On 7 March 2018, 30-year-old Georgina Gharsallah disappeared from Worthing, West Sussex. She left home that morning and, despite reported sightings shortly afterwards, has never been seen again. More than eight years later, there have been no confirmed sightings, no activity on her bank accounts, phone or social media, and no answers for the family she left behind.

In this deeply personal episode of The Evidence Trail, host Chris Gee speaks with Georgina's mother, Andrea, about the daughter she loves, the devastating day Georgina disappeared, and the relentless campaign to uncover the truth.

Andrea reflects on Georgina's life as a daughter and mother, the emotional toll of living without answers, the challenges of navigating a long-running police investigation, and the findings of the review that identified missed investigative opportunities. She also shares what she believes investigators, forensic professionals and the public should understand about supporting families of missing people.

This episode is not about speculation. It is about giving a family a voice, remembering Georgina as a person beyond the headlines, and highlighting that even the smallest piece of information could make a difference.

If you have any information relating to Georgina Gharsallah's disappearance, no matter how insignificant it may seem, please contact Sussex Police online or by calling 101, quoting Operation Pavo.

In this episode of The Evidence Trail, I’m joined by Dr Rachel Bolton-King, Associate Professor of Forensic Science and one of the UK’s leading experts in firearm-related investigations.

Rachel shares her fascinating journey into forensic science, from her first steps in the profession to earning a PhD in Forensic Firearms Identification and Imaging. We explore what first sparked her interest in firearms examination, why she chose a career in academia over frontline casework, and how her research continues to influence forensic science around the world.

We also discuss what forensic firearm examination can reveal during a criminal investigation, the importance of international collaboration, and Rachel’s work supporting media productions to ensure forensic science is portrayed accurately on screen.

Whether you're a student, forensic professional, or simply fascinated by the science behind criminal investigations, this is an insightful conversation you won't want to miss.

🎧 Subscribe to The Evidence Trail for more conversations with experts from across the world of forensic science.

⭐ Support the podcast on Patreon for early access to episodes, exclusive content, and to help keep independent forensic science education alive.

I'm heading to CrimeCon London 2026 and YOU are invited! Clear your calendar for the 3rd and 4th of October 2026 because the ultimate true crime event is back - bigger, bolder and more gripping than ever. Head to CrimeCon.co.uk to secure your tickets - and don't forget to use my code EVIDENCE for 10% off. Hope to see you there. 

In this episode of The Evidence Trail, I’m joined by Greg Laskowski, President of Criminalistics Services International, retired criminalist, forensic science educator, and consultant with nearly four decades of experience in forensic science and law enforcement.

Over the course of his remarkable career, Greg has investigated countless crime scenes and developed expertise in bloodstain pattern analysis, firearms examinations, and tool mark comparisons. His work has not only shaped real-world criminal investigations but has also influenced how forensic science is portrayed on screen.

As a trusted technical advisor, Greg has worked behind the scenes on some of television’s most iconic crime dramas, including CSI: Las Vegas, CSI: Miami, CSI: NY, Bones, Law & Order, and Numb3rs, helping bring authenticity and scientific accuracy to millions of viewers.

Join us as Greg shares fascinating stories from his career, discusses the realities of forensic science beyond the TV screen, and offers insights into the evolving role of criminalistics in modern investigations.

I'm heading to CrimeCon London 2026 and YOU are invited! Clear your calendar for the 3rd and 4th of October 2026 because the ultimate true crime event is back - bigger, bolder and more gripping than ever. Head to CrimeCon.co.uk to secure your tickets - and don't forget to use my code EVIDENCE for 10% off. Hope to see you there. 

In this episode of The Evidence Trail, I’m joined by forensic scientist, criminologist, victim advocate, and podcast host Asha Carmody. As the creator of Exhuming The Truth and founder of a charitable organisation supporting families affected by missing persons and violent crime, Asha is dedicated to giving victims a voice, shining a light on cold cases, and helping the public understand the vital role they can play in the search for justice.

We explore Asha’s journey into forensic science, the experiences that shaped her career, and the passion that drives her advocacy work. She shares the mission behind Exhuming The Truth, reflects on the stories and interviews that have had the greatest impact on her, and discusses the missing persons and cold cases she believes deserve far more public attention.

It's hard to put into words just how incredible the work she does is, so you'll just have to listen!

I'm heading to CrimeCon London 2026 and YOU are invited! Clear your calendar for the 3rd and 4th of October 2026 because the ultimate true crime event is back - bigger, bolder and more gripping than ever. Head to CrimeCon.co.uk to secure your tickets - and don't forget to use my code EVIDENCE for 10% off. Hope to see you there. 

In this episode, we head to Brazil to explore the science of crime scene reconstruction with senior forensic specialist Andrei Portinho.

Andrei has built a distinguished career in forensic investigation, publishing research on crime scene reconstruction, presenting his work at professional congresses, and helping advance forensic science in Brazil. With a new book set for release later this year, he is also a leading voice in forensic education, sharing insights with audiences across YouTube and Instagram.

Together, we discuss how investigators reconstruct events from physical evidence, the challenges of complex crime scenes, the role of forensic science in uncovering the truth, and some of the most important lessons Andrei has learned throughout his career.

Whether you're fascinated by true crime, forensic science, or the meticulous process of turning evidence into answers, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Follow Andrei Portinho on YouTube and Instagram: @portinho.peritoforense.

I'm heading to CrimeCon London 2026 and YOU are invited! Clear your calendar for the 3rd and 4th of October 2026 because the ultimate true crime event is back - bigger, bolder and more gripping than ever. Head to CrimeCon.co.uk to secure your tickets - and don't forget to use my code EVIDENCE for 10% off. Hope to see you there. 

In this episode of The Evidence Trail, I’m joined by Emily Gilbey, a forensic science graduate with a deep passion for tackling wildlife crime through science and conservation. Alongside her work for the NHS, Emily volunteers with Wildlife ACT, a non-profit organisation dedicated to protecting Africa’s endangered species and supporting frontline conservation efforts.

Together, we explore the growing threat of wildlife crime, the role forensic science plays in investigating offences against endangered animals, and the challenges faced by those working to protect vulnerable species. Emily also shares insights from her conservation work, the realities of wildlife protection on the ground, and why raising awareness of wildlife crime has never been more important.

I'm heading to CrimeCon London 2026 and YOU are invited! Clear your calendar for the 3rd and 4th of October 2026 because the ultimate true crime event is back - bigger, bolder and more gripping than ever. Head to CrimeCon.co.uk to secure your tickets - and don't forget to use my code EVIDENCE for 10% off. Hope to see you there. 

In this episode of The Evidence Trail, we’re joined by special guest Jodie, a digital forensic examiner.

We explore the different career pathways into forensic science—whether you’re coming from a traditional science background or a complete novice. Jodie offers practical advice for students and aspiring professionals, including how to stand out in applications, what skills employers are really looking for, and how to gain relevant experience.

Whether you’re considering a future in forensics or just curious about the field, this episode is packed with insights, honest reflections, and actionable tips to help you take your next step.

I'm heading to CrimeCon London 2026 and YOU are invited! Clear your calendar for the 3rd and 4th of October 2026 because the ultimate true crime event is back - bigger, bolder and more gripping than ever. Head to CrimeCon.co.uk to secure your tickets - and don't forget to use my code EVIDENCE for 10% off. Hope to see you there. 

Welcome to Be the Detective, the immersive spin-off from The Evidence Trail.

In this series, the roles are reversed. Instead of hearing the conclusions, you’ll step into the investigation itself. Each episode invites you to follow a case as it unfolds—listening carefully, gathering details, and piecing together the truth from the clues left behind.

These stories are inspired by my own experiences as a crime scene investigator, but there’s a twist: the cases you’ll hear take place in a time before forensic science became the cornerstone of modern investigations. As you follow these cases, you’ll have that modern knowledge at your disposal, highlighting just how vital forensic science has become in solving crimes.

While you listen, you can make notes, track the evidence, and form your own theories—or simply follow along in your head. You can play alone, or work together with friends, comparing conclusions and challenging each other’s instincts.

The question is simple: can you gather the clues, connect the dots, and solve the case before the truth is revealed?

It’s time to step into the scene.

It’s time to Be the Detective.

I'm heading to CrimeCon London 2026 and YOU are invited! Clear your calendar for the 3rd and 4th of October 2026 because the ultimate true crime event is back - bigger, bolder and more gripping than ever. Head to CrimeCon.co.uk to secure your tickets - and don't forget to use my code EVIDENCE for 10% off. Hope to see you there. 

In this episode of The Evidence Trail, forensic botanist Mark Spencer reveals how plants can become silent witnesses to crime. From analyzing species distribution to tracking regrowth patterns, he explains how vegetation can place suspects at specific locations and times. The episode highlights a remarkable case where a single leaf provided the crucial link needed to solve a murder, demonstrating the surprising power of forensic botany in modern investigations.

I'm heading to CrimeCon London 2026 and YOU are invited! Clear your calendar for the 3rd and 4th of October 2026 because the ultimate true crime event is back - bigger, bolder and more gripping than ever. Head to CrimeCon.co.uk to secure your tickets - and don't forget to use my code EVIDENCE for 10% off. Hope to see you there. 

This episode takes you inside the forensic response to the Grenfell Tower fire. Former Metropolitan Police Operational Forensic Manager Andrew Langley reveals the realities of Disaster Victim Identification (DVI), mortuary examinations, and the unseen work carried out to identify victims and support justice.

We also explore the emotional and ethical challenges faced by those on the frontline, the lessons learned from handling one of the UK’s most devastating modern disasters, and the dedication of forensic teams working behind the scenes to bring closure to families and communities.

This might be an upsetting topic for some. Listener discretion is advised. 

I'm heading to CrimeCon London 2026 and YOU are invited! Clear your calendar for the 3rd and 4th of October 2026 because the ultimate true crime event is back - bigger, bolder and more gripping than ever. Head to CrimeCon.co.uk to secure your tickets - and don't forget to use my code EVIDENCE for 10% off. Hope to see you there.