This week we explore the profound journey of forgiveness and restorative justice following the tragic murder of Christopher Donovan. Ray and Vi Donovan share their experiences of meeting the offenders, the impact of forgiveness on their lives, and the importance of restorative justice in healing both victims and offenders. They emphasize the need for empathy, understanding, and education in preventing crime and fostering a more compassionate society. Through their story, they highlight the transformative power of forgiveness and the potential for change in the lives of those affected by crime.

No domestic crimes committed!

Scottish word of the week: Maukit/Mockit

CrimeCon Uk Manchester 27th of September 2025, we'll be there! Use our code 'Hooked' for 10% off

In this episode of 'Hooked on True Crime', hosts Ali and Sarah engage with the wonderful Ray and Vi Donovan MBEs, who share their harrowing experience following the murder of their son, Chris. The conversation delves into the night of the incident, the emotional turmoil of the hospital experience, the complexities of the court proceedings, and the reflections on justice and forgiveness. The Donovan's discuss the impact of the tragedy on their family, the challenges of navigating the legal system, and their journey towards healing and understanding.

Support/contact Ray and Vi via the Chris Donovan Trust

Use code 'hooked' for 10% discount on CrimeCon UK tickets.

Contact us and join our HOTC family through social media!

Please like, subscribe and support our wee podcast!

In this episode of 'Hooked on True Crime', hosts Ali and Sarah engage with former SIO Colin Sutton, who shares insights from his extensive experience in leading murder investigations, particularly focusing on the tragic case of Chris Donovan. The conversation delves into the complexities of the investigation, the emotional toll on families, and the innovative methods used to present evidence in court. Sutton reflects on the challenges faced during the investigation, the impact of crime on victims' families, and the broader implications of justice and forgiveness in the aftermath of tragedy.

Ali commits a domestic misdemeanour or two!

Scottish word of the week : Feckles

Colin is currently on tour with the Real Manhunter 2, a must see!

He will also be at CrimeCon Manchester, as will we, use code 'hooked' for 10% discount

In this episode of 'Hooked on True Crime', hosts Ali and Sarah discuss the tragic case of Bridget Milton, a hardworking Irish woman who became a victim of a violent crime.

The conversation explores Bridget's background, her struggles as an immigrant, and the circumstances leading to her murder by a soldier. We delve into the investigation, trial, and the societal issues surrounding violence against women, while also reflecting on the personal stories and listener interactions that shape their podcast.

We answer a listeners question about attending Crimecon solo. Use code 'hooked' for 10% off your ticket for Manchester on the 27th of September 2025!

Ali commits, yet another, domestic misdemeanour. Or rather improves on the previous one!

Scottish words of the week : Tapsalteerie and Whigmaleerie

Content Warning: Sarah is outraged and swears in this one! Descriptions of rape and murder.

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Sources:

https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/The-Brookwood-Killers-Paperback/p/51761

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Forty-Years-Murder-Keith-Simpson/dp/B001PKVHCY

In this weeks episode, Ali and Sarah talk with author and true crime producer Tanita Matthew’s about her book, ‘The Murder of Judith Roberts: The mark of Peter Sutcliffe.

They discuss the crimes of Peter Sutcliffe, the man the media dubbed the 'Yorkshire Ripper', covering all of his confirmed victims. Then guided by Tanita, they look into whether Judith Roberts could have been a victim of one of the UKs most notorious serial killers.

In domestic misdemeanours, Sarah calls out her daughter Lily for bringing home the beach and Tanita objects to her lovely partner Tom “Just living his life”.

Scottish word of the week: Drookit

Coming to Crimecon UK Manchester? Use our code 'hooked' for 10% off the cost of your ticket.

The Murder of Judith Roberts : The Mark of Peter Sutcliffe, by Chris Clark and Tanita Matthews (2024), Pen and Sword Publishers (ISBN: 9781399080125)

Avaliable at:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Murder-Judith-Roberts-Peter-Sutcliffe/dp/1399080121

https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/The-Murder-of-Judith-Roberts-Hardback/p/50959

Sources:

www.Assets.publishing.service.gov.uk - scanned doc part 2 chronological; sequence of events - Byford Report

www. biography.com/crime/peter-sutcliffe

www.research.tees.ac.uk - 'Revisiting the Yorkshire ripper murders; interogating gender violence, sex work and justice'.

https://www.itv.com/watch/yorkshire-ripper-the-secret-murders/10a0680

Content warning: this episode contains discussion of multiple crimes, murder, and violence.

In this episode of 'Hooked on True Crime', hosts Ali and Sarah explore the case of Marguerite Beatrice Burge, a young woman who was brutally attacked and left for dead during World War II. The conversation begins with light-hearted banter about binge-watching 'Tiger King' (have we managed to be retro cool?) and Ali's infamous dad jokes (send help), before transitioning into the serious topic of Marguerite's tragic story. The hosts discuss the investigation that followed her discovery, the forensic evidence collected, and the various suspects involved, including 'Private Pat' and 'Private Ray'. The discussion covers the discovery of her body, the subsequent investigation, the trial, and the eventual conviction of Private Ray for her murder.

Scottish word of the week : wheesht

Content warning : discussion of sexual violence and murder (and dad jokes...)

Sources:

The Brookwood Killers, Military Murderers of WWII

By Paul Johnson (book)

Lethal Witness by Andrew Rose (book)

National Archives , ref CRIM1/1501 (web)

Wandsworth Prison Records - record of execution form LPC4 10th of July 1943 (web)

Tales from the Hangmans Record (vol3) - Steve Fielding (book)

In this this episode of 'Hooked on True Crime', hosts Ali and Sarah discuss the tragic case of Joan Perle Wolfe, a young woman whose life was cut short in 1942. They delve into the details of her murder, the forensic investigation that followed, and the eventual trial of her lover, a Canadian soldier. The conversation also touches on the unsolved case of Alan Holmes, a police mechanic who was brutally attacked in his home and left tied to his bed for 10 days. Throughout the episode, the hosts engage with their audience, share personal anecdotes, and highlight the importance of remembering victims and seeking justice.

We are coming to CrimeconUK Manchester, join us there. Use code ‘hooked’ for 10% off your tickets!

Scottish word of the week: Foggy Bummer

Sarah crochets a highland coo

*We support the Chris Donovan Trust*, please give your support any way you can.

Content advisory: in this episode, we discuss murder and torture.

Sources

The Brookwood Killers: Military Murderers of WWII by Paul Johnson 2022

Surrey Live (article by Steven White) 27th Dec 2022

J.H.H Gaute and Robin Odell, The New Murderers Who’s Who (1996), Harrap Books

Notable British Trails, The trial of August Sangret, William Hodge and Co. 1959

Professor Keith Simpson; An autobiography ‘Forty years of Murder’ (1978), Harrap Books

The fatal chance, 12 cases of a Notebook of a Crime pathologist, P.Davis (publisher) (1969)

https://www.camdennewjournal.co.uk/article/the-christmas-cold-case-file%E2%80%88who-tied-up-police-mechanic-and-left-him-to-die

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-12100886

https://www.murdermap.co.uk/unsolved-murders/alan-holmes-murder-unsolved-london/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jmirfhg8o9w

In this episode of Hooked on True Crime, hosts Ali and Sarah explore various crime-related topics, including the story of Theodore Schurch, a soldier executed for treason during World War II, and the tragic case of Margaret Douglas, who was murdered in her home. The conversation delves into the complexities of justice, rehabilitation, and the implications of new legislation regarding sentencing minors for serious crimes. The hosts reflect on the moral dilemmas surrounding crime and punishment, making for a thought-provoking discussion.

Light-hearted interludes brought to you by the domestic misdemeanor of the week (HP Brown Sauce) and Ali's Scottish word of the week - hochmagandy

Content Advisory : this episode contains discussion of murder and abuse of a corpse.

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Sources:

Book: The Brookwood Killers: Military murderers of WWII Paul Johnson

Internet:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8423q8GkAY

https://www.news5cleveland.com/news/local-news/family-worries-new-law-paves-a-road-out-of-prison-for-convicted-killer-of-98-year-old-woman

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/exclusive-parole-system-failing-prisoners-and-close-to-be-overwhelmed-lawyers-warn-9085487.html