And you’ll hear the extraordinary lengths he’s gone to so he can fulfil  the promise he made to Marea at her funeral that he would do all he could to bring her killer to justice. Esther was in primary school when her beloved nonna was murdered. Now, as an adult Esther’s been advocating tirelessly for justice for Marea. If you haven’t already, listen to Part One with Jeff Yann.  If you have any information regarding the death of Marea Yann, or any other crime, please contact Crime Stoppers at: https://www.crimestoppersvic.com.au/ You can find the Victoria Police cold case hub here: https://www.police.vic.gov.au/cold-cases For ad-free listening, early access and exclusive content, join Australian True Crime Plus o

As we know, behind every cold case is a family, and 19 years after her shocking murder, Marea Yann’s family remains divided. Tensions that were developing in the lead up to her death, were cast in stone during the murder trial in 2008 that resulted in an acquittal.Some family members still believe the acquittal was appropriate and police never fully investigated alternative theories, while other family members believe it was a terrible miscarriage of justice and continue to pursue a second trial.We’ll explore Marea Yann’s case over the next two episodes of Australian true crime and we begin today with Marea’s son Jeff.If you have any information regarding the death of Marea Yann, or any other crime, please contact Crime Stoppers at: https://www.crimestoppersvic.com.au/You can find the Victoria Police cold case hub here: https://www.police.vic.gov.au/cold-casesFor ad-free listening, early access and exclusive content, join Australian True Crime Plus on Apple Podcasts here: http://apple.co/australiantruecr

If you haven't listened to the first part of this story, you might want to go back and listen before diving into this episode. It contains a lot of background you need to know about Vanessa's own story, but it's also a unique insight into how one human being's life can be completely derailed by the intervention of another, particularly during childhood. Vanessa's story provides a perfect case study of what's known as the victim-offender overlap; which is to say most offenders of crime have been victims of crime first. You can find Vanessa's music on Bandcamp here: https://vanessavalentine.bandcamp.com/ https://thebambikills.bandcamp.com/ https://wearesophomore.bandcamp.com/You can donate to St Kilda Gatehouse here: https://www.stkildagatehouse.org.au/For ad-free listening, early access and exclusive content, join Australian True Crime Plus on Apple Podcasts here: http://apple.co/australiantruecrimeCREDITS:Host: Meshel Laurie. You can find her on Instagram Co-Host: Emily Webb. You can find her on Instagra

This is the first of a two part Australian True Crime special because Vanessa’s story just refused to be contained in a single episode. I’m sure you’ll agree it’s a story that shouldn’t be rushed. It’s not every day you have the opportunity to hear first hand how a well-behaved, studious, happy child, from a loving home found herself estranged from her family and living on the streets before her twentieth birthday. But that’s Vanessa’s story.For ad-free listening, early access and exclusive content, join Australian True Crime Plus on Apple Podcasts here: http://apple.co/australiantruecrimeCREDITS:Host: Meshel Laurie. You can find her on Instagram Co-Host: Emily Webb. You can find her on Instagram here and listen to her podcast Killer Content here. Guest: Vanessa ValentineProducer/Editor: Matthew TankardExecutive Producer: Jacqueline TonksRecorded at a Hub Australia Media Studio. Find the workspace that's right for you at https://www.hubaustralia.com/If you have been affected by anything discussed in

Roger Eichler is a former country copper who served in NSW police from the 1990's. Like so many others, too many others, Roger eventually left the service on a medical discharge with debilitating PTSD. Roger Eichler has written a book on his experience as a country copper, it's called "The Price Of Protecting Others", and he joins us today to talk about it.You can buy Roger's book here: https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-price-of-protecting-others-roger-eichler/book/9780228863038.htmlFor ad-free listening, early access and exclusive content, join Australian True Crime Plus on Apple Podcasts here: http://apple.co/australiantruecrimeCREDITS:Host: Meshel Laurie. You can find her on Instagram Co-Host: Emily Webb. You can find her on Instagram here and listen to her podcast Killer Content here. Guest: Roger Eichler Producer/Editor: Matthew TankardExecutive Producer: Jacqueline TonksRecorded at a Hub Australia Media Studio. Find the workspace that's right for you at https://www.hubaustralia.com/If you have