Episode 31, and this week we're looking into the callous murder of Sarah Mayhew. This case is a really recent one, with the perpetrators not having been sentenced yet so expect some updates in the future! Listen as Hannah walks us through the details of the case as we understand them, and help us untangle the concept of how in a "killer couple" the woman always seems to be seen as less culpable than the man? The story is nasty so trigger warning, and we're still not too clear on exactly why Sarah had to tragically lose her life!

Plus, you can listen to how unhinged we both become in the run up to Christmas and how we're looking forward to a nice sit down! Reminder, we'll be taking a two week break over the festive period with Season 2 launching in January.

Sources used in this case include:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cvg75ml8j00o

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cgry595488do

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2024/sep/26/man-admits-sarah-mayhew-murder-london

https://sarahmayhew.muchloved.com/ 

https://insidecroydon.com/2024/09/26/killer-of-sarah-mayhew-has-previous-conviction-for-murder/ 

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/sarah-mayhew-murder-steven-sansom-b2619471.html 

https://www.getsurrey.co.uk/news/surrey-news/convicted-killer-admits-murdering-dismembering-30015101 

Support the show

Thanks for tuning in! If you loved diving into the dark corners of South London with us, don't forget to hit that subscribe button to never miss an episode of "Sinister South."

Also, follow us on Instagram @SinisterSouthPodcast for sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes content, and more cheeky banter, or www.sinistersouthpod.co.uk. Remember, every crime tells a story... and South is the best side of the river...

Produced and hosted by Hannah Williams & Rachel Baines
Mixed & edited by Purple Waves Sound (A.K.A Will)

Episode 30 is here!  This week, we’re taking a deep dive into some of South London’s most tragic stories tied to mental health care—and let’s just say, it’s a bit of a rollercoaster. We talk about the harrowing murders of Ilona Czuper in Mitcham, Eileen Dean in Catford, Maureen Watkins in Peckham and Florise Corette in Brockley. 

From heart breaking failings to moments that make you question how things could go so wrong, we’ll be unpacking cases that hit close to home. As always, there’s plenty of our usual banter (because we can’t help ourselves), but also a lot to think about when it comes to how we can do better. Grab a cuppa (or something stronger) and join us for a chat about the tough stuff, told with our usual mix of curiosity and dark humour.

Sources include:
https://southwarknews.co.uk/area/southwark/exclusive-investigation-reveals-at-least-50-killings-by-slam-patients/

https://southwarknews.co.uk/area/southwark/exclusive-family-demands-answers-from-maudsley-after-their-mum-93-was-battered-to-death-in-care-home/

https://southwarknews.co.uk/area/peckham/learn-from-our-tragedy-family-of-loving-woman-killed-by-her-own-schizophrenic-son-tell-maudsley/

https://www.merton.gov.uk/system/files/LBM%20Executive%20Summary%20Adela%20DHR%20%28Janaury%202023%29.pdf

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-35988862

https://www.hundredfamilies.org/the-victims/london/

https://www.newsshopper.co.uk/news/13382194.gilbert-corette-45-charged-with-murder-of-his-elderly-mother-florise-corette-81-in-lewisham/

https://maudsleycharity.org/about/our-history/#:~:text=South%20London%20and%20Maudsley%20NHS%20Foundation%20Trust%20(SLaM)%20was%20formed,Lewisham%20and%20Guy%27s%20NHS%20Trusts.

https://slam.nhs.uk/about

Support the show

Thanks for tuning in! If you loved diving into the dark corners of South London with us, don't forget to hit that subscribe button to never miss an episode of "Sinister South."

Also, follow us on Instagram @SinisterSouthPodcast for sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes content, and more cheeky banter, or www.sinistersouthpod.co.uk. Remember, every crime tells a story... and South is the best side of the river...

Produced and hosted by Hannah Williams & Rachel Baines
Mixed & edited by Purple Waves Sound (A.K.A Will)

This week, we unravel the devastating case of Bibaa Henry and Nicole Smallman, two sisters whose lives were tragically stolen during what should have been a beautiful celebration. From their bond as sisters to the horrific failures that compounded their family’s grief, we explore it all—including a killer’s unhinged “demonic pact” and the unforgivable actions of certain officers who were supposed to protect and serve.

But don’t worry, we start off light—venting about life’s infuriating little moments (looking at you, fire doors and car washes), and Hannah’s very pointed disapproval of Rachel’s excessive keyring collection. After the case, we shift gears with some good vibes, podcast updates, and the usual dose of chaotic chatter.

Grab a drink (trust us, you’ll need it for this one) and join us as we tackle one of the hardest stories we've told, with a sprinkle of South London humour to keep us sane.

Sources for this episode include:
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/oct/28/danyal-hussein-jailed-for-35-years-for-murdering-sisters-in-london-park

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-59068720 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murders_of_Bibaa_Henry_and_Nicole_Smallman 

https://www.womensaid.org.uk/womens-aid-response-to-the-sentencing-of-danyal-hussein/ 

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/jun/12/london-sisters-nicole-smallman-bibaa-henry-murdered-stranger-police 

https://www.policeconduct.gov.uk/sites/default/files/documents/Operation%20Turton%20-%20PUBLICATION%20COPY%20-%202022.pdf 

Support the show

Thanks for tuning in! If you loved diving into the dark corners of South London with us, don't forget to hit that subscribe button to never miss an episode of "Sinister South."

Also, follow us on Instagram @SinisterSouthPodcast for sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes content, and more cheeky banter, or www.sinistersouthpod.co.uk. Remember, every crime tells a story... and South is the best side of the river...

Produced and hosted by Hannah Williams & Rachel Baines
Mixed & edited by Purple Waves Sound (A.K.A Will)

Episode 28 Trevors!! In this episode, Rach (yes we know, it should be Han, but life got busy) dives into the harrowing case of Harriet Staunton, a wealthy South London woman subjected to unimaginable cruelty at the hands of her husband and his accomplices. From the chilling neglect she endured to the courtroom spectacle that shocked Victorian England, this story will leave you feeling icky...

But it's not all doom and gloom - We also discuss why finding each other at a gig feels like playing 'Where's Wally', some fascinating facts about Penge (or is it Annerley?), and how we plan to convince you excellent Trevors to join us on Instagram! 

Sources include:

• https://www.oldbaileyonline.org/record/t18770917-672
• https://gaslight-arts.com/SurvivorsX04.html
• https://vocal.media/criminal/the-horrific-cruelty-suffered-by-harriet-staunton-at-the-hand-of-her-husband
• https://www.theguardian.com/books/2012/apr/15/harriet-staunton-penge-murder-jenkins
• https://www.pengeheritagetrail.org.uk/history/709-2/
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_of_Harriet_Staunton
• http://www.19thcenturyphotos.com/Louis-Staunton-and-Alice-Rhodes-126387.htm

Support the show

Thanks for tuning in! If you loved diving into the dark corners of South London with us, don't forget to hit that subscribe button to never miss an episode of "Sinister South."

Also, follow us on Instagram @SinisterSouthPodcast for sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes content, and more cheeky banter, or www.sinistersouthpod.co.uk. Remember, every crime tells a story... and South is the best side of the river...

Produced and hosted by Hannah Williams & Rachel Baines
Mixed & edited by Purple Waves Sound (A.K.A Will)

Episode 27!! We're heading back to Southwark! In this episode, we uncover the tragic story of Dina Sharpe, a South London woman whose love and trust were betrayed in the worst way. Dina believed she’d found a future with Stephen Singer, but instead found herself caught in his web of lies, deceit, and a love triangle gone horribly wrong. What begins as a volatile relationship spirals into a chillingly premeditated act—complete with a drugged dinner and a deadly fire. 

Join us as we navigate this heart breaking case, tracing the signs of control, manipulation, and the devastating loss of a well loved woman.

Sources used in this episode include: 
https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/real-life-stories/dina-shapes-only-mistake-was-falling-406311

https://www.standard.co.uk/hp/front/caretaker-jailed-for-life-after-killing-lover-with-spiked-omelette-6747690.html

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/8147517.stm

https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2009/jul/13/caretaker-jailed-spiked-omelette

Support the show

Thanks for tuning in! If you loved diving into the dark corners of South London with us, don't forget to hit that subscribe button to never miss an episode of "Sinister South."

Also, follow us on Instagram @SinisterSouthPodcast for sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes content, and more cheeky banter, or www.sinistersouthpod.co.uk. Remember, every crime tells a story... and South is the best side of the river...

Produced and hosted by Hannah Williams & Rachel Baines
Mixed & edited by Purple Waves Sound (A.K.A Will)

In this episode Han takes us through three tragic stories of LGBTQ+ individuals who faced violence and hate in South London, including both solved and unsolved cases. We uncover the lives behind the headlines, the struggles for justice and the harsh realities of hate crimes in our community.

We'll cover the cases of Jacob Bornkamp, Geoffrey Windsor and Jody Dobrowski.

But it's not all murder and heartache. Expect the usual mix of random ramblings and...Han wasn't lying when she said this one would be tricky to write a description for...

Sources include
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/threads/england-jacob-jaap-bornkamp-52-murdered-walking-home-deptford-south-london-4-jun-2000.561546/ 

https://www.truecrimeedition.com/post/jaap-bornkamp 

https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/royal-florists-brutal-cold-case-23619708 

https://crimeimmemorial.com/2024/07/26/geoffrey-windsor/ 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/2081712.stm 

https://www.thisislocallondon.co.uk/news/1400779.homophobia-hampered-gay-murder-probe/ 

https://172430notohatecrime.wordpress.com/2012/08/05/geoffrey-windsor-victim-of-hate-crime-26-june-2002/ 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_of_Jody_Dobrowski 

https://www.lgbthistoryuk.org/wiki/Jody_Dobrowski   

https://bestofsouthwestldn.com/remembering-jody-dobrowski/  

https://claphamcommon.info/a-life-brutally-cut-short/  

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/5087286.stm  

https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2006/jun/17/gayrights.ukcrime 

https://www.stroudnewsandjournal.co.uk/news/1033554.brave-mum-honoured-for-stance-on-gay-rights/ 

Support the show

Thanks for tuning in! If you loved diving into the dark corners of South London with us, don't forget to hit that subscribe button to never miss an episode of "Sinister South."

Also, follow us on Instagram @SinisterSouthPodcast for sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes content, and more cheeky banter, or www.sinistersouthpod.co.uk. Remember, every crime tells a story... and South is the best side of the river...

Produced and hosted by Hannah Williams & Rachel Baines
Mixed & edited by Purple Waves Sound (A.K.A Will)

Hi Trevor's, Hannah here... I'm putting out a public service announcement, this episode is all for Rach, I couldn't give a damn about Halloween, but I quite like her and she loves it. She calls it her "Spiritual Holiday", so...I buckled to the pressure and we've done an episode with a bit of a twist (I say twist, we're pretty sure EVERY true crime podcast does something similar at this time of year, and apparently Rach likes bandwagons). Don't say I didn't warn you!

Rach here... I BLOODY LOVE HALLOWEEN! So In this episode, we're really putting the 'Sinister' in Sinister South and talking about the spooky, creepy and weird tales that South London has to offer! Think ghosts, decapitations, death, destruction and chilling apparitions, think macabre, desperate, hauntings all with a dash of pumpkin spice... (Which would have been my moniker had I been in the Spice Girls)!

Also, Will had ALOT of fun editing this one as you'll hear...

Usual service will resume next week but let me have this one okay! It's been a bit of a month guys, let us have some fun!

Sources used in this episode:
https://amyscrypt.com/haunted-old-operating-theatre-london/
https://fortheloveofhistoryhome.wordpress.com/2021/11/19/seven-sinister-stop-of-london/
https://www.spookyisles.com/ghostly-wandsworth-south-londons-most-haunted/
https://wandlenews.com/haunted-wandsworth/
https://www.rmg.co.uk/queens-house/attractions/queens-house-ghost
https://www.theblackvault.com/casefiles/tulip-staircase-ghost/
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-battersea-poltergeist/id1548946506
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Battersea_Poltergeist
https://psi-encyclopedia.spr.ac.uk/articles/battersea-poltergeist-1956
https://bafflegab.co.uk/productions/the-battersea-poltergeist/ 
https://apeaceoflondon.wordpress.com/2016/04/06/chislehurst-caves/
https://www.ancient-origins.net/ancient-places-europe/chislehurst-caves-0011636
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chislehurst_Caves
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b08vdx09
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-45588088
https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/croydon-cat-kill

Support the show

Thanks for tuning in! If you loved diving into the dark corners of South London with us, don't forget to hit that subscribe button to never miss an episode of "Sinister South."

Also, follow us on Instagram @SinisterSouthPodcast for sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes content, and more cheeky banter, or www.sinistersouthpod.co.uk. Remember, every crime tells a story... and South is the best side of the river...

Produced and hosted by Hannah Williams & Rachel Baines
Mixed & edited by Purple Waves Sound (A.K.A Will)

In this episode of Sinister South, we dive into the deeply tragic case of Banaz Mahmood, a young Kurdish woman from South London whose life was taken in a devastating honour killing. After enduring years of abuse in a forced marriage, Banaz sought help from the police five times, only to be tragically failed by the very system meant to protect her. We unpack the cultural pressures behind honour-based violence, Banaz's immense courage in seeking freedom, and the chilling systemic failures that led to her untimely death.

Of course, before the heavy stuff, we chat about Hannah’s recent bath-time self-care obsession and Rachel’s ongoing DIY home improvement saga—because balance is key, right?

Trigger warnings: this episode covers sensitive and disturbing content, including family betrayal, abuse, and murder. We also take a moment to reflect on the changes inspired by Banaz’s case and the importance of protecting vulnerable women at risk of honour-based violence.

Sources for this case include:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_of_Banaz_Mahmod

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/jun/22/honour-killings-devils-work-bekhal-banaz-mahmod

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-11716272

https://www.itv.com/watch/honour/2a7534/2a7534a0001

https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/sep/21/uk-policing-why-not-enough-has-changed-since-the-murder-of-banaz-mahmod

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VepuyvhHYdM

https://ekurd.net/mismas/articles/misc2007/11/kurdsworldwide262.htm

If you or anyone you know is at risk of honour-based violence, these organisations are here to help.

Karma Nirvana
A specialist charity for victims and survivors of honour-based abuse in the UK. They also have a UK Helpline, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm: 0800 5999 247

The Halo project
A national project that supports victims of honour-based violence, forced marriages and FGM by providing advice and support to victims. 

Freedom Charity
Bringing awareness, help and support to victims of forced marriage, honour-based violence and female genital mutilation (FGM).

Refuge
A charity helping victims rebuild their

Support the show

Thanks for tuning in! If you loved diving into the dark corners of South London with us, don't forget to hit that subscribe button to never miss an episode of "Sinister South."

Also, follow us on Instagram @SinisterSouthPodcast for sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes content, and more cheeky banter, or www.sinistersouthpod.co.uk. Remember, every crime tells a story... and South is the best side of the river...

Produced and hosted by Hannah Williams & Rachel Baines
Mixed & edited by Purple Waves Sound (A.K.A Will)

In episode 23 of Sinister South, we're diving into the chaotic world of Johnny Darke, a volatile South London gangster. 

His criminal empire crumbled when he clashed with John Bindon, a feared enforcer with ties to rockstars and royalty. From pub rackets to murder trials, we uncover how Darke’s reign was brought to a brutal end, blending crime, celebrity, and unexpected twists.

Also hear how vindictive Rach is as she attempts to silence Han, and the supremely inspiring way Han deals with it... 

Sources used in the episode include:

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Bindon
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Bindon#cite_note-12
• https://www.denstevenson.info/john-bindon/ 
• https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/obituary-john-bindon-1502412.html 
• https://ledzepnews.com/2024/06/19/the-day-on-the-green-files-unseen-documents-reveal-the-full-impact-of-led-zeppelins-1977-backstage-violence/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=seFjO-lcY68 

Support the show

Thanks for tuning in! If you loved diving into the dark corners of South London with us, don't forget to hit that subscribe button to never miss an episode of "Sinister South."

Also, follow us on Instagram @SinisterSouthPodcast for sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes content, and more cheeky banter, or www.sinistersouthpod.co.uk. Remember, every crime tells a story... and South is the best side of the river...

Produced and hosted by Hannah Williams & Rachel Baines
Mixed & edited by Purple Waves Sound (A.K.A Will)

Episode 22, this was a recommendation as a case from @jomydarlingclementine over on Instagram!

This week, we’re taking you through one of the most harrowing events in South London’s history: the 1981 New Cross Road Fire. What started as a birthday party turned into a nightmare, with 13 young black people tragically losing their lives.

Was it an accident, or something far more sinister? We’ll unravel the facts, dive into the rumours history of racial tensions, systemic police racism, and the aftermath of an event that has left a scar on the community. Along the way, we’ll get into how police handling (or mishandling) of the case left us asking, ‘Are they even trying?’

Also, it's bloody insane that we didn't know about this case!! Why is it not more widely discussed, especially in local schools etc?

Sources for this case include:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Cross_house_fire

https://www.rugby.gov.uk/w/-rugby-remembers-the-new-cross-fire-

https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/applied-health/research/ssim/burns-and-identity/new-cross-massacre

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.mylondon.news/news/south-london-news/bbc-uprising-new-cross-residents-21098902.amp

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/inside-horrors-new-cross-fire-23328321.amp

https://www.historyworkshop.org.uk/anti-racism/remembering-the-new-cross-massacre-40-years-on

https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/news/the-new-cross-fire-how-13-dead-and-nothing-said-energised-a-generation

https://blackhistorystudies.com/resources/resources/the-new-cross-fire/

Truth, Justice, and Expertise in 1980s Britain: the Cultural Politics of the New Cross Massacre: by Aaron Andrews

https://theface.com/society/uprising-steve-mcqueen-new-cross-fire-bbc-documentary-racism-politcs-40-year-anniversary

Support the show

Thanks for tuning in! If you loved diving into the dark corners of South London with us, don't forget to hit that subscribe button to never miss an episode of "Sinister South."

Also, follow us on Instagram @SinisterSouthPodcast for sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes content, and more cheeky banter, or www.sinistersouthpod.co.uk. Remember, every crime tells a story... and South is the best side of the river...

Produced and hosted by Hannah Williams & Rachel Baines
Mixed & edited by Purple Waves Sound (A.K.A Will)