Real Cases. Real Cops. Real Talk.
Crime Time Inc.
Former detectives Tom Wood and Simon McLean bring you inside Scotland's most gripping criminal cases. Real investigations. Real insight. No fluff.
5
Seasons
268+
Episodes
★ 5
Apple Podcasts
Fresh Episodes
Latest Episodes
S6 · E7 · 1:16:23
Kintyre: Simon McLean on Undercover Policing, Cold Cases, Human Trafficking & Crime Fiction | Glasgow Book Launch 2026
Former undercover police officer and Crime Time Inc host Simon McLean joins fellow author and former Deputy Chief Constable Tom Wood for a fascinating discussion at the official launch of his new crime thriller, Kintyre, held at Hillhead Library in Glasgow on 24 May 2026. Hosted by former Rangers and Scotland footballer Davie McKinnon, the conversation explores the real-life experiences that inspired the novel, including undercover policing, major crime investigations, cold cases, forensic breakthroughs, organised crime, human trafficking and the challenges of writing crime fiction grounded in reality. Simon discusses how his years in policing influenced the creation of Kintyre's central characters and explains why the story's themes of exploitation, modern slavery and people trafficking remain as relevant today as ever. Tom Wood shares insights from his work on some of Scotland's most notorious murder investigations, including the World's End murders and the pioneering forensic case of Buck Ruxton. The event also features reflections on Scottish policing, crime investigation, cybercrime, football culture, Paul McCartney, book publishing, and the enduring impact of unsolved and historical crimes on families and communities. Topics covered include: • The inspiration behind Kintyre • Undercover policing and covert operations • Crime fiction versus real investigations • Cold cases and modern forensic science • The World's End murders • Human trafficking and modern slavery • Cybercrime and organised crime networks • Scottish policing then and now • Football stories from Davie McKinnon's career • Writing memoirs and crime novels • Adapting books for television and podcasts Recorded live at Hillhead Library, Glasgow, on 24 May 2026. Crime Time Inc is hosted by Simon MacLean and Tom Wood. #Kintyre #SimonMacLean #CrimeTimeInc #TrueCrime #ScottishCrime #CrimeFiction #ColdCases #HumanTrafficking #UndercoverPolice #TomWood #WorldsEndMurders #Forensics #PolicePodcast #ScottishAuthor #BookLaunch 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.
S6 · E6 · 52:00
Police Scotland’s Digital Forensics Crisis, the Tony Parsons Case & Why Investigations Fail
This week on Crime Time Inc., former senior detectives Simon and Tom examine the growing pressures facing modern policing and criminal investigations. The discussion begins with concerns over digital forensic backlogs in Scotland, where increasing demand for mobile phone analysis, cybercrime investigations, toxicology testing and digital evidence recovery is placing unprecedented strain on forensic services. The pair explore how delays can impact criminal prosecutions and why investment in specialist technology has become essential for modern law enforcement. The conversation then turns to the tragic case of Tony Parsons, the former Royal Navy officer and cancer survivor who disappeared during a charity cycling challenge in the Scottish Highlands. Simon and Tom revisit the investigation, the eventual discovery of Parsons' remains, and the crucial role played by a witness whose actions helped bring those responsible to justice. They also discuss the wider challenges of missing person investigations and whether enough support is provided to individuals who assist police investigations. Also covered in this episode: The growing importance of digital forensics in modern policing Cybercrime and the increasing demand on forensic laboratories Police Scotland funding and resource challenges Drug-driving investigations and toxicology delays Artificial intelligence and the future of criminal investigations The handling of missing person cases Witness welfare and informant protection Police supervision, specialist units and officer burnout Royal protection duties and security operations Scottish political frustrations and voter disengagement The Royal Yacht Britannia and Edinburgh tourism Drawing on decades of policing experience, Simon and Tom offer a candid look at how investigations succeed or fail, and why technology alone can never replace good judgement, proper supervision and adequate resources. 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.
S6 · E5 · 30:50
Peter Murrell, SNP Embezzlement & Leadership Failure | Former Detectives Analyse Scotland’s Biggest Political Scandal
The conviction of former SNP Chief Executive Peter Murrell has sent shockwaves through Scottish politics and raised serious questions about financial oversight, leadership responsibility and public trust. In this episode of Crime Time Inc., former detectives Tom Wood and Simon McLean examine the embezzlement case that dominated headlines across Scotland. Drawing on decades of investigative experience, they explore how breaches of trust develop, why embezzlement often goes undetected for years, and what warning signs organisations frequently miss. Tom and Simon compare the SNP case with real investigations from their policing careers, including thefts involving trusted employees, family-run businesses and compulsive offenders whose behaviour defied logic. They discuss the difference between crimes driven by need, greed and psychological compulsion, and analyse the extraordinary purchasing patterns revealed during the investigation. The conversation also turns to leadership accountability, internal financial controls, governance failures and the responsibilities of those entrusted with managing large organisations and public donations. In the second half of the episode, the hosts address the tragic rise in child and teenage drowning deaths across the UK. They discuss water safety, cold water shock, risk-taking behaviour among young people, and whether schools and parents are doing enough to prepare children for everyday dangers. A thought-provoking discussion on crime, trust, responsibility and the lessons that organisations and families ignore at their peril. The discussion also examines the wider implications of Operation Branchform, the investigation into Scottish National Party finances, and the questions raised about oversight during the leadership of Nicola Sturgeon. Drawing on their experience as former detectives, Tom Wood and Simon McLean provide insight into how fraud investigations develop, why financial controls fail, and what lessons organisations can learn from high-profile cases. The episode concludes with an important discussion on water safety, drowning prevention and the risks of cold water immersion. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the SNP Embezzlement Case 01:20 How Embezzlement Typically Begins 05:44 A Detective's Real-Life £74,000 Theft Investigation 09:40 Need, Greed and Compulsive Theft 16:37 The Strange Psychology of Criminal Behaviour 18:45 Comparing Major Financial Crime Cases 21:14 Leadership Accountability and Governance Failures 23:58 Water Safety and Preventable Tragedies 25:46 Why Young People Are Most at Risk 28:13 The Green Cross Code and Safety Lessons 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.
The Hosts
Straight From the Case Files
Tom Wood
Co-Host
Tom Wood is a retired detective, former Deputy Chief Constable and bestselling author of "Ruxton: The First Modern Murder". With decades of experience in Scottish law enforcement, Tom brings unparalleled insight into criminal investigations and forensic history.
Simon McLean
Co-Host
Simon McLean is a former detective and undercover cop. His experience spans organised crime, serious assault, and complex criminal networks across Scotland.
Chris Burt
Producer
Chris Burt is the producer of Crime Time Inc, handling all aspects of audio production, post-production, and digital content.
Listener Reviews
What Listeners Say
Absolutely Gripping
“Tom and Simon bring an authenticity to true crime that you just can't fake. Having two actual detectives walk you through these cases is incredible. Essential listening.”
— ScottishCrimeFan · Apple Podcasts
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