Australian True Crime

On the morning of December 8, 1941, three men operating a "Pay Car" in south Sydney were unknowingly heading into a brutal ambush.

This story, however, has been lost to history due to it taking place on the same day Pearl Harbour was attacked.

Michael Adams from the Forgotten Australia podcast is back with us for another historical Australian crime.

This is a part one of two part series.

You can listen to Michael's podcast, Forgotten Australia wherever you get your podcasts.

For Support: 

Lifeline  on 13 11 14

13 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)

1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732

CREDITS:

Host: Meshel Laurie. You can find her on Instagram 

Co-Host: Emily Webb. You can find her on Instagram here 

Guests:  Michael Adams

Executive Producer/Editor: Matthew Tankard

GET IN TOUCH:

Send us a question or comment on this episode to be used in our "Episode Download" series: https://www.speakpipe.com/ATC

Follow the show on Instagram @australiantruecrimepodcast and Facebook 

https://www.facebook.com/AustralianTrueCrimePod/

Email the show at [email protected]

Australian True Crime is a podcast by Smart Fella Media. Your story matters and how you tell it matters even more.

This is a "Shortcut" episode. It’s a shortened version of this week’s more detailed full episode, which is also available on our feed. 

On the morning of December 8, 1941, three men operating a "Pay Car" in south Sydney were unknowingly heading into a brutal ambush.

This story, however, has been lost to history due to it taking place on the same day Pearl Harbour was attacked.

Michael Adams from the Forgotten Australia podcast is back with us for another historical Australian crime.

This is a part one of two part series.

You can listen to Michael's podcast, Forgotten Australia wherever you get your podcasts.

For Support: 

Lifeline  on 13 11 14

13 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)

1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732

CREDITS:

Host: Meshel Laurie. You can find her on Instagram 

Co-Host: Emily Webb. You can find her on Instagram here 

Guests:  Michael Adams

Executive Producer/Editor: Matthew Tankard

GET IN TOUCH:

Send us a question or comment on this episode to be used in our "Episode Download" series: https://www.speakpipe.com/ATC

Follow the show on Instagram @australiantruecrimepodcast and Facebook 

https://www.facebook.com/AustralianTrueCrimePod/

Email the show at [email protected]

Australian True Crime is a podcast by Smart Fella Media. Your story matters and how you tell it matters even more.

Sandi Harvey has not seen her daughter Leisl Smith since 2012.

At that time, Leisl was 23 years old. She was happy, healthy and working in her dream job caring for horses.

But it was horses that brought her into contact with James Church, a much older man with whom she fell in love.

After her disappearance, Sandi discovered Leisl's relationship with Church was one of cruelty and heartache.

Ten years after Leisl's disappearance, Sandi and the rest of her family thought they may finally be on the verge of some kind of breakthrough. But James Church had one more cruel trick up his sleeve.

We implore our listeners to join Leisl Smith's information page: https://www.facebook.com/FindLeislSmith/

If you have any information regarding the disappearance of Leisl Smith, please contact CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000

For Support: 

Lifeline  on 13 11 14

13 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)

1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732

CREDITS:

Host: Meshel Laurie. You can find her on Instagram 

Co-Host: Emily Webb. You can find her on Instagram here 

Guests:  Sandi Harvey

Executive Producer/Editor: Matthew Tankard

GET IN TOUCH:

Send us a question or comment on this episode to be used in our "Episode Download" series: https://www.speakpipe.com/ATC

Follow the show on Instagram @australiantruecrimepodcast and Facebook 

https://www.facebook.com/AustralianTrueCrimePod/

Email the show at [email protected]

Australian True Crime is a podcast by Smart Fella Media. Your story matters and how you tell it matters even more.

This is a "Shortcut" episode. It’s a shortened version of this week’s more detailed full episode, which is also available on our feed. 

Sandi Harvey has not seen her daughter Leisl Smith since 2012.

At that time, Leisl was 23 years old. She was happy, healthy and working in her dream job caring for horses.

But it was horses that brought her into contact with James Church, a much older man with whom she fell in love.

After her disappearance, Sandi discovered Leisl's relationship with Church was one of cruelty and heartache.

Ten years after Leisl's disappearance, Sandi and the rest of her family thought they may finally be on the verge of some kind of breakthrough. But James Church had one more cruel trick up his sleeve.

We implore our listeners to join Leisl Smith's information page: https://www.facebook.com/FindLeislSmith/

If you have any information regarding the disappearance of Leisl Smith, please contact CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000

For Support: 

Lifeline  on 13 11 14

13 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)

1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732

CREDITS:

Host: Meshel Laurie. You can find her on Instagram 

Co-Host: Emily Webb. You can find her on Instagram here 

Guests:  Sandi Harvey

Executive Producer/Editor: Matthew Tankard

GET IN TOUCH:

Send us a question or comment on this episode to be used in our "Episode Download" series: https://www.speakpipe.com/ATC

Follow the show on Instagram @australiantruecrimepodcast and Facebook 

https://www.facebook.com/AustralianTrueCrimePod/

Email the show at [email protected]

Australian True Crime is a podcast by Smart Fella Media. Your story matters and how you tell it matters even more.

This is a "Shortcut" episode. It’s a shortened version of this week’s more detailed full episode, which is also available on our feed. 

Our guest today is Boyd Unwin, a suburban tradie and father of three in his fifties, who's always thought of himself and his family as the epitome of normal and unremarkable.

Boyd has committed himself to understanding how he lost his daughter, Katie Haley, to her partner five years ago. Boyd and his wife Tania are now raising the child their daughter shared with her murderer. And bit by bit, they'll have to explain to that child why neither of her parents can be with her. They're doing this at a time when they thought they'd be settling into retirement and enjoying being grandparents.

The Unwin's are determined to open the eyes of other normal families to what they now see were red flags in Katie's relationship. They'd all grown to dislike her partner, but none of them believed she was in mortal danger in her home. If they had, they'd never have allowed her and her kids to be in that home for a single second, and that's the very important message Boyd wants us all to hear.

For Support: 

Lifeline  on 13 11 14

13 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)

1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732

CREDITS:

Host: Meshel Laurie. You can find her on Instagram 

Co-Host: Emily Webb. You can find her on Instagram here 

Guests:  Boyd Unwin

Executive Producer/Editor: Matthew Tankard

GET IN TOUCH:

Send us a question or comment on this episode to be used in our "Episode Download" series: https://www.speakpipe.com/ATC

Follow the show on Instagram @australiantruecrimepodcast and Facebook 

https://www.facebook.com/AustralianTrueCrimePod/

Email the show at [email protected]

Australian True Crime is a podcast by Smart Fella Media. Your story matters and how you tell it matters even more.

Our guest today is Boyd Unwin, a suburban tradie and father of three in his fifties, who's always thought of himself and his family as the epitome of normal and unremarkable.

Boyd has committed himself to understanding how he lost his daughter, Katie Haley, to her partner five years ago. Boyd and his wife Tania are now raising the child their daughter shared with her murderer. And bit by bit, they'll have to explain to that child why neither of her parents can be with her. They're doing this at a time when they thought they'd be settling into retirement and enjoying being grandparents.

The Unwin's are determined to open the eyes of other normal families to what they now see were red flags in Katie's relationship. They'd all grown to dislike her partner, but none of them believed she was in mortal danger in her home. If they had, they'd never have allowed her and her kids to be in that home for a single second, and that's the very important message Boyd wants us all to hear.

For Support: 

Lifeline  on 13 11 14

13 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)

1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732

CREDITS:

Host: Meshel Laurie. You can find her on Instagram 

Co-Host: Emily Webb. You can find her on Instagram here 

Guests:  Boyd Unwin

Executive Producer/Editor: Matthew Tankard

GET IN TOUCH:

Send us a question or comment on this episode to be used in our "Episode Download" series: https://www.speakpipe.com/ATC

Follow the show on Instagram @australiantruecrimepodcast and Facebook 

https://www.facebook.com/AustralianTrueCrimePod/

Email the show at [email protected]

Australian True Crime is a podcast by Smart Fella Media. Your story matters and how you tell it matters even more.

This is a "Shortcut" episode. It’s a shortened version of this week’s more detailed full episode, which is also available on our feed. 

Ray Mooney joins us again this week to tell us about his friend, Christopher Dale Flannery (AKA Mr Rent-a-kill).

Chris was a teenager when they first met in Pentridge Prison. Chris was not long out of the notorious Morning Star boys home in Victoria's Mt Eliza.

Over the following decades, they maintained their close friendship. While Ray Mooney went on to become a published author, playwright, director and educator, Chris went on to become Australia's best known hitman.

Chris disappeared in 1985. Ray says that since then, many have taken the opportunity to say things they wouldn't have dared say when he was alive.

Today, Ray sets the record straight and shares the true story of Christopher Dale Flannery's life, and what he believes is the most likely truth of his death.

All of Ray's books and more can be found on his website here: https://raymooney.com/my-books/

If you have been affected by anything discussed in this episode you can contact:

Lifeline on 13 11 14

13 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people)

For ad-free listening, early access and exclusive content, join Australian True Crime Plus on Apple Podcasts here: http://apple.co/australiantruecrime

CREDITS:

Host: Meshel Laurie. You can find her on Instagram 

Co-Host: Emily Webb. You can find her on Instagram here a

Guests: Ray Mooney

Editor: Meshel Laurie

Executive Producer: Matthew Tankard

GET IN TOUCH:

Send us a question or comment on this episode to be used in our "Episode Download" series: https://www.speakpipe.com/ATC

Follow the show on Instagram @australiantruecrimepodcast and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AustralianTrueCrimePod/

Email the show at [email protected]

Australian True Crime is a podcast by Smart Fella Media. Your story matters and how you tell it matters even more.

Ray Mooney joins us again this week to tell us about his friend, Christopher Dale Flannery (AKA Mr Rent-a-kill).

Chris was a teenager when they first met in Pentridge Prison. Chris was not long out of the notorious Morning Star boys home in Victoria's Mt Eliza.

Over the following decades, they maintained their close friendship. While Ray Mooney went on to become a published author, playwright, director and educator, Chris went on to become Australia's best known hitman.

Chris disappeared in 1985. Ray says that since then, many have taken the opportunity to say things they wouldn't have dared say when he was alive.

Today, Ray sets the record straight and shares the true story of Christopher Dale Flannery's life, and what he believes is the most likely truth of his death.

All of Ray's books and more can be found on his website here: https://raymooney.com/my-books/

If you have been affected by anything discussed in this episode you can contact:

Lifeline on 13 11 14

13 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people)

For ad-free listening, early access and exclusive content, join Australian True Crime Plus on Apple Podcasts here: http://apple.co/australiantruecrime

CREDITS:

Host: Meshel Laurie. You can find her on Instagram 

Co-Host: Emily Webb. You can find her on Instagram here a

Guests: Ray Mooney

Editor: Meshel Laurie

Executive Producer: Matthew Tankard

GET IN TOUCH:

Send us a question or comment on this episode to be used in our "Episode Download" series: https://www.speakpipe.com/ATC

Follow the show on Instagram @australiantruecrimepodcast and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AustralianTrueCrimePod/

Email the show at [email protected]

Australian True Crime is a podcast by Smart Fella Media. Your story matters and how you tell it matters even more.

This is a "Shortcut" episode. It’s a shortened version of this week’s more detailed full episode, which is also available on our feed. 

Our guest today is Ray Mooney. He's in his seventies now, and for most of his life, he's been a celebrated writer of novels, plays, films, non-fiction books, and a university lecturer.

At a different time in his life, though, the only institution he was allowed inside of was the Bluestone College: The College of Knowledge, also known as Pentridge Prison.

Ray Mooney was convicted of rape when he was 19, and today we hear Ray's story, which is extraordinary in its own right, not least because of the honesty and openness he's prepared to bring to it.

All of Ray's books and more can be found on his website here: https://raymooney.com/my-books/

If you have been affected by anything discussed in this episode you can contact:

Lifeline on 13 11 14

13 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people)

For ad-free listening, early access and exclusive content, join Australian True Crime Plus on Apple Podcasts here: http://apple.co/australiantruecrime

CREDITS:

Host: Meshel Laurie. You can find her on Instagram 

Co-Host: Emily Webb. You can find her on Instagram here a

Guests: Ray Mooney

Editor: Meshel Laurie

Executive Producer: Matthew Tankard

GET IN TOUCH:

Send us a question or comment on this episode to be used in our "Episode Download" series: https://www.speakpipe.com/ATC

Follow the show on Instagram @australiantruecrimepodcast and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AustralianTrueCrimePod/

Email the show at [email protected]

Australian True Crime is a podcast by Smart Fella Media. Your story matters and how you tell it matters even more.

Our guest today is Ray Mooney. He's in his seventies now, and for most of his life, he's been a celebrated writer of novels, plays, films, non-fiction books, and a university lecturer.

At a different time in his life, though, the only institution he was allowed inside of was the Bluestone College: The College of Knowledge, also known as Pentridge Prison.

Ray Mooney was convicted of rape when he was 19, and today we hear Ray's story, which is extraordinary in its own right, not least because of the honesty and openness he's prepared to bring to it.

All of Ray's books and more can be found on his website here: https://raymooney.com/my-books/

If you have been affected by anything discussed in this episode you can contact:

Lifeline on 13 11 14

13 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people)

For ad-free listening, early access and exclusive content, join Australian True Crime Plus on Apple Podcasts here: http://apple.co/australiantruecrime

CREDITS:

Host: Meshel Laurie. You can find her on Instagram 

Co-Host: Emily Webb. You can find her on Instagram here a

Guests: Ray Mooney

Editor: Meshel Laurie

Executive Producer: Matthew Tankard

GET IN TOUCH:

Send us a question or comment on this episode to be used in our "Episode Download" series: https://www.speakpipe.com/ATC

Follow the show on Instagram @australiantruecrimepodcast and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AustralianTrueCrimePod/

Email the show at [email protected]

Australian True Crime is a podcast by Smart Fella Media. Your story matters and how you tell it matters even more.