True Criminals

We conclude our two-part true crime mini-series, Sleeping with a Psychopath, as Journalist Helen Fospero and Sky News Crime Correspondent Martin Brunt delve into the chilling story of serial conman Mark Acklom, one of the UK’s most notorious fraudsters. This episode explores how Acklom’s career of deceit began in his teens and evolved into a sophisticated web of international fraud, leaving victims across Europe and beyond in financial and emotional ruin. With exclusive insights, Brunt and an internet sleuth known as "Charlie's Angel" follow Acklom’s trail of deception, spanning Spain, Italy, and Switzerland. The episode uncovers shocking scams, including how Acklom defrauded Carolyn Woods, stealing her life savings, and conned investors with fake business ventures promising huge returns. Brunt reveals gripping details from his investigation, including: A dramatic prison meeting with Mark AcklomThe discovery of his many aliasesHow international collaboration led to Acklom’s extradition to the UK to face justice We are joined again by Carolyn Woods, author of Sleeping with a Psychopath, who shares her harrowing firsthand accountof being conned by Acklom and explains how her partnership with Martin helped to bring this serial fraudster to justice. This must-listen episode is packed with tales of betrayal, resilience, and international intrigue—a story that will captivate true crime enthusiasts around the globe. ...................... To read Carolyn's extraordinary story, you can purchase her book and support her by clicking on this link: Sleeping With a Psychopath Share your thoughts and questions by emailing contact@audiobleachglobal.com.  Connect with us:  Instagram @true.criminals Connect with Martin Brunt:  Twitter: @skymartinbrunt  Discover more about Martin’s career and the cases he’s covered by reading his book:  No One Got Cracked Over the Head for No Reason: Dispatches from a Crime Reporter  Available Here Connect with Helen Fospero: Instagram: @helenfospero  Check out Helen’s podcast, The Convex Conversation:  Listen Here Credits:  True Criminals is produced by Audio Bleach Global.  Visit www.audiobleachglobal.com/truecriminals for more information.  Executive Producer: Lee Mann Producer: Russell Barnes  Audio Production: Andrew Chappell Music  Composition: Chap Mannequin  Artwork: Bleached

This week’s episode focuses on the shocking case of Mark Acklom, a serial conman who manipulated Carolyn Woods into parting with her life savings of £850,000. In this two-part series, we examine how Acklom used charm, deception, and extraordinary lies—including claiming he was an MI6 agent—to gain Carolyn’s trust and exploit her financially. Carolyn, who recounts her experiences in her book Sleeping with a Psychopath, joins us to share her firsthand account of how the relationship began and the devastating impact it had on her life. In part one, we hear directly from Carolyn as she details how Acklom entered her life, presenting himself as a wealthy and successful businessman with connections to British intelligence. We explore the methods Acklom used to build his false persona and create a sense of urgency and dependency, ultimately leading to the financial and emotional manipulation that cost Carolyn everything. This episode provides an in-depth look at the calculated strategies of a conman and the lasting consequences for his victims. .................... To read Carolyn's extraordinary story, you can purchase her book and support her by clicking on this link: Sleeping With a Psychopath Share your thoughts and questions by emailing contact@audiobleachglobal.com.  Connect with us:  Instagram @true.criminals Connect with Martin Brunt:  Twitter: @skymartinbrunt  Discover more about Martin’s career and the cases he’s covered by reading his book:  No One Got Cracked Over the Head for No Reason: Dispatches from a Crime Reporter  Available Here Connect with Helen Fospero: Instagram: @helenfospero  Check out Helen’s podcast, The Convex Conversation:  Listen Here Credits:  True Criminals is produced by Audio Bleach Global.  Visit www.audiobleachglobal.com/truecriminals for more information.  Executive Producer: Lee Mann Producer: Russell Barnes  Audio Production: Andrew Chappell Music  Composition: Chap Mannequin  Artwork: Bleached

In case you didn't know, Helen hosts her own podcast, The Convex Conversation, where she interviews some of the world's most inspiring figures—including record-breaking athletes, explorers, royalty, scientists, and inventors. Before joining True Criminals, Helen had the opportunity to interview Martin about his remarkable career and his book, No One Got Cracked Over the Head for No Reason: Dispatches from a Crime Reporter. In their conversation, Martin shares gripping stories about his interactions with notorious figures like violent prisoner Charles Bronson, recounts an unexpected encounter with his music idol Sir Paul McCartney, and explores the nation’s unquenchable fascination with crime—both real and fictional. He also reveals how his interest in Valerio Viccei, the charismatic Italian mastermind behind Britain’s largest jewelry heist, led to a chilling death threat. ………………………………………………………………………………. Share your thoughts and questions by emailing contact@audiobleachglobal.com.  Connect with us:  Instagram @true.criminals Connect with Martin Brunt:  Twitter: @skymartinbrunt  Discover more about Martin’s career and the cases he’s covered by reading his book:  No One Got Cracked Over the Head for No Reason: Dispatches from a Crime Reporter  Available Here Connect with Helen Fospero: Instagram: @helenfospero  Check out Helen’s podcast, The Convex Conversation:  Listen Here Credits:  True Criminals is produced by Audio Bleach Global.  Visit www.audiobleachglobal.com/truecriminals for more information.  Executive Producer: Lee Mann Producer: Russell Barnes  Audio Production: Andrew Chappell Music  Composition: Chap Mannequin  Artwork: Bleached

In the gripping conclusion to our two-part series on the infamous Knightsbridge Heist, we delve into Martin’s exclusive interview with Valerio Viccei—the mastermind behind the world’s largest robbery. Martin reflects on the momentous trip to Italy, where he not only met the enigmatic Valerio but also crossed paths with Detective Dick Leach for the first time. Their shared experience would leave a lasting impression, shaping their perspectives on the audacious man at the center of it all. This is a story of ambition, daring, and the high price of a life lived on the edge. Don’t miss True Criminals thrilling conclusion to the Knightsbridge Heist saga: The Interview. ……………………………………………………………………………….   Share your thoughts and questions by emailing contact@audiobleachglobal.com.    Connect with us:  Instagram: @true.criminals   Connect with Martin Brunt:  Twitter: @skymartinbrunt  Discover more about Martin’s career and the cases he’s covered by reading his book:  No One Got Cracked Over the Head for No Reason: Dispatches from a Crime Reporter  Available Here   Connect with Helen Fospero: Instagram: @helenfospero  Check out Helen’s podcast, The Convex Conversation:  Listen Here Hear Helen’s interview with Martin:  Listen here   Credits:  True Criminals is produced by Audio Bleach Global.  Visit www.audiobleachglobal.com/truecriminals for more information.    Executive Producer: Lee Mann Producer: Russell Barnes  Audio Production: Andrew Chappell Music  Composition: Chap Mannequin  Artwork: Bleached

On 12 July 1987, Valerio Viccei and his crew executed one of the world’s largest robberies at the Knightsbridge Safe Deposit Centre in London, stealing an estimated £60 million. A playboy criminal with a dangerous past, Viccei left behind a bloody fingerprint that ultimately led to his capture. In the first part of our True Criminals double episode into the Knightsbridge Heist, hosts Sky News crime correspondent Martin Brunt and journalist Helen Fospero are joined by special guest Dick Leach, the detective who led to the arrest of criminal mastermind Valerio Viccei. Tune in as we uncover how this audacious heist unfolded and hear exclusive details from Dick Leach himself. Don’t miss it. ……………………………………………………………………………….   Share your thoughts and questions by emailing contact@audiobleachglobal.com.    Connect with us:  Instagram: @true.criminals   Connect with Martin Brunt:  Twitter: @skymartinbrunt  Discover more about Martin’s career and the cases he’s covered by reading his book:  No One Got Cracked Over the Head for No Reason: Dispatches from a Crime Reporter  Available Here   Connect with Helen Fospero: Instagram: @helenfospero  Check out Helen’s podcast, The Convex Conversation:  Listen Here Hear Helen’s interview with Martin:  Listen here   Credits:  True Criminals is produced by Audio Bleach Global.  Visit www.audiobleachglobal.com/truecriminals for more information.    Executive Producer: Lee Mann Producer: Russell Barnes  Audio Production: Andrew Chappell Music  Composition: Chap Mannequin  Artwork: Bleached

In the powerful conclusion of our three-part mini-series on Madeleine McCann, True Criminals shines a light on the darker side of the internet and its impact on one of the most infamous missing person cases in modern history. Part 3, Trolls, investigates the relentless online harassment faced by Madeleine’s parents, Kate and Gerry McCann, and the devastating consequences of such cruelty. A key focus of this episode is the tragic story of Brenda Leyland, a Twitter user who became the subject of public scrutiny after her trolling activities were exposed by Martin while reporting for Sky News. What began as a report on the impact of online abuse took an unexpected and heartbreaking turn when Brenda’s exposure led to her suicide, sparking a firestorm of debate about media ethics, mental health, and accountability in the digital age. Martin shares his personal reflections on the tragedy and its lasting impact—not just on the McCanns, but on himself as a journalist and the broader public conversation surrounding online behavior. Join us as we unravel the complexities of this case, exploring the intersections of crime, media, and the darker impulses of human behavior. ……………………………………………………………………………….   Share your thoughts and questions by emailing contact@audiobleachglobal.com.    Connect with us:  Instagram @true.criminals   Connect with Martin Brunt:  Twitter: @skymartinbrunt  Discover more about Martin’s career and the cases he’s covered by reading his book:  No One Got Cracked Over the Head for No Reason: Dispatches from a Crime Reporter  Available Here   Connect with Helen Fospero: Instagram: @helenfospero  Check out Helen’s podcast, The Convex Conversation:  Listen Here Hear Helen’s interview with Martin:  Listen here   Credits:  True Criminals is produced by Audio Bleach Global.  Visit www.audiobleachglobal.com/truecriminals for more information.    Executive Producer: Lee Mann Producer: Russell Barnes  Audio Production: Andrew Chappell Music  Composition: Chap Mannequin  Artwork: Bleached

Continuing with our three-part mini-series, this week Martin and Helen are joined by Jim Gamble, former head of the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP). As the architect of the pivotal 2010 review that set the stage for Operation Grange—the UK-led investigation into Madeleine’s disappearance—Jim provides unique insights into the complexities of this enduring mystery. He sheds light on critical aspects of the case, including the harm caused by armchair detectives spreading unfounded theories, the emotional toll on the McCann family, and his steadfast belief in their innocence. Gamble also examines the complexities of the investigation, discussing obstacles like misinformation and the latest developments surrounding the current suspect, Christian Brueckner. Coming Soon: Part 3: Trolls The series concludes with an exploration of the darker side of the case’s legacy: the wave of online trolling, misinformation, and conspiracy theories that have targeted both the McCann family and investigators. Why does this toxic behavior persist, and what toll has it taken on those most affected by this tragedy? ........................ Share your thoughts and questions by emailing contact@audiobleachglobal.com.  Connect with us:  Instagram @true.criminals Connect with Martin Brunt:  Twitter: @skymartinbrunt  Discover more about Martin’s career and the cases he’s covered by reading his book:  No One Got Cracked Over the Head for No Reason: Dispatches from a Crime Reporter  Available Here Connect with Helen Fospero: Instagram: @helenfospero  Check out Helen’s podcast, The Convex Conversation:  Listen Here Hear Helen’s interview with Martin:  Listen here Credits:  True Criminals is produced by Audio Bleach Global.  Visit www.audiobleachglobal.com/truecriminals for more information.  Executive Producer: Lee Mann Producer: Russell Barnes  Audio Production: Andrew Chappell Music Composition: Chap Mannequin Artwork: Bleached

On the night of May 3, 2007, three-year-old Madeleine McCann vanished from her family’s holiday apartment in Praia da Luz, Portugal, while her parents, Kate and Gerry McCann, dined nearby with friends. Despite their routine checks on the children, Kate’s devastating discovery that Madeleine was missing ignited a global search and an investigation that would span continents and years. Welcome to Madeleine McCann: Disappeared—a compelling three-part mini-series exploring one of the most notorious missing persons cases in modern history. Through this series, we’ll unpack the key events, the media frenzy, the investigative missteps, and the many unanswered questions surrounding Madeleine’s disappearance. Episode Summary: In this opening episode, Sky News Crime Correspondent Martin Brunt and journalist Helen Fospero revisit the heart-wrenching night of Madeleine’s disappearance. Martin, who arrived in Praia da Luz just four days after the case broke, brings nearly 17 years of reporting experience on this story. His firsthand account provides a rare glimpse into the initial chaotic days of the investigation—detailing his interactions with Portuguese police, the evolving media landscape, and the pivotal moments that shaped the direction of the case. Coming Soon: Part 2: Insights with Jim Gamble Exclusive commentary from Jim Gamble, the founding head of the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP) and a prominent voice in child protection. In 2010, Gamble conducted a detailed review of the Madeleine McCann case, laying crucial groundwork for Operation Grange. He’ll provide expert analysis and discuss the potential future of the case, including the developments surrounding Christian Brueckner, the current suspect. Part 3: Trolls  In this concluding episode, we examine the darker legacy of the case: the wave of online trolling, misinformation, and conspiracy theories that have haunted both the McCann family and investigators. What drives this toxic behavior, and what impact has it had on those most closely connected to this tragedy? ………………………………………………………………………………. Share your thoughts and questions by emailing contact@audiobleachglobal.com.  Connect with us:  Instagram @true.criminals Connect with Martin Brunt:  Twitter: @skymartinbrunt  Discover more about Martin’s career and the cases he’s covered by reading his book:  No One Got Cracked Over the Head for No Reason: Dispatches from a Crime Reporter  Available Here Connect with Helen Fospero: Instagram: @helenfospero  Check out Helen’s podcast, The Convex Conversation:  Listen Here Hear Helen’s interview with Martin:  Listen here Credits:  True Criminals is produced by Audio Bleach Global.  Visit www.audiobleachglobal.com/truecriminals for more information.  Executive Producer: Lee Mann Producer: Russell Barnes  Audio Production: Andrew Chappell Music Composition: Chap Mannequin  Artwork: Bleached

The Soham Murders This week on True Criminals, join @SkyNews Crime Correspondent @Martin_Brunt and journalist @HelenFospero as they explore the harrowing case that gripped the nation and reshaped child protection measures in the UK. In August 2002, the tranquil town of Soham, Cambridgeshire, was shattered when 10-year-olds Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman disappeared after attending a family barbecue. The desperate search for the missing friends led to a devastating discovery, exposing the sinister truth about someone entrusted within their community. Don’t miss this in-depth look at a case that left an indelible mark on Britain. ………………………………………………………………………………. Share your thoughts and questions by emailing contact@audiobleachglobal.com.    Connect with us:  Instagram @true.criminals   Connect with Martin Brunt:  Twitter: @skymartinbrunt    Discover more about Martin’s career and the cases he’s covered by reading his book:  No One Got Cracked Over the Head for No Reason: Dispatches from a Crime Reporter  Available Here   Connect with Helen Fospero: Instagram: @helenfospero    Check out Helen’s podcast, The Convex Conversation:  Listen Here Hear Helen’s interview with Martin:  Listen here   Credits:  True Criminals is produced by Audio Bleach Global.  Visit www.audiobleachglobal.com/truecriminals for more information.    Executive Producer: Lee Mann Producer: Russell Barnes  Audio Production: Andrew Chappell Music  Composition: Chap Mannequin  Artwork: Bleached

This week on True Criminals, Sky News Crime Correspondent Martin Brunt and journalist Helen Fospero investigate a tragic case of mistaken identity. In this episode, they delve into the story of Muriel Mackay—a harrowing account of kidnapping, murder, and a family’s relentless, 50+ year search for her remains.  Martin and Helen speak with Muriel’s grandson, Mark Dyer, who describes in detail how his family has even worked with Muriel’s killer in an effort to locate her burial site. Mark recounts how he and Martin recently returned to the farm for a second dig, hoping to finally recover his grandmother’s remains. Together, they discuss the lasting impact of this tragedy on the family and the profound trauma that endures. Share your thoughts and questions by emailing contact@audiobleachglobal.com.   Connect with us:   Instagram YouTube TikTok   Connect with Martin Brunt:   Twitter: @skymartinbrunt   Discover more about Martin’s career and the cases he’s covered by reading his book:    No One Got Cracked Over the Head for No Reason: Dispatches from a Crime Reporter Available Here   Connect with Helen Fospero:   Instagram: @helenfospero   Check out Helen’s podcast, The Convex Conversation: The Convex Conversation   Hear Helen’s interview with Martin: Listen here. Listen Here   Credits:   True Criminals is produced by Audio Bleach Global.    Visit www.audiobleachglobal.com/truecriminals for more information.   Executive Producer: Lee Mann Producer: Russell Barnes Audio Production: Andrew Chappell Music Composition: Chap Mannequin Artwork: Bleached

Welcome to the chilling conclusion of our debut double episode on Fred and Rose West. In this riveting installment of True Criminals, hosts Martin and Helen are joined by Howard Sounes, the journalist and author of Fred & Rose: The Full Story of Fred and Rose West and the Gloucester House of Horrors. Sounes, who was the first to bring this shocking case to the national press, provides an insider’s perspective on the harrowing excavation at 25 Cromwell Street, where unsettling evidence was unearthed, revealing the true extent of the Wests' crimes. Join Martin and Helen as they engage with Sounes in a candid discussion about the far-reaching implications of this case on policing, the media, and public perception—covering aspects that many other true crime podcasts overlook. With a keen eye for detail, Sounes traces the unusual childhoods of Fred and Rose West and meticulously chronicles their criminal activities. Tune in for a compelling exploration of one of Britain’s most notorious criminal couples and the shocking story that continues to captivate audiences today. If you would like to read Howards book you can follow this link: Fred & Rose: The Full Story of Fred and Rose West and the Gloucester House of Horrors For Howards podcast on the Wests and the House of Horrors, listen here.  Unheard: The Fred and Rose West Tapes Share your thoughts and questions by emailing contact@audiobleachglobal.com. Connect with us: Instagram YouTube TikTok Connect with Martin Brunt: Twitter: @skymartinbrunt Discover more about Martin’s career and the cases he’s covered by reading his book: No One Got Cracked Over the Head for No Reason: Dispatches from a Crime Reporter – Available here. Connect with Helen Fospero: Instagram: @helenfospero Check out Helen’s podcast, The Convex Conversation: Listen here. Hear Helen’s interview with Martin: Listen here. Credits: True Criminals is produced by Audio Bleach Global.  Visit audiobleachglobal.com/truecriminals for more. Executive Producer: Lee Mann Producer: Russell Barnes Audio Production: Andrew Chappell Music Composition: Chap Mannequin Artwork: Bleached

True Criminals launches with an intense double episode that revisits the horrifying story of the infamous married serial killers, Fred and Rose West. In this opening installment, Sky News Crime Correspondent Martin Brunt and journalist Helen Fospero recount how they first crossed paths while covering the case for Sky News. Martin Brunt shares his unique experience of gaining rare access to the infamous Cromwell Street "House of Horrors." He delves into often overlooked aspects of the investigation, recounting chilling first-hand encounters, including interviews with the surviving victims. Brunt also reveals the systemic failures that allowed the Wests to evade capture for so long, highlighting how crucial connections were missed before the puzzle pieces finally came together, leading to a comprehensive forensic investigation and their eventual arrest. Helen Fospero also offers her perspective on the case, providing journalistic insight into the challenges of covering such a high-profile story. She reveals the dedication and extraordinary lengths reporters often go to in order to capture and convey these harrowing events accurately. Share your thoughts and questions by emailing contact@audiobleachglobal.com. Connect with us: Instagram YouTube TikTok Connect with Martin Brunt: Twitter: @skymartinbrunt Discover more about Martin’s career and the cases he’s covered by reading his book: No One Got Cracked Over the Head for No Reason: Dispatches from a Crime Reporter – Available here. Connect with Helen Fospero: Instagram: @helenfospero Check out Helen’s podcast, The Convex Conversation: Listen here. Hear Helen’s interview with Martin: Listen here. Credits: True Criminals is produced by Audio Bleach Global.  Visit audiobleachglobal.com/truecriminals for more information. Executive Producer: Lee Mann Producer: Russell Barnes Audio Production: Andrew Chappell Music Composition: Chap Mannequin Artwork: Bleached

Premiering on the 5th of November! Join us for a special double episode with Howard Sounes, the investigative author who first broke the notorious Fred and Rose West "House of Horrors" story. True Criminals is your ultimate source for in-depth explorations of historical crime cases, hosted by veteran crime reporter Martin Brunt and journalist Helen Fospero. Each week, Martin and Helen draw on their decades of frontline experience to bring you stories packed with unique insights and hidden details that you won’t hear anywhere else. Tune in as they uncover compelling, often unheard details about real cases, with special guests like true crime authors, detectives who’ve cracked infamous cases, investigative journalists who broke major headlines, and sometimes even those with firsthand connections to the criminals themselves. For true crime fans hungry for a backstage pass to justice and investigation, True Criminals is your deep dive into the world of real crime. Send your comments and questions to: contact@audiobleachglobal.com Follow us: InstagramYouTubeTikTok True Criminals is an Audio Bleach Global production. Visit us at www.audiobleachglobal.com/truecriminals