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 · 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.
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.
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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