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Blood Territory

By: Mark Whittaker
Free with 30-day trial

$16.45/month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

  • Summary

  • Please note: this series contains mature themes and graphic imagery; and listener discretion is advised.

    How far would you go to clear the name of the man convicted of your son's death?

    Red blood stains the red soil of the Australian Northern Territory in this true crime Audible Original Podcast, Blood Territory.

    Less than 250,000 people live in the Northern Territory, an area more than twice the size of Texas. If you want to escape from civilisation, you don't have to go far. But you can't outrun the heat. Every year during October and November the sweltering climate can drive people wild; they call it "˜Suicide Season', "˜Mango Madness' or, more plainly, "˜The Build-up'.

    It's during this blistering heat that Jim O'Connell's body is found in a creek bed, mummified and with his genitals removed. But when a dubious plea deal buries the truth and puts Jim's best mate, Philip Mather, behind bars for the crime, the victim's parents seek to unravel it themselves to prove Philip's innocence.

    Follow journalist Mark Whittaker's journey into the murky heart of the Northern Territory as allegations of police corruption and judicial racism emerge and a shadowy figure known as The Vigilante lurks on the fringe of the investigation.

    This is an Audible Original Podcast. Free for members. You can download all 10 episodes to your Library now.
    ©2019 Audible Australia Pty Ltd. (P)2019 Audible Australia Pty Ltd.
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Episodes
  • Ep. 1: Trudy's Story

    Ep. 1: Trudy's Story

     The Death of Jimmy O'Connell
    Aug 18 2019

    In November 2007, Philip Mather was arrested on suspicion of luring his good mate, 22-year old Jimmy O’Connell, out into the Northern Territory bush, punching and stomping him into unconsciousness, before setting fire to Jimmy’s car... with Jimmy in it. But did he do it? Jimmy’s parents don’t think so. Journalist Mark Whittaker investigates.
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    26 mins
    Free with 30-day trial
  • Ep. 2: Meeting a Dangerous Man... Maybe

    Ep. 2: Meeting a Dangerous Man... Maybe

     The Death of Jimmy O'Connell
    Aug 18 2019

    After 11 years in prison, Philip Mather insists he is not responsible for the death of his friend Jimmy O’Connell. Journalist Mark Whittaker tracks him down to sit face-to-face with a man convicted of a brutal killing.
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    21 mins
    Free with 30-day trial
  • Ep. 3: Jimmy's Last Day

    Ep. 3: Jimmy's Last Day

     The Death of Jimmy O'Connell
    Aug 18 2019

    Two best mates who see each other every day suddenly start hurling abuse at each other in a supermarket - and then one of them goes missing. Could Jimmy O’Connell’s last day tell us anything about what happened to him?
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    22 mins
    Free with 30-day trial
Murder
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What listeners say about Blood Territory

Average Customer Ratings
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  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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An Eye Opener From A Different Perspective

I lived less than 5 minutes drive from the murder scene. There are some eerily accurate theories put forward by the author but quite a few pieces of information he missed. Not due to lack of investigation but more to do with talking with the right people at the right time.

Officer X is known to me. There are some very good reasons why he's no longer serving in the NT Police force. I'm not on friendly terms with him. Despite the author's conclusion that police were likely incapable of committing such acts, I wholeheartedly beg to differ.

Regardless, this series was a thoroughly enjoyable listen. Highly recommended. If the author wishes to reach out, I'm more than willing to talk anonymously.

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8 people found this helpful

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Profile Image for Kaeli Haines

Great listen!

Listened to the whole 10 episodes in 2 days. Fantastic podcast great story of a local murder, but I do agree with the writer on the ending.

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Profile Image for Michele Reading

Gripping Story

Gripping Story with twists and turns Still not totally convinced he did or didn't do it.

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1 person found this helpful

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Profile Image for Anonymous User

Fascinating from the start

Fascinating from start, the authenticity & raw emotion even now can be felt in the listening.
I can't wait to hear whats next!

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1 person found this helpful

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Profile Image for Nyree

a well written Story. I didn't want it to end

Great story that makes you feel like your witnessing the whole thing in real time.
Quite sad at times but other times I got bloody angry. it's still got me thinking...

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    3 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Mikk Meikas

week journalist.

he didn't find out anything. interesting story but a week journalist. don't understand why he convinced himself worthy of this story.

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Profile Image for Hannah

Disappointing

A well delivered story but in the end was completely unsatisfying. So many details unresolved, I regret investing so much time following to the end. Wonderfully performed but ultimately just a boring story with a limp ending.

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Profile Image for Melissa

Very Interesting Story

I really enjoyed the story I am still on Phillips side because of the autopsy result I really like listening to Mark tell the story Thanks Mark look forward to hearing more stories told by you .

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Profile Image for jason mcnally

Mark has balls of steel

Loved it, Mark has great integrity and passion.
he Definitely has a set.
The disappointment in his voice in the last episode speaks volumes to his commitment to the case.

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Profile Image for Tommo

Rollercoaster of a case

this case is up and down the whole way through. definitely worth a listen.

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.