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 · E4 · 28:43
Inside Scottish Policing: Murder Investigations, Human Trafficking & the Detectives Behind the Cases
In this episode of Crime Time Inc., Simon and Tom take listeners inside the world of Scottish policing, crime writing, and real-life murder investigations. What begins as a discussion about their upcoming books quickly evolves into a fascinating exploration of cold cases, people trafficking, major investigations, and the detectives who shaped modern policing. Simon discusses his new novel Kintyre: The Past Doesn’t Forget, explaining how a real unexplained death he encountered as a young officer in Campbeltown inspired the fictional story. He reveals how the book weaves together four timelines involving organised crime, corruption, trafficking, and a retired detective forced to revisit the past. The episode includes an emotional reading from the novel, following trafficking victim Song Lee as she struggles to survive after escaping exploitation and violence. Simon explains the challenges of writing from the perspective of a trafficked young woman and the importance of portraying victims realistically and respectfully. Tom then introduces his upcoming collection Sex, Spies and Bloody Murder, a series of true stories drawn from his policing career and historical crime research. He shares memories of working major investigations across multiple UK police forces and reflects on the detectives who pioneered modern murder inquiry techniques. A major focus of the discussion is legendary detective Hector Clarke and the early computerisation of murder investigations following the failures identified during the Yorkshire Ripper inquiry. Tom explains how innovation, intelligence analysis, and strategic thinking transformed policing during the hunt for serial killer Robert Black. The hosts also reflect on the responsibility of writing about real victims and crimes, the emotional impact investigations leave on families, and why remembering forgotten victims and detectives still matters today. As always, the episode ends with humour and nostalgia, including a discussion about classic Scottish slang words for someone who smells particularly bad — from “minging” to “howling.” 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 · E3 · 40:33
Southampton Murder Case: Former Detectives Analyse the Henry Novak Killing, Police Response & Public Disorder
The Crime Time Inc. team returns with a special emergency episode to discuss one of the most talked-about criminal cases in the UK. Former Deputy Chief Constable Tom Wood and retired Detective Simon McLean examine the murder of Southampton student Henry Novak, the subsequent conviction of Vikram Digwa, and the intense public reaction that followed the release of police body-worn video footage. Drawing on decades of frontline policing experience, Tom and Simon explore: The timeline of the Southampton murder investigation How false information provided to police shaped the initial response The challenges officers face when arriving at chaotic crime scenes The impact of body-worn camera footage on public perception The reality of split-second decision-making in frontline policing The continuing debate around institutional racism and policing Public disorder, riots, and modern crowd-control tactics How police gather evidence during major disturbances The psychology behind public order policing and baton charges Historic policing methods versus modern operational tactics Why media coverage often misses crucial investigative context The responsibilities of politicians, journalists, and police leaders during high-profile cases The episode also includes stories from Tom and Simon's own policing careers, reflections on public order operations, and a preview of Tom's forthcoming book, Sex, Spies and Bloody Murder. If you're interested in true crime, criminal investigations, police procedure, law enforcement leadership, and the realities of modern policing, this is an episode you won't want to miss. 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 · E2 · 44:00
Inside Scottish Policing: Cold Cases, Miscarriages of Justice & Detective Training Stories
In this wide-ranging episode of Crime Time Inc., Simon and Tom blend humour, nostalgia, and serious criminal justice discussion as they reflect on their careers in Scottish policing. The conversation begins with memories of detective training at Ayr and Tulliallan Police College, including stories from Butlins nights, old police accommodation blocks, and legendary detective courses from decades past. The hosts then move into a detailed discussion of the Andrew Malkinson miscarriage of justice case, exploring the dangers of flawed eyewitness identification, disclosure failures, parole complications for prisoners maintaining innocence, and the wider implications for the UK justice system. Tom shares insights into how major investigations and cold cases are managed behind the scenes, including how detectives prioritise cases, identify criminal patterns, review historic evidence, and learn from investigative mistakes. The episode also examines the pressures facing modern policing, including shrinking police numbers, overstretched resources, and the erosion of community policing in Scotland and beyond. Alongside the serious discussion are entertaining stories about traffic cops, detective office culture, nightclub escapades during training courses, book launches, and the realities of life inside the police service. 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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