True Crime Catch Up with Adam Lloyd and Stuart Blues

The world changed overnight on February 28, 2026, when a massive coordinated strike by the United States and Israel targeted Iranian military infrastructure and killed Iran’s Supreme Leader. In this episode we unpack one of the most serious geopolitical escalations in recent years: the rapidly unfolding Iran war. What triggered it, how quickly events spiralled, and why many commentators are already asking whether this could be the start of something much bigger. As always, we bring the discussion back to crime and security closer to home. What could this conflict mean for the UK? With intelligence agencies warning about Iranian-backed plots in Britain, we explore the potential for state-sponsored terrorism, rising domestic tensions, and historical examples of foreign operations on British soil. We also examine some of the conspiracies circulating online about the timing of the war before ending, as always, with a slightly lighter story - this time involving a terrified thief, a Derbyshire farm, and a herd of very territorial llamas. Follow True Crime Catch Up on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠social media⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Listen to our solo podcasts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠British Murders with Stuart Blues⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠UK True Crime Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are true crime books “dead”? That was a question posed in our Facebook group, and it sparked a much bigger conversation. In this episode, we step away from a single case or story and examine the current state of true crime media as a whole: books, podcasts, documentaries, YouTube, and the changing habits of modern audiences. Drawing on Adam’s experience writing a true crime book, we explore the realities of publishing in a genre that’s more popular (and more competitive) than ever. Is the market oversaturated? Have podcasts and audiobooks replaced traditional publishing? What do audiences really want from true crime in 2026? We discuss ethics, commercial pressures, storytelling trends, and whether the genre is evolving - or simply fragmenting into new formats. Follow True Crime Catch Up on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠social media⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Listen to our solo podcasts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠British Murders with Stuart Blues⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠UK True Crime Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The former Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested by Thames Valley Police on suspicion of misconduct in public office, the first arrest of a senior royal in centuries. Held for nearly 12 hours and released under investigation, he has not been charged and denies any wrongdoing. The arrest relates to allegations that, while serving as UK trade envoy, he may have shared confidential government information with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Meanwhile, former Cabinet minister Peter Mandelson has also been arrested over similar allegations. In this episode, we break down what misconduct in public office actually means under UK law, why arrest thresholds can differ between high-profile suspects, and whether privilege influences process. We examine the wider fallout from the Epstein files, public trust in institutions, accountability for powerful figures, and the broader implications for the UK justice system. As always, our primary focus remains the victims at the centre of the Epstein case, and the unanswered questions that continue to fuel public anger. Follow True Crime Catch Up on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠social media⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Listen to our solo podcasts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠British Murders with Stuart Blues⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠UK True Crime Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A UK barrister jailed for causing death by dangerous driving has been cleared to return to work, and the decision is dividing opinion. In July 2022, Hamish Hickey fatally injured 84-year-old Michael Lupton in a head-on crash near Ampleforth, North Yorkshire. After initially denying responsibility, he later admitted the offence and was sentenced to 23 months in prison. The Bar Standards Board has now ruled he can resume practising law once his sentence, including time spent on licence, is complete. In this video we break down the fatal crash, the court proceedings, sentencing for causing death by dangerous driving in the UK, and the controversial decision to allow a convicted barrister back into the justice system. We examine public confidence in the legal profession, rehabilitation after prison, professional misconduct standards, and whether serious criminal convictions should carry lasting career consequences. This episode explores accountability, privilege, dangerous driving laws in England and Wales, and the wider implications for the UK criminal justice system. Follow True Crime Catch Up on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠social media⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Listen to our solo podcasts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠British Murders with Stuart Blues⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠UK True Crime Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

More than 25 years after the murder of 17-year-old Victoria Hall in Felixstowe, serial killer Steve Wright has returned to court to confess to the crime. Already serving a whole life order for the 2006 Ipswich murders of five women, Wright was handed an additional 40-year sentence, but his sudden admission has raised serious questions. Why did he choose to speak now, what investigative opportunities were missed in 1999, and could earlier police action have saved lives? In this episode we examine the Victoria Hall case, the attempted abductions that preceded it, and the broader implications of Wright’s confession. We discuss potential additional victims, expert insight from Professor David Wilson, speculation surrounding unsolved cases, and the importance of responsible media reporting - particularly when victims are vulnerable. As always, we focus on accountability, context, and remembering the people whose lives were taken, not just the person responsible. Follow True Crime Catch Up on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠social media⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Listen to our solo podcasts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠British Murders with Stuart Blues⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠UK True Crime Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lucy Letby is back in the headlines as Netflix releases 'The Investigation of Lucy Letby', reigniting debate, strong emotions, and public discussion around her case. In this episode we unpack the latest developments, including the decision not to pursue further charges, and why the documentary has sparked renewed interest. To be absolutely clear, nothing we discuss suggests Lucy Letby is innocent. She remains convicted and is serving 15x Whole Life Orders. Instead, we explore why some cases attract organised belief in innocence, how expert evidence is interpreted by the public, and whether questioning verdicts strengthens or undermines justice. We also put the conversation into context with historic and recent miscarriages of justice, including Timothy Evans and Peter Sullivan, highlighting what happens when doubt enters the system and the limits of certainty in the justice system. Follow True Crime Catch Up on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠social media⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Listen to our solo podcasts: ⁠⁠⁠British Murders with Stuart Blues⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠UK True Crime Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of True Crime Catch Up, we’re doing something a little different. Instead of focusing on one case, we go behind the scenes of true crime podcasting. We talk openly about how we choose cases, how we research and write them, and the emotional toll that comes with telling these stories week after week. We discuss recent cases we’ve covered, including why certain stories stay with us, the dangers of turning true crime into “man kills woman every week”, and how behaviour that escalates over time is still too often dismissed or minimised. We also talk about wrongful convictions, false confessions, and the long-lasting impact these cases have on victims’ families. Follow True Crime Catch Up on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠social media⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Listen to our solo podcasts: ⁠⁠⁠British Murders with Stuart Blues⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠UK True Crime Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

West Midlands Police Chief Constable Craig Guildford has retired after a major scandal involving misleading MPs, flawed intelligence, and the use of AI-generated material - but because he wasn’t formally sacked, he will still receive his police pension. The case has reignited serious questions around police accountability, leadership failure, and public trust in UK policing. In this episode, we break down what went wrong, place it in the wider context of policing scandals - including the resignation of Dame Cressida Dick following the Sarah Everard case - and ask whether senior officers are ever truly held to account. We also balance the conversation by highlighting genuine policing wins and acts of bravery, before ending on a lighter note with one extremely intoxicated raccoon who managed to rob a liquor store. Follow True Crime Catch Up on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠social media⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Listen to our solo podcasts: ⁠⁠British Murders with Stuart Blues⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠UK True Crime Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Elon Musk is furious as the UK considers action that could see X (formerly Twitter) restricted or even banned following controversy surrounding its AI chatbot, Grok, being used to generate sexually explicit and non-consensual AI images. In this episode, we break down Ofcom’s investigation into X, and explore why UK regulators say the platform may be failing its Online Safety Act duties. We also examine Musk’s explosive response, accusations of censorship, and what this showdown means for free speech, AI regulation, and the future of social media in the UK. Follow True Crime Catch Up on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠social media⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Listen to our solo podcasts: ⁠British Murders with Stuart Blues⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠UK True Crime Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The 1980 murder of John Lennon in New York shocked the world, but what followed raised uncomfortable questions that continue to surface after acts of extreme violence. In this video, we examine the murder and the intense focus placed on The Catcher in the Rye, the book carried by his killer, Mark David Chapman. We explore how quickly media attention shifted from the crime itself to the idea that books, films, and popular culture can influence real-world violence, and whether that connection stands up to scrutiny. We also discuss wider examples of media being blamed after shocking crimes, from moral panics around horror films and the UK’s “video nasties”, to the lasting myths surrounding the murder of James Bulger. Alongside celebrity murders and high-profile cases, we look at how fame, cultural fear, and public outrage can shape the way violence is explained - often diverting attention away from mental health, obsession, and warning signs that go ignored. Follow True Crime Catch Up on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠social media⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Listen to our solo podcasts: ⁠⁠⁠British Murders with Stuart Blues⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠UK True Crime Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As 2025 draws to a close, attention is already turning to the major UK true crime trials and justice system developments expected in 2026, alongside growing concern that justice in some of the country’s most serious cases is taking far too long to arrive. In this video, we look ahead to the trials and investigations likely to dominate headlines next year. We examine upcoming court cases, politically sensitive prosecutions, and long-running investigations that raise difficult questions about accountability, fairness, and whether justice delayed has effectively become justice denied. We also discuss proposed reforms to the criminal justice system and what they could mean for the future of jury trials, reflect on which unresolved cases could see developments in 2026, and examine how true crime storytelling continues to evolve across podcasts, YouTube, television, and social media. Follow True Crime Catch Up on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠social media⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Listen to our solo podcasts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠British Murders with Stuart Blues⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠UK True Crime Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Christmas crime in the UK doesn’t stop just because it’s the festive season. In this Christmas Eve episode of True Crime Catch Up, we explore real UK cases involving so-called “Bad Santas”, Christmas Eve burglaries, and festive-season offences where people dressed as Santa committed crimes around the holidays. This relaxed roundup-style episode examines why crime often increases at Christmas, how offenders exploit seasonal routines and celebrations, and the impact these crimes have on victims. While lighter in tone than our usual episodes, this conversation is a reminder that festive crime is still serious, and that awareness matters - even at Christmas. Follow True Crime Catch Up on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠social media⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Listen to our solo podcasts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠British Murders with Stuart Blues⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠UK True Crime Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Christmas parties are meant to be a time to unwind - a few drinks, familiar faces, and a break from the everyday routine - but the festive season also brings real and often overlooked dangers. In this video, we explore the deadly reality of one-punch killings, where a split-second act of violence can end one life and permanently destroy another. We examine how these incidents typically unfold on nights out, the role alcohol plays, and whether sentencing for one-punch manslaughter truly reflects the harm caused. We also look at other risks that spike during the festive period, including fake taxi drivers and drink spiking. From offenders impersonating licensed cabbies to gain trust, to the growing number of spiking cases that never result in charges, we break down the methods used, the legal challenges involved, and the devastating impact on victims. Alongside real cases, we discuss prevention, public awareness and personal safety - asking whether more can be done to stop these crimes before tragedy strikes. Follow True Crime Catch Up on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠social media⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Listen to our solo podcasts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠British Murders with Stuart Blues⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ UK True Crime Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Facial recognition technology is expanding fast across the UK - from police vans and high streets to pubs, stadiums, and even private doorbell cameras - and many are asking whether we’re stepping into a world George Orwell warned us about decades ago. In this video, we break down what the UK Government’s new facial-recognition plans actually mean, why police forces are being encouraged to ramp up live and retrospective scanning, and how public opinion has shifted as the technology becomes impossible to avoid. We explore the accuracy concerns, the bias warnings, and the growing fear that innocent people could be misidentified in real time. We also look at the debate around prevention vs reaction: can facial recognition genuinely stop violent crimes before they happen, or does it only identify offenders after tragedy has already unfolded? With comparisons to 1984 and Big Brother, rising privacy concerns, and new government pledges to expand biometrics nationwide, this episode asks whether increased surveillance is making us safer - or simply more watched. Follow True Crime Catch Up on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠social media⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Listen to our solo podcasts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠British Murders with Stuart Blues⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠UK True Crime Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A moment of celebration on May 26, 2025, turned into a scene of chaos, and now Paul Doyle - the man behind the Liverpool FC victory parade car assault - has finally pleaded guilty. In this episode, we break down exactly what happened that day, why more than 130 people were injured as Doyle’s car ploughed into the crowds, and what his guilty plea means for the victims, the city of Liverpool, and the upcoming sentencing. We also look at Justice Secretary David Lammy’s proposal to scrap juries for anything other than the most “serious” crimes, the rise in road-rage incidents across the UK, and the growing reality that footage of terror attacks reaches social media within minutes, forcing survivors to relive traumatic events through viral clips. Follow True Crime Catch Up on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠social media⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Listen to our solo podcasts: ⁠⁠⁠British Murders with Stuart Blues⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠UK True Crime Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is Black Friday a harmless shopping event or the most dangerous time of year for scammers to strike? In this episode, we dig into why Black Friday has become a prime opportunity for criminals — from fake retail websites and phishing emails to delivery text scams, marketplace fraud, and “too good to be true” deals designed to empty your bank account. We break down how scammers operate, why fraud spikes every November, and the psychological tricks that make shoppers more vulnerable. We also explore the origins of Black Friday, how it spread to the UK, and the retail tactics that blur the line between marketing and manipulation. Plus, we share practical tips to help you stay safe, avoid common traps, and shop smarter this Black Friday. Follow True Crime Catch Up on ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠social media⁠⁠⁠⁠ Listen to our solo podcasts: ⁠⁠British Murders with Stuart Blues⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠UK True Crime Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are “auditors” harmless content creators or a growing problem on our streets in 2025? In this episode, we dive into the rise of YouTube and TikTok auditors - the confrontational filming trend blowing up across the UK. We break down why these channels are exploding, the ethics behind rage-bait content, and the real-world consequences for staff, security guards, and the public. We also explore the legal grey areas around public filming, drone use, privacy concerns, and why these videos spark such divided opinions online. Plus, we dig into the link between e-bikes and crime, surprising safety risks, and the stories behind recent e-bike-related deaths. Follow True Crime Catch Up on ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠social media⁠⁠⁠ Listen to our solo podcasts: ⁠British Murders with Stuart Blues⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠UK True Crime Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fireworks incidents across the UK are raising urgent questions about safety, regulation, and whether current laws are enough to prevent accidents and injuries. In this episode, we examine recent fireworks accidents, safety campaigns, and the ongoing debate over whether fireworks should be restricted. We also cover shocking prison deaths behind bars, notable prisoner releases, and the story of a woman repatriated to the UK after facing a death sentence in Bali. Plus, stay tuned for a few lighthearted animal stories to round out this explosive news catch-up. Follow True Crime Catch Up on ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠social media⁠⁠ Listen to our solo podcasts: British Murders with Stuart Blues⁠⁠ ⁠⁠UK True Crime Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A shocking knife attack on a packed UK train has left the nation asking one question - how safe is our public transport? The Peterborough to Huntingdon stabbings injured multiple passengers and exposed major gaps in Britain’s rail security. In this episode, we dig into the police response, train staff heroism, and whether visible policing, surveillance, or even airport-style checks are the future of UK travel. Follow True Crime Catch Up on YouTube and social media Listen to our solo podcasts: British Murders with Stuart Blues UK True Crime Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A convicted killer, released from psychiatric care, went on to murder three women in Camden,raising urgent questions about how the UK handles violent offenders with mental health issues. In this episode, we revisit the case of Anthony Hardy, examine the warning signs that were missed, and ask whether the system has really changed since his crimes shocked London in the early 2000s. Follow True Crime Catch Up on ⁠YouTube⁠ and ⁠social media⁠ Listen to our solo podcasts: ⁠British Murders with Stuart Blues⁠ ⁠UK True Crime Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices