Episodios

  • Gentle Johnny Ramensky

    Gentle Johnny Ramensky
    Jul 7 2024

    In this episode, Tom and the host discuss the captivating story of Gentle Johnny Ramensky, a legendary safe breaker and prison escaper from post-war Scotland. Renowned for his non-violent nature and acrobatic skills, Ramensky became a Robin Hood-like figure whose exploits were widely covered in the tabloids. Born as Johannes Ramanskus to Lithuanian immigrants in Lanarkshire, Johnny learned his proficiency with explosives from working in the mines as a child. Despite opportunities to lead a lawful life, including serving with distinction during World War II, his addiction to celebrity and thrill of escaping prison defined his life. The conversation delves into his numerous daring escapes from Peterhead Prison and his complex relationship with law enforcement, highlighting the grudging respect and unique rapport he cultivated with senior detectives. Johnny's story underscores not just the nature of crime but also the enduring themes of celebrity culture and immigrant struggles, remaining relevant to this day.




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    22 m
  • George Barnsley 2

    George Barnsley 2
    Jun 30 2024
    This episode covers a wide range of topics related to policing history and contemporary events. It begins with a discussion on the Elizabeth Emblem, a new award available to families of emergency service personnel who died in the line of duty. Various families have applied, and there are sentiments about the need for further individual recognitions. The conversation then shifts to historical police tales, including notable incidents and characters from Lanarkshire, such as violent altercations involving police and criminal activities in the 1960s. The speakers also delve into the impact of organized crime and gambling before drugs became the cash cow for criminal enterprises. The discussion transitions into WWII, highlighting how bombing campaigns affected local areas and policing efforts, including a humorous yet tragic bombing of a hen house. The podcast shares insights into the resilience and challenges faced by officers, both in urban and rural settings, and acknowledges the importance of the Women's Auxiliary Police Corps during wartime. Finally, it reflects on contemporary police recruitment and the importance of historical societies in preserving and educating about police history.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    1 h y 7 m
  • How I Beat the Mafia at their own Game

    How I Beat the Mafia at their own Game
    Jun 23 2024
    In this episode of Crime Time Inc., our host, Simon McLean, interviews Mike Bonventre, an extraordinary guest from New York. Mike details his life story, beginning with his family's encounter with organised crime in 1957. His father, an honest exterminator, was approached by the Mafia but refused to collaborate, earning respect within the criminal community. However, years later, after selling his business, Mike’s father lost everything due to fraudulent dealings by the Mafia. Determined to fight back, Mike collaborated with law enforcement to bring down the mob, leveraging his business acumen to recover stolen assets. His undercover work led him to infiltrate Mafia operations and gather key information, aiding in massive embezzlement busts. Despite the inherent dangers, including multiple assassination attempts, Mike successfully protected his family and ensured justice. Post-undercover life, Mike became a consultant, helping businesses protect themselves from fraud and working tirelessly to combat the drug trade in neighbourhoods. This gripping episode reveals Mike's dual life as both a crime fighter and a criminal, offering a unique perspective on justice and law enforcement.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    1 h y 2 m
  • Tunnel Vision

    Tunnel Vision
    Jun 16 2024
    In this episode, Simon and Tom engage in a detailed discussion about the evolution of crime investigation, particularly focusing on the mistakes made by senior investigating officers (SIOs) in the past. They explore the concept of 'tunnel vision' and how biases and assumptions can lead to missed opportunities and unsolved cases. The hosts reflect on historical cases, emphasising the importance of a systematic approach to training and information sharing among law enforcement officers. They highlight how modern advancements like computerised systems and forensic science have dramatically improved investigative practices. Examples such as the World's End murders and the Elaine Doyle case illustrate how previous investigative shortcomings were often due to the limitations of the time rather than incompetence. The conversation also touches on the impact of media representations on public perception and police procedures. The episode concludes with insights on how a culture of learning from past errors and continuous improvement is vital for the success of modern law enforcement.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    46 m
  • CSI Strathclyde

    CSI Strathclyde
    Jun 9 2024
    In this episode of Crime Time Inc., the hosts, Simon and Tom, welcome a special guest, Martin Lupton, a seasoned crime scene investigator. Martin shares his journey from his initial aspirations in aviation to his career switch to the police force, detailing his 31-year tenure starting in 1982. The discussion delves into significant cases he worked on, including the chilling murder of Amanda Duffy in 1992 and the harrowing case of young Mark Cummings in 2004. Martin recounts his meticulous work in forensic photography and scene examination, highlighting the critical role of initial photographs and detailed scene analysis in solving crimes. The episode provides a detailed look at the complexities and emotional challenges faced by forensic officers, underscoring the importance of thorough and methodical police work in bringing justice to victims.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    50 m
  • The Westport Murders part 2

    The Westport Murders part 2
    Jun 2 2024

    In this gripping episode of Crime Time Inc., hosts Tom Wood and Simon dive deep into the haunting tale of Burke and Hare, the infamous 19th-century body-snatchers of Edinburgh. The conversation begins with some light-hearted banter before transitioning into the chilling details of Burke and Hare's gruesome activities, providing listeners with a vivid picture of Edinburgh's socio-economic backdrop during that era.


    Tom sheds light on the savage deeds of Burke and Hare, explaining how the desperate poverty and stark societal divide created an environment ripe for their vile trade. The duo's method of luring vulnerable individuals and selling their bodies for anatomical study to the revered Dr. Robert Knox is meticulously discussed, underscoring the grim reality of unregulated medical practices of the time.


    As the story unfolds, Tom narrates the meticulous investigative work of Sergeant Major Fisher, whose prompt actions led to the apprehension of the notorious criminals. Simon and Tom explore the legal intricacies surrounding the case, including the controversial decision to grant immunity to William Hare in exchange for his testimony against Burke.


    The episode also delves into the aftermath of the trial, detailing the public's violent reaction and the eventual legislative changes that followed, such as the Anatomy Act of 1840


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    46 m
  • The Westport Murders part 1

    The Westport Murders part 1
    May 26 2024

    This episode takes a deep dive into one of Scotland's most notorious cases - the story of Burke and Hare, infamously known for their grisly serial murders in 1828 Edinburgh. Our hosts, Tom and Simon, explore the background of these crimes, beginning with the initial interactions between Burke and Hare and setting the stage with detailed descriptions of 19th-century Edinburgh's social and economic climate. The discussion highlights the duo's murderous escapades, fueled by the demand for fresh cadavers in medical research, which was booming in Edinburgh at the time.


    The podcast meticulously unpacks the cold case methodology used by Tom, revealing insights into how Burke and Hare preyed on the vulnerable to supply bodies to Dr. Robert Knox and his anatomy students. Key details include their first accidental venture into murder, their selection of victims, and the disturbing method of smothering the victims to leave the bodies unmarked for medical dissection.


    Sergeant Major Fisher's role in arresting Burke and Hare is given significant attention, showcasing early forensic investigation and the challenges faced by the Edinburgh police in navigating the city's divide between the upper echelons and the underbelly. The episode closes on a reflective note, discussing the broader implications of Burke and Hare's crimes on the legal, societal, and medical landscapes of the time, setting up anticipation for a further exploration of the case's aftermath and its lasting legacy on criminal and medical history.


    Using AI we were able to convert a contemporary sketch of William Burke to the incredibly detailed high definition image you see associated with this podcast.


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    54 m
  • The Making of a Crime Reporter: Jane Hamilton

    The Making of a Crime Reporter: Jane Hamilton
    May 19 2024

    In this compelling episode of Crime Time Inc., we welcome Jane Hamilton, an esteemed crime reporter with over 25 years of experience in the field, delving into the depths of crime journalism and exploring the intricacies of unsolved cases. Jane shares her journey from aspiring to join the police force to becoming a leading investigative journalist in Scotland, shedding light on her accidental debut into fiction writing and her profound commitment to bringing justice through her work.


    Throughout the episode, Jane discusses the transformative moment that reshaped her approach to crime reporting, emphasising the paramount importance of empathy and victim advocacy. Highlighting her book, 'Justice for Mary,' Jane unfolds the gripping tale of Mary McLachlan's murder and the relentless pursuit of truth by Mary's daughter, Gina, leading to the groundbreaking conviction of the culprit decades later. The conversation also touches on the evolving landscape of journalism, the critical role of social media, and the challenges faced by female journalists in a predominantly male-dominated field.


    Join us as Jane and our hosts delve into the symbiotic relationship between the press and the police, exploring how this dynamic has shifted over the years and the impact on investigative reporting. As we navigate through Jane's storied career and her insights into the true cost of crime reporting, this episode promises to leave listeners pondering the balance between pursuing justice and the human stories behind each case. Don't miss this introspective journey into the heart of crime journalism with Jane Hamilton on Crime Time Inc.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    1 h y 4 m