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
300+
Episodes
★ 5
Apple Podcasts
Fresh Episodes
Latest Episodes
S7 · E10 · 1:05:54
Crime Time Inc LIVE: The World's End Murders & the War on Drugs
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 Murders Tom 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 Past Simon 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 Solutions The 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 Audience An 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.
S7 · E12 · 52:49
Suzy Lamplugh — Part 3: John Cannan, Steve Wright and the Unanswered Questions
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 death 00:55 — Suzy’s false appointment with “Mr Kipper” 02:13 — The houses-for-sale attacks 02:53 — Investigating before HOLMES and modern technology 04:50 — Thirteen years carrying the case 08:02 — The Suzy Lamplugh Trust and Cannan’s final years 09:54 — What did the investigation get right and wrong? 13:41 — Norton Barracks and the search that never happened 15:10 — Did the original photograph accurately depict Suzy? 16:27 — Why Mike Barley finally wrote the book 22:50 — Tom and Simon begin their review 24:12 — How a major investigation becomes a cold case 28:21 — Suspect fixation and investigative objectivity 30:49 — Steve Wright, the QE2 and the suggested connection 35:57 — Testing historical theories against the evidence 37:08 — Offender patterns and body disposal 40:40 — Tom and Simon assess the police investigation 43:43 — Could John Cannan have been interviewed differently? 46:51 — The Lamplugh family and the detectives 48:09 — Justice, compassion and what success really means 52:03 — Closing reflections 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 B0GX81YK1N 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.
S7 · E11 · 50:05
Suzy Lamplugh Part 2: John Cannan and the One-Word ‘Confession’
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. CHAPTERS 00:00 — Cold open: the one-word answer 00:43 — Shirley Banks and the first link to John Cannan 04:13 — A former partner’s account and Norton Barracks 07:22 — Cannan’s conviction and criminal history 10:49 — Testing Cannan’s account of his movements 12:48 — How Shirley Banks was abducted 15:22 — Preparing for the Wakefield Prison interview 19:31 — The SLP number plate and Cannan’s answer 24:26 — Mike’s theory about Suzy’s disappearance 28:15 — The Norton Barracks search that never happened 30:48 — Tom and Simon review the interview 38:39 — Did Mike become too close to the investigation? 40:02 — Leadership, resources and the missed search 43:39 — HOLMES and managing a cold case 44:53 — Hunches, hierarchy and investigative discipline 49:07 — 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 Investigation UK: Amazon UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0GX81YK1N Outside the UK: Search Amazon in your local country for ASIN B0GX81YK1N 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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