True Crime Britain

The shocking nature of James’ murder made headlines around the world at the time, so it is a well-known case. But for those of you who have never heard, or have limited knowledge of this case, I need to make you aware that this story involves the violent death of a 2 year old child. However, even for those of you who are familiar with this story, I will warn you, that this will be extremely difficult to listen to at times, as this case involves descriptions of a graphic nature that some listeners may find distressing… it won’t be for everyone, so please bear this in mind before you begin the first of this three part series. 

What had begun as a relatively normal day in Kirkby, England, would end with a missing two-year-old. It is a case which continues to shock Great Britain and indeed the world. 

The morning after James went missing, Ralph and Denise returned to the police station for an update on the search for their little boy. Neither of them had slept, rather, they had sat numbly on the couch at Denise’s mother's home, where family members attempted to offer comfort and hope.

The previous evening, they had identified James in a single frame of CCTV footage from inside the mall, which showed him walking out of the butchery alone. Another shot taken moments later, showed Denise racing from the store when she realised he had gone. Those shots were taken at 3.39 pm and 3.40 pm. By the next morning, the police had more images to share.

If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love you to share your feedback with me by leaving a review for the show. This really helps the show to grow, and I love to put a pin on the map for wherever you’re listening from.

For credits, Transcripts & Photo’s relating to today’s episode, please visit WWW.TRUECRIMEBRITAIN.COM/EPISODES

Exclusive access to ad – free, early release & bonus episodes, plus even more great rewards, please JOIN MY SHOW!

Get involved by following the show on social media, you could recommend True Crime Britain to friend, or even give us a shout – out!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

*** CONTENT WARNING ***

The shocking nature of James’ murder made headlines around the world at the time, so it is a well-known case. But for those of you who have never heard, or have limited knowledge of this case, I need to make you aware that this story involves the violent death of a 2 year old child. However, even for those of you who are familiar with this story, I will warn you, that this will be extremely difficult to listen to at times, as this case involves descriptions of a graphic nature that some listeners may find distressing… it won’t be for everyone, so please bear this in mind before you begin the first of this three part series. If you choose not to listen, I’ll completely understand, but if you decide to listen past beyond this additional content warning, I will warn you as and when you can expect graphic descriptions to help prepare you. If you are affected by any of the content featured in this series, please don’t suffer in silence. I have added some useful links and numbers for support in the episode description, or if you prefer, you can reach out to me via email – [email protected]

Friday the 12th of February 1993, started out as any other day for the Bulger family of Kirkby in Merseyside, England. Dad, Ralph had his breakfast as usual while Mum, Denise attempted to feed their son James.

James was always a smiley and cheeky boy and breakfasts could be a challenge, while he chattered away indiscernibly about whatever took his fancy that day. But without fail James would be having Frosties, they were his favourite cereal. While most of the Frosties ended up on the floor, it was a delight to watch him attempt to prove his independence by feeding himself.  

Ralph finished his breakfast and Denise got James ready for the short walk around the corner to her mother's house, James’s nana Eileen. Ralph was heading over to his brother in laws home that day to help with a project, while Denise and James would be running errands with her sister-in-law and niece. 

But what was supposed to be a simple day of chores and projects with family would become the day the Bulger’s lives as they knew them ended. By that evening their precious two-year-old boy would be missing without a trace in circumstances which would come to shock the nation and indeed the world. 

If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love you to share your feedback with me by leaving a review for the show. This really helps the show to grow, and I love to put a pin on the map for wherever you’re listening from.

For credits, Transcripts & Photo’s relating to today’s episode, please visit WWW.TRUECRIMEBRITAIN.COM/EPISODES

Exclusive access to ad – free, early release & bonus episodes, plus even more great rewards, please JOIN MY SHOW! on Patreon.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's late winter 2012, just five days after Christmas, police officers from South Wales, have just attended the scene of a car accident in the middle of the night after receiving calls from concerned members of the public. As the rain beat down on the dormant, darkened road in the Welsh Valleys, the officers were greeted by the sight of a silver Peugeot 306, abandoned near trees on the side of the carriageway. It doesn’t appear there are any other vehicles involved in the incident, and there is no sign of the driver. The police are baffled… Until they learn that 2 undertakers stopped at the scene, just moments after the collision occurred and witnessed the driver of the Peugeot exit the vehicle. They even indulged in a brief conversation with him, before leaving him at the scene and going on their way.

As police tried to make sense of the situation, they attended the address of the registered keeper of the vehicle, Mr. Alan Vaughan. Likely believing he had been drinking, they informed him he was under arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence, and leaving the scene of an accident. Alan was confused. He knew hadn't left his home all day, and the vehicles he owned were all accounted for at his home address.

When police gave Alan a description of the vehicle in question, the penny finally dropped... It was the car that Alan and his wife Mary had bought for their son, Kyle.

So where was he?

If you have any information relating to Kyle's disappearance, no matter how small or insignificant you think it may be, please contact Gwent Police at 101 and quote the log number 397. Of the 30/12/2012 or contact Crimestoppers completely anonymously on 0800 555 111, or, if you prefer, you can contact [email protected] via email, where all information will passed onto the relevant authorities on your behalf.

This episode has been released previously on my old Somebody Knows More Podcast, but I have revised and re-recorded it for quality purposes.

Justice for Kyle Vaughan | Facebook

The disappearance of Kyle Vaughan from Newbridge almost eight years on | South Wales Argus

Kyle Vaughan: Nine years since Newbridge man's disappearance | South Wales Argus

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Merry Christmas Friends.

However you will be spending Christmas this year, I hope it will a pleasant & peaceful one. I'll be taking a break to spend some time with my family now, but I will be back with you on Wednesday the 18th of January.

Until then, please... Stay safe!

Rhi x

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

**This Episode contains descriptions of a graphic nature. Listener discretion is advised**

On December 23, 1959, at 7:44 PM, police in Birmingham were dispatched to the YWCA hostel in Edgbaston after a report from a frightened woman. 21-year-old Margaret Brown, explained to the officers she had been ironing in the utility room, when she suddenly felt a draught. Upon investigating, Margaret discovered the door in the next room, that led outside to the yard was open. Strange, but the young woman didn't think too much of it. Probably, the wind was to blame. So Margaret closed the door and returned to her chores—only to hear the outside door opening again shortly after. This time, someone had also switched off the lights. Confused, Margaret got closer to the glass-paned door. It was then that she noticed a dark figure of a man in the shadow. Before Margaret had time to ask the stranger what he was doing, the man charged at her and hit her on the head with something heavy.

Fortunately, the blow was not strong enough to knock Margaret unconscious, and she was able to let out a bloodcurdling scream. That was enough to scare her attacker, who turned around and ran away.

When the police began their search at the YWCA hostel minutes later, it was quickly realised Margaret Brown had been incredibly lucky to survive the encounter with the unknown man—another young woman did not.

Look out for my Christmas message in the next few days. However you'll be spending Christmas this year, please - Stay Safe! 

If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love you to share your feedback with me by leaving a review for the show. This really helps the show to grow, and I love to put a pin on the map for wherever you’re listening from.

For credits, Transcripts & Photo’s relating to today’s episode, please visit WWW.TRUECRIMEBRITAIN.COM/EPISODES

Exclusive access to ad – free, early release & bonus episodes, plus even more great rewards, please JOIN MY SHOW!

Get involved by following the show on social media, you could recommend True Crime Britain to friend, or even give us a shout – out!

• FACEBOOK
• INSTAGRAM
• TIKTOK
• TWITTER
• YOUTUBE

If you’d like to recommend a case for me to consider featuring in the future, provide feedback in private, or you have any information relating to any of the cases featured on this show, you can contact me via the contact form here, or email me at - [email protected].

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

**This Episode contains descriptions of a graphic nature. Listener discretion is advised**

On December 23, 1994, Tracey Mertens heard a knock on her door in Rochdale. As soon as she answered it, Tracey was grabbed, blindfolded and thrown into a car. For the hour that they drove, the mother of two went through every possible scenario in her head of what was about to happen to her. But not even in her worst nightmares, could Tracey have guessed the brutality her kidnappers were going to put her through.

 If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love you to share your feedback with me by leaving a review for the show. This really helps the show to grow, and I love to put a pin on the map for wherever you’re listening from.

For credits, Transcripts & Photo’s relating to today’s episode, please visit WWW.TRUECRIMEBRITAIN.COM/EPISODES

Exclusive access to ad – free, early release & bonus episodes, plus even more great rewards, please JOIN MY SHOW!

Get involved by following the show on social media, you could recommend True Crime Britain to friend, or even give us a shout – out!

• FACEBOOK
• INSTAGRAM
• TIKTOK
• TWITTER
• YOUTUBE

If you’d like to recommend a case for me to consider featuring in the future, provide feedback in private, or you have any information relating to any of the cases featured on this show, you can contact me via the contact form here, or email me at - [email protected].

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

**This Episode contains descriptions of a graphic nature, including the death of a baby. Listener discretion is advised**

Kerry or "the Kingdom" as it is often referred to by the Irish, is known for its mystical landscape, beautiful sandy beaches, cliffs and rocky headlands. Today's case begins at one of those scenic places, at a 500 m long White Strand beach near Caherciveen. The beach is in a sheltered location, between the mountains, which makes it a popular spot for swimming and courting. But back in 1984, White Strand beach became a scene of a crime, which sparked an investigation that shocked the entire nation.

If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love you to share your feedback with me by leaving a review for the show. This really helps the show to grow, and I love to put a pin on the map for wherever you’re listening from.

For credits, Transcripts & Photo’s relating to today’s episode, please visit WWW.TRUECRIMEBRITAIN.COM/EPISODES

Exclusive access to ad – free, early release & bonus episodes, plus even more great rewards, please JOIN MY SHOW!

Get involved by following the show on social media, you could recommend True Crime Britain to friend, or even give us a shout – out!

• FACEBOOK
• INSTAGRAM
• TIKTOK
• TWITTER
• YOUTUBE

If you’d like to recommend a case for me to consider featuring in the future, provide feedback in private, or you have any information relating to any of the cases featured on this show, you can contact me via the contact form here, or email me at - [email protected].

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

**This Episode contains descriptions of a graphic nature. Listener discretion is advised**

48-year-old Heather Barnett was described as a very proud mother of two who always put her children first and ensured they didn't miss out. Her profession as a seamstress allowed Heather to work from home, where she made curtains, cushions, tablecloths and clothing pieces for her clients around Dorset. As a single mother, Heather's resources were limited, but she loved the life her little family lived.

That life, however, was changed forever on Tuesday, November 12, 2002, by a brutal crime that would forever link two women together by their stolen lives, and stolen hair—despite nearly 20 years and over 5000 miles between them.

If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love you to share your feedback with me by leaving a review for the show. This really helps the show to grow, and I love to put a pin on the map for wherever you’re listening from.

For credits, Transcripts & Photo’s relating to today’s episode, please visit WWW.TRUECRIMEBRITAIN.COM/EPISODES

Exclusive access to ad – free, early release & bonus episodes, plus even more great rewards, please JOIN MY SHOW!

Get involved by following the show on social media, you could recommend True Crime Britain to friend, or even give us a shout – out!

• FACEBOOK
• INSTAGRAM
• TIKTOK
• TWITTER
• YOUTUBE

If you’d like to recommend a case for me to consider featuring in the future, provide feedback in private, or you have any information relating to any of the cases featured on this show, you can contact me via the contact form here, or email me at - [email protected].

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

**This Episode contains descriptions of a graphic nature. Listener discretion is advised**

3,2,1….

Victoria leant forward and felt the whoosh of air as it whipped past her face. She stepped forward into freefall and immediately felt the familiar rush of adrenaline as she left the plane behind and the earth raced towards her.

Whilst she had done this jump more than two thousand five hundred times, she still lived for the feeling. She loved it in her bones and knew it would never get old. Today's jump was particularly unique though, as her husband Emile was joining her. They’d had a bumpy time of things lately and despite Emile’s strange behaviour in recent weeks Victoria wasn’t ready to walk away. When Emile offered to take her skydiving, it seemed like exactly what they needed to jump into their next chapter together – it was more than just a jump to her...

If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love you to share your feedback with me by leaving a review for the show. This really helps the show to grow, and I love to put a pin on the map for wherever you’re listening from.

For credits, Transcripts & Photo’s relating to today’s episode, please visit WWW.TRUECRIMEBRITAIN.COM/EPISODES

Exclusive access to ad – free, early release & bonus episodes, plus even more great rewards, please JOIN MY SHOW!

Get involved by following the show on social media, you could recommend True Crime Britain to friend, or even give us a shout – out!

• FACEBOOK
• INSTAGRAM
• TIKTOK
• TWITTER
• YOUTUBE

If you’d like to recommend a case for me to consider featuring in the future, provide feedback in private, or you have any information relating to any of the cases featured on this show, you can contact me via the contact form here, or email me at - [email protected]. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

**This Episode contains descriptions of a graphic nature, including the death of a child. Listener discretion is advised**

On the 9th of July 1996, a man walking his dog alongside a country lane in Chillenden, East Kent discovered three bodies which were partially concealed in leaves to the side of the road. 

The bodies were of a woman and two young children, and it was immediately clear they had been brutally murdered. Their heads were bloodied and misshapen and the horror of their final moments were etched on their faces.

The man immediately called the police who arrived within minutes. In a place like Chillenden, a violent attack is unheard of, and the police were unprepared for the horrors they would discover on this otherwise typical Tuesday afternoon.

If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love you to share your feedback with me by leaving a review for the show. This really helps the show to grow, and I love to put a pin on the map for wherever you’re listening from.

For credits, Transcripts & Photo’s relating to today’s episode, please visit WWW.TRUECRIMEBRITAIN.COM/EPISODES

Exclusive access to ad – free, early release & bonus episodes, plus even more great rewards, please JOIN MY SHOW!

Get involved by following the show on social media, you could recommend True Crime Britain to friend, or even give us a shout – out!

• FACEBOOK
• INSTAGRAM
• TIKTOK
• TWITTER
• YOUTUBE

If you’d like to recommend a case for me to consider featuring in the future, provide feedback in private, or you have any information relating to any of the cases featured on this show, you can contact me via the contact form here, or email me at - [email protected].

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.