Crime Time Inc

What does it really take to solve a murder? And after decades of fighting the war on drugs, is it time for a completely different approach?Crime Time Inc goes live!Recorded in front of an audience at Giffnock Library, Glasgow, on 22 October 2026, former Scottish detectives Tom Wood and Simon McLean share extraordinary stories from their policing careers, discuss notorious criminal investigations and challenge each other's views on some of the biggest issues facing the criminal justice system.The World's End MurdersTom opens with a moving account of the 1977 World's End murders, when two 17-year-old Edinburgh girls, Helen and Christine, were brutally murdered.Having been involved in the investigation over many years, Tom explains how painstaking detective work, advances in DNA technology and the remarkable foresight of forensic scientists eventually helped bring killer Angus Sinclair to justice.He also reminds us of something frequently forgotten in true crime: the devastating and lasting impact of murder on victims' families.True Crime, Crime Fiction and Scotland's Murderous PastSimon explains how his experiences as a young police officer inspired his crime novel Kintyre, while Tom challenges the way murder is often portrayed in popular crime fiction.The conversation moves through Tom's extensive historical research into the Dr Ruxton murders and his latest investigation into Edinburgh's notorious body snatchers, Burke and Hare.Could the true number of Burke and Hare's victims have been considerably higher than traditionally believed? Tom explains why his research has led him to question the accepted account.Scotland's Drugs Crisis — Two Detectives, Two Different SolutionsThe conversation takes a lively turn when Simon argues that decades of drug prohibition have failed and makes the case for decriminalisation, regulated supply and greater support for people affected by addiction.Tom agrees that policing alone cannot solve the problem, but questions whether legal regulation would achieve Simon's objectives. He argues instead for sustained, evidence-based policies combining enforcement, education, treatment and rehabilitation.The result is a passionate, occasionally hilarious exchange between two former detectives who agree on the seriousness of the problem but disagree on the solution.Questions From the AudienceAn engaged Giffnock audience puts Tom and Simon on the spot with questions about:How notorious criminals can remain free despite being well known to the police.The difference between police intelligence and evidence that can secure a conviction.The forensic breakthroughs that eventually helped solve the World's End murders.How police establish someone's true identity.The Emma Caldwell murder investigation, missed investigative opportunities and the dangers of tunnel vision.Throughout the evening, Tom and Simon bring their trademark combination of policing experience, candid opinions, Scottish humour and good-natured disagreement.A special live episode offering a rare opportunity to hear two experienced Scottish detectives sharing their knowledge directly with the public.Find more investigations, unsolved cases and informed detective analysis at crimetimeinc.com.Follow Crime Time Inc on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts.Content advisory: This episode includes discussion of murder, sexual violence, substance misuse and their effects on victims and families.About Crime Time Inc.Season 5 of Crime Time Inc. broadens its reach across two sides of the Atlantic.This season features cases from Scotland and across the wider UK — rooted in real investigative experience — alongside deep dives into some of the most infamous murder cases in American history.Hosted by former detectives Simon and Tom, with experience in both the UK and the United States, including time working alongside the FBI, the show strips away sensationalism to explain how crime and justice really work.Two crime worlds. One podcast.New episodes released regularly throughout the season.Our Website: https://crimetimeinc.com/If you like this show please leave a review. It really helps us.Please help us improve our Podcast by completing this survey.http://bit.ly/crimetimeinc-survey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the concluding episode of Crime Time Inc’s three-part examination of the disappearance of Suzy Lamplugh, former Metropolitan Police detective Mike Barley reflects on an investigation that has remained with him for forty years.Mike considers why the appointment with “Mr Kipper” was different from every other entry in Suzy’s diary, the limitations facing detectives before modern computer and forensic systems, and the emotional burden of living with an unresolved case.He also answers one of the most difficult questions an investigator can face: knowing what he knows now, what does he believe the police got right—and what would he have done differently?The discussion examines several potentially important decisions. Should witnesses have been asked to produce a description of the woman seen with the unidentified man? Did the photograph originally released accurately reflect Suzy’s appearance when she disappeared? Should John Cannan have been interviewed again? And was an opportunity lost when a proposed search of Norton Barracks was refused?Mike explains how John Cannan’s death in prison affected him and why it finally persuaded him to record the investigation from the inside in a book written with Russell Barnes: Suzy Lamplugh: The Inside Story of Britain’s Most Notorious Missing Person Investigation.After Mike’s interview, Tom Wood and Simon McLean review all three episodes.They consider how a major investigation changes when the initial activity subsides, the danger of becoming fixed upon one suspect and the importance of separating evidence from theory.Simon also raises convicted serial murderer Steve Wright, sometimes called the Suffolk Strangler. Wright and Suzy had both worked aboard the QE2, and Wright’s former wife reportedly claimed she had seen them speaking. Tom tests that suggested connection against the available timeline, victimology and known patterns of offending—and explains why an intriguing possibility is not the same as evidence.The episode concludes with a wider reflection on the responsibilities detectives carry towards victims and their families, and why the success of an investigation cannot always be measured solely by whether somebody is convicted.No person has ever been convicted in connection with Suzy Lamplugh’s disappearance. Opinions expressed about possible suspects are identified as investigative assessments or theories, not established findings of fact.Listen now to the final part of Crime Time Inc’s conversation with Mike Barley.Real cases. Real detectives. Real talk.00:00 — Cold open: John Cannan’s death00:55 — Suzy’s false appointment with “Mr Kipper”02:13 — The houses-for-sale attacks02:53 — Investigating before HOLMES and modern technology04:50 — Thirteen years carrying the case08:02 — The Suzy Lamplugh Trust and Cannan’s final years09:54 — What did the investigation get right and wrong?13:41 — Norton Barracks and the search that never happened15:10 — Did the original photograph accurately depict Suzy?16:27 — Why Mike Barley finally wrote the book22:50 — Tom and Simon begin their review24:12 — How a major investigation becomes a cold case28:21 — Suspect fixation and investigative objectivity30:49 — Steve Wright, the QE2 and the suggested connection35:57 — Testing historical theories against the evidence37:08 — Offender patterns and body disposal40:40 — Tom and Simon assess the police investigation43:43 — Could John Cannan have been interviewed differently?46:51 — The Lamplugh family and the detectives48:09 — Justice, compassion and what success really means52:03 — Closing reflectionsMike Barley & Russell Barnes — Suzy Lamplugh: The Inside Story of Britain’s Most Notorious Missing Person InvestigationUK: Amazon UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0GX81YK1NOutside the UK: Search Amazon in your local country for ASIN B0GX81YK1NAbout Crime Time Inc.Season 5 of Crime Time Inc. broadens its reach across two sides of the Atlantic.This season features cases from Scotland and across the wider UK — rooted in real investigative experience — alongside deep dives into some of the most infamous murder cases in American history.Hosted by former detectives Simon and Tom, with experience in both the UK and the United States, including time working alongside the FBI, the show strips away sensationalism to explain how crime and justice really work.Two crime worlds. One podcast.New episodes released regularly throughout the season.Our Website: https://crimetimeinc.com/If you like this show please leave a review. It really helps us.Please help us improve our Podcast by completing this survey.http://bit.ly/crimetimeinc-survey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Part 2, Tom Wood continues his conversation with former Metropolitan Police detective Mike Barley about the disappearance of Suzy Lamplugh.Mike explains how the investigation into the abduction and murder of Shirley Banks brought convicted killer John Cannan to the attention of the Lamplugh inquiry. A bungled robbery, a discarded vehicle tax disc and Shirley’s repainted Mini—fitted with a mysterious false registration plate—created a trail investigators could not ignore.Mike also recounts his 1990 prison interview with Cannan. When challenged about his claim that a “Bristol businessman” was responsible for the deaths of Suzy Lamplugh, Shirley Banks and another woman, Cannan gave a one-word answer before immediately retracting it. Mike explains why he regarded that brief exchange as a confession.He then sets out his theory about the “Mr Kipper” appointment in Suzy’s diary, where she may have been abducted and why he wanted the disused Norton Barracks searched.After the interview, former detectives Tom Wood and Simon McLean examine the evidence, Cannan’s patterns of offending and the difficult balance between pursuing an experienced detective’s instincts and maintaining discipline within a major investigation.John Cannan was convicted of murdering Shirley Banks. He was never charged with or convicted of involvement in Suzy Lamplugh’s disappearance. Mike Barley makes clear that his conclusion is his personal investigative belief—not proof established in court.Content warning: This episode contains discussion of abduction, sexual violence and murder.CHAPTERS00:00 — Cold open: the one-word answer00:43 — Shirley Banks and the first link to John Cannan04:13 — A former partner’s account and Norton Barracks07:22 — Cannan’s conviction and criminal history10:49 — Testing Cannan’s account of his movements12:48 — How Shirley Banks was abducted15:22 — Preparing for the Wakefield Prison interview19:31 — The SLP number plate and Cannan’s answer24:26 — Mike’s theory about Suzy’s disappearance28:15 — The Norton Barracks search that never happened30:48 — Tom and Simon review the interview38:39 — Did Mike become too close to the investigation?40:02 — Leadership, resources and the missed search43:39 — HOLMES and managing a cold case44:53 — Hunches, hierarchy and investigative discipline49:07 — Next time on Crime Time Inc.Crime Time Inc.—Real cases. Real detectives. Real talk.Find more at CrimeTimeInc.com.Mike Barley & Russell Barnes — Suzy Lamplugh: The Inside Story of Britain’s Most Notorious Missing Person InvestigationUK: Amazon UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0GX81YK1NOutside the UK: Search Amazon in your local country for ASIN B0GX81YK1NAbout Crime Time Inc.Season 5 of Crime Time Inc. broadens its reach across two sides of the Atlantic.This season features cases from Scotland and across the wider UK — rooted in real investigative experience — alongside deep dives into some of the most infamous murder cases in American history.Hosted by former detectives Simon and Tom, with experience in both the UK and the United States, including time working alongside the FBI, the show strips away sensationalism to explain how crime and justice really work.Two crime worlds. One podcast.New episodes released regularly throughout the season.Our Website: https://crimetimeinc.com/If you like this show please leave a review. It really helps us.Please help us improve our Podcast by completing this survey.http://bit.ly/crimetimeinc-survey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On 28 July 1986, 25-year-old estate agent Suzy Lamplugh left her Fulham office for an appointment with a prospective client recorded in her diary as “Mr Kipper”. She never returned.That evening, Metropolitan Police detective Mike Barley was called at home. The duty detective inspector had heard the circumstances and told him: “I don’t like the sound of it. I think you’d better come in.”In Part 1 of this three-part Crime Time Inc. special, Mike gives Tom Wood a first-hand account of the opening stages of one of Britain’s most enduring missing-person investigations.Mike recalls the discovery of Suzy’s white Ford Fiesta and the details that immediately concerned detectives: the unlocked driver’s door, the handbrake off, the driver’s seat pushed back and the car left awkwardly positioned.He explains the search for witnesses, the artist’s impression and photo-fit, the huge national media response and the flood of information into the incident room. At its height, almost 100 officers were involved. With no modern computerised major-incident system, investigators relied on a manual card index that eventually contained more than 26,000 cards.Mike also describes the painful moment police told Suzy’s parents, Paul and Diana Lamplugh, that they believed their daughter was dead — while still being unable to tell them either “we’ve got him” or “we’ve found her”.As months passed, resources dwindled until only four officers remained on the inquiry.After Mike’s account, Simon McLean and Tom Wood review the investigation from their own policing experience. Tom returns in particular to the condition and position of Suzy’s car, reaching a stark conclusion: “The car was dumped, not parked.”This is Season 7, Episode 10 and Part 1 of a three-part Crime Time Inc. interview with former Metropolitan Police detective Mike Barley.CHAPTERS00:00 Cold Open: “I Think You’d Better Come In”00:45 Simon and Tom Introduce the Case02:52 Mike Barley Joins Crime Time Inc.05:24 “Mr Kipper” and Suzy’s Final Appointment09:11 Suzy’s Car Is Found10:36 Police Treat the Case at Its Most Serious15:54 Witness Sighting and Artist’s Impression16:52 The Case Explodes in the National Press18:23 From Artist’s Impression to Photo-Fit20:58 Telling Suzy’s Parents Police Believe She Is Dead22:22 The 26,000-Card Incident Room25:28 Nearly 100 Officers — Then the Team Shrinks26:12 The National Missing Person Helpline28:11 Simon and Tom Review the Investigation36:07 “The Car Was Dumped, Not Parked”37:33 Next Time on Crime Time Inc.Mike Barley & Russell Barnes — Suzy Lamplugh: The Inside Story of Britain’s Most Notorious Missing Person Investigation UK: Amazon UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0GX81YK1N Outside the UK: Search Amazon in your local country for ASIN B0GX81YK1NAbout Crime Time Inc.Season 5 of Crime Time Inc. broadens its reach across two sides of the Atlantic.This season features cases from Scotland and across the wider UK — rooted in real investigative experience — alongside deep dives into some of the most infamous murder cases in American history.Hosted by former detectives Simon and Tom, with experience in both the UK and the United States, including time working alongside the FBI, the show strips away sensationalism to explain how crime and justice really work.Two crime worlds. One podcast.New episodes released regularly throughout the season.Our Website: https://crimetimeinc.com/If you like this show please leave a review. It really helps us.Please help us improve our Podcast by completing this survey.http://bit.ly/crimetimeinc-survey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nearly twenty years ago, one of Scotland’s most respected legal figures delivered a devastating verdict on the war on drugs: prohibition was not working.In this episode, former detectives Simon McLean and Tom Wood revisit the views of Lord John McCluskey and ask whether decades of criminalisation have reduced drug use — or helped create the hugely profitable black market exploited by organised crime.Simon argues for a radically different approach built around decriminalisation, regulation and rehabilitation. Tom challenges the practicalities: who would supply regulated drugs, could easier access increase consumption, and does Scotland have anything like the treatment infrastructure required?They examine Scotland’s record on drug deaths, the relationship between drugs and organised crime, and lessons from approaches used overseas.Tom also reflects on his own experience working in alcohol and drug strategy and raises a crucial question about drug deaths: rather than looking only at how someone died, should we pay much more attention to how they lived in the years beforehand?The discussion then turns to Scots law and Brennan v HM Advocate, a murder case involving alcohol, LSD and the important legal principle surrounding voluntarily induced intoxication, insanity and diminished responsibility.A frank discussion about drugs, crime, health, law — and whether continuing with the same policies can ever produce a different result.Real cases. Real detectives. Real talk.Chapters00:00 — Cold Open: The War on Drugs Has Failed00:53 — Lord McCluskey and Scots Law03:54 — “It Does Not Work. It Cannot Work.”05:03 — Tom Remembers John McCluskey06:48 — Is Prohibition Causing the Problem?08:03 — Drugs and Organised Crime10:01 — Decriminalisation, Regulation & Rehabilitation13:01 — Tom Challenges the Practicalities14:09 — What Would Regulation Look Like?15:13 — Would Drug Use Increase?16:12 — Safety, Purity and Regulation17:14 — What Do Drug Death Statistics Tell Us?18:17 — Scotland’s Drug Treatment Failures20:07 — The Political Courage Problem22:23 — Brennan v HM Advocate24:13 — Intoxication and Criminal Responsibility25:37 — How Appeal Courts Shape Scots Law26:36 — Closing BanterAbout Crime Time Inc.Season 5 of Crime Time Inc. broadens its reach across two sides of the Atlantic.This season features cases from Scotland and across the wider UK — rooted in real investigative experience — alongside deep dives into some of the most infamous murder cases in American history.Hosted by former detectives Simon and Tom, with experience in both the UK and the United States, including time working alongside the FBI, the show strips away sensationalism to explain how crime and justice really work.Two crime worlds. One podcast.New episodes released regularly throughout the season.Our Website: https://crimetimeinc.com/If you like this show please leave a review. It really helps us.Please help us improve our Podcast by completing this survey.http://bit.ly/crimetimeinc-survey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.