Season 6 · Episode 3

Southampton Murder Case: Former Detectives Analyse the Henry Novak Killing, Police Response & Public Disorder

5 June 2026·40:33

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Show Notes

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.