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.