The Trial: Australia

5.0 (2)
True Crime

The Trial goes behind the headlines of some of the biggest trials in the world. We take you into the courtroom, bringing you the detail as the evidence unfolds, examining key moments and carrying out exclusive interviews with detectives, victims, and experts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 3 • Subscriber Early Access

The Murder of Molly Ticehurst: “I just killed my ex-girlfriend”

In April 2024, 28-year-old childcare worker and mother Molly Ticehurst was brutally murdered by her former partner, Daniel Billings, in her home in Forbes, New South Wales. Just weeks earlier, Billings had been granted bail despite facing multiple allegations of violence, stalking and sexual assault against Molly, and despite repeated warnings about the danger he posed. In this episode, Wayne is joined by Daily Mail reporter Candace Sutton to unpack the horrifying timeline leading up to Molly’s death, the warning signs that were allegedly missed, and the disturbing new developments that could see Billings argue mental impairment despite already pleading guilty to murder. Wayne also examines the broader domestic violence crisis gripping Australia, with National Homeless Collective founder Donna Stolzenberg explaining why so many women escaping abuse still fall through the cracks, even after seeking help. Follow us on Tiktok @DailyMailCrime Follow us on instagram @TheTrialPod Subscribe to our YouTube channel @TheCrimeDesk Click here to sign up to The Crime Desk's weekly newsletter. It's free and packed with exclusive interviews, expert insight, and gripping deep dive investigations from across the world. Email us thetrial@dailymail.com Whatsapp us +447796657512 (start your message with ‘Trial’) Presenter: Wayne Flower Producer: Sam Morris Editor: Alex Graham Creative Director: Caroline Cheetham Production Manager: Vittoria Cecchini A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

39 min
3d ago

The Manhunt for Dezi Freeman: The Inquest Begins

This week Wayne examines the opening of the coronial inquest into the Porepunkah shootings and death of Dezi Freeman, who was shot by police after Australia’s largest manhunt. Joining Wayne is former homicide detective Charlie Bezzina, to break down the new revelations, discuss police tactics, and the major questions now facing the coroner. Follow us on Tiktok @DailyMailCrime Follow us on instagram @TheTrialPod Subscribe to our YouTube channel @TheCrimeDesk Click here to sign up to The Crime Desk's weekly newsletter. It's free and packed with exclusive interviews, expert insight, and gripping deep dive investigations from across the world. Email us thetrial@dailymail.com Whatsapp us +447796657512 (start your message with ‘Trial’) Presenter: Wayne Flower Producer: Sam Morris Creative Director: Caroline Cheetham Production Manager: Vittoria Cecchini A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

31 min
May 21

Isla Bell: The Collapse of the Prosecution Case

This week Wayne examines the case of Isla Bell, the 19-year-old Melbourne woman whose disappearance and death shocked the country. Last Saturday, hundreds of supporters gathered outside the State Library Victoria to honour Isla, and protest the prosecutors who dropped charges against the man accused of killing her, citing insufficient evidence. In this episode, journalist Paul Shapiro revisits the timeline of the investigation, the allegations presented in court, and the forensic complications that became central to the case. Later, veteran criminal lawyer George Balot explains the legal and evidentiary challenges prosecutors face in homicide cases where the cause of death cannot be conclusively determined, and why a prosecution may be discontinued before reaching trial. The Trial Australia is part of The Crime Desk. Subscribe today for ad-free listening, early access to new shows, exclusive bonus episodes and complete access to our true-crime podcast collection. Visit thecrimedesk.com for more information. Follow us on Tiktok @DailyMailCrime Follow us on instagram @TheTrialPod Subscribe to our YouTube channel @TheCrimeDesk Click here to sign up to The Crime Desk's weekly newsletter. It's free and packed with exclusive interviews, expert insight, and gripping deep dive investigations from across the world. Email us thetrial@dailymail.com Whatsapp us +447796657512 (start your message with ‘Trial’) Presenter: Wayne Flower Producer: Sam Morris Creative Director: Caroline Cheetham Production Manager: Vittoria Cecchini A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

30 min
May 14

Australia's Deadliest Serial Killer? - The Milat Inquiry

Ivan Milat is one of the most notorious serial killers in all of Australia. He was convicted in 1996 of the brutal murders of seven backpackers whose bodies were discovered in the Belanglo State Forest. His violent and disturbing crimes shocked the world, but that only be the tip of the iceberg. Now, with a new inquiry underway, investigators are revisiting more than 50 unsolved disappearances and murders that may be linked to Milat, potentially making him far more prolific than originally thought. In this episode, Wayne is joined by acclaimed journalist and author Mark Whittaker, co-author of Sins of the Brother, who explores Milat’s violent upbringing, the horrifying details of the backpacker murders, and why many believe the full truth may never be known. Later, Daily Mail crime reporter Candice Sutton shares her firsthand insights after meeting Milat in prison and reveals the latest developments in the inquiry that could finally bring answers to families who have waited decades for justice. The Trial Australia is part of The Crime Desk. Subscribe today for ad-free listening, early access to new shows, exclusive bonus episodes and complete access to our true-crime podcast collection. Visit thecrimedesk.com for more information. Follow us on Tiktok @DailyMailCrime Follow us on instagram @TheTrialPod Subscribe to our YouTube channel @TheCrimeDesk Click here to sign up to The Crime Desk's weekly newsletter. It's free and packed with exclusive interviews, expert insight, and gripping deep dive investigations from across the world. Email us thetrial@dailymail.com Whatsapp us +447796657512 (start your message with ‘Trial’) Presenter: Wayne Flower Producer: Sam Morris Creative Director: Caroline Cheetham Production Manager: Vittoria Cecchini A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

35 min
May 7

Jefferson Lewis: Murder Allegations and Mob Justice

In this episode, we examine the heartbreaking case of Kumanjayi Little Baby, the five-year-old girl whose disappearance and death shocked communities across the country. Wayne is joined by journalist Karleigh Smith to unpack the investigation, and the allegations against Jefferson Lewis, who has since been charged with murder. They also break down the extraordinary scenes of grief and anger which have broken out across Australia, with some locals trying to take matters into their own hands, attempting to carry out “mob justice”. The Trial Australia is part of The Crime Desk. Subscribe today for ad-free listening, early access to new shows, exclusive bonus episodes and complete access to our true-crime podcast collection. Visit thecrimedesk.com for more information. Follow us on Tiktok @DailyMailCrime Follow us on instagram @TheTrialPod Subscribe to our YouTube channel @TheCrimeDesk Click here to sign up to The Crime Desk's weekly newsletter. It's free and packed with exclusive interviews, expert insight, and gripping deep dive investigations from across the world. Email us thetrial@dailymail.com Whatsapp us +447796657512 (start your message with ‘Trial’) Presenter: Wayne Flower Producer: Sam Morris Creative Director: Caroline Cheetham Production Manager: Vittoria Cecchini A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

23 min
Apr 30

The Ouyen Farm Murder Mystery

On Easter Sunday, 65 year old farmer Richard Wills said goodbye to his wife and left their home- but he never returned. Investigators later discovered his body, believing that he was shot, dragged by a vehicle on his own farm, and then buried in a shallow grave. But the mystery has sparked speculation; ranging from Fake AI images, talk of Merino Sheep Mafia, and speculation of someone known to Richard ambushing him. In this episode, Wayne speaks to journalist Steve Cook, to discuss their visit to the town where this murder took place and reveal what they learned. Afterwards, criminal psychologist Tim Watson-Munro joins the podcast, to break down some of the theories and shine a light on what may have happened in the small town of Ouyen. The Trial Australia is part of The Crime Desk. Subscribe today for ad-free listening, early access to new shows, exclusive bonus episodes and complete access to our true-crime podcast collection. Visit thecrimedesk.com for more information. Follow us on Tiktok @DailyMailCrime Follow us on instagram @TheTrialPod Subscribe to our YouTube channel @TheCrimeDesk Click here to sign up to The Crime Desk's weekly newsletter. It's free and packed with exclusive interviews, expert insight, and gripping deep dive investigations from across the world. Email us thetrial@dailymail.com Whatsapp us +447796657512 (start your message with ‘Trial’) Presenter: Wayne Flower Producer: Sam Morris Creative Director: Caroline Cheetham Production Manager: Vittoria Cecchini A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

35 min
Apr 23

Melbourne’s Meth Queen

Tess Rowlatt was once known as a successful marketing guru, but she’s now been dubbed as Melbourne’s Meth Queen. She pleaded guilty to trafficking meth and dealing with the proceeds of crime, her second drug related conviction, after a dramatic police chase led to the discovery of drugs, cash, and bank cards in other peoples’ names. She is due to be sentenced- however there is still a chance that she could walk free. This week Wayne is joined by reporter Paul Shapiro, who has been following Tess Rowlatt as she progresses through her court hearings. In this episode Wayne also speaks with Lucy Manly, who grew up around Rowlatt and has written features on the experience. Together, they try to answer the question; how did a young professional spiral to this point? The Trial Australia is part of The Crime Desk. Subscribe today for ad-free listening, early access to new shows, exclusive bonus episodes and complete access to our true-crime podcast collection. Visit thecrimedesk.com for more information. Follow us on Tiktok @DailyMailCrime Follow us on instagram @TheTrialPod Subscribe to our YouTube channel @TheCrimeDesk Click here to sign up to The Crime Desk's weekly newsletter. It's free and packed with exclusive interviews, expert insight, and gripping deep dive investigations from across the world. Email us thetrial@dailymail.com Whatsapp us +447796657512 (start your message with ‘Trial’) Presenter: Wayne Flower Producer: Sam Morris Creative Director: Caroline Cheetham Production Manager: Vittoria Cecchini A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

23 min
Apr 16

Ben Roberts-Smith: From Hero to Accused

For years, Ben Roberts-Smith, Australia’s most decorated soldier, has been celebrated for his service in Afghanistan. But now, the man who was once considered a national hero is at the centre of serious criminal allegations. He has been charged with five counts of the war crime of murder, and is in custody in New South Wales' Silverwater Correctional Complex after arrest by the Australian Federal Police last week. But Ben Roberts-Smith has consistently denied any wrongdoing. In this episode, Wayne is joined by veteran court reporter Stephen Gibbs to unpack how we got here, from explosive media investigations and a bruising civil trial, to a complex and unprecedented criminal prosecution that could take years to resolve. The Trial Australia is part of The Crime Desk. Subscribe today for ad-free listening, early access to new shows, exclusive bonus episodes and complete access to our true-crime podcast collection. Visit thecrimedesk.com for more information. Follow us on Tiktok @DailyMailCrime Follow us on instagram @TheTrialPod Subscribe to our YouTube channel @TheCrimeDesk Click here to sign up to The Crime Desk's weekly newsletter. It's free and packed with exclusive interviews, expert insight, and gripping deep dive investigations from across the world. Email us thetrial@dailymail.com Whatsapp us +447796657512 (start your message with ‘Trial’) Presenter: Wayne Flower Producer: Sam Morris Creative Director: Caroline Cheetham Production Manager: Vittoria Cecchini A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

27 min

See All (77)

In 2003, 14-year-old Charlene Downes mysteriously vanished from her hometown of Blackpool. Chilling stories started to spread. And when two men are arrested for murdering Charlene, they are accused of cutting up her body – and using her remains as kebab meat. The story of what happened to this young girl has haunted Blackpool for more than twenty years. It has twisted and turned, taking in police, paedophiles, and far-right protests. But not all is as it seems – and so much of this story remains hidden in the shadows. Broadcaster Nicola Thorp is the same age as Charlene. She grew up in Blackpool too. Now, Nicola is revisiting this case – to uncover the truth, and the lies, about what really happened to Charlene. After all, Somebody knows Something. If you have any information about the disappearance of Charlene Downes, you can contact us at charlene@thecrimedesk.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

5.0 (2)

True Crime
The Trial goes behind the headlines of some of the biggest trials in the world. We take you into the courtroom, bringing you the detail as the evidence unfolds, examining key moments and carrying out exclusive interviews with detectives, victims, and experts. For ad-free listening to The Trial, exclusive bonus episodes every week, and complete access to previous series of the show, subscribe to The Crime Desk now. Visit www.thecrimedesk.com to become a member. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

4.7 (21)

True Crime
David Ames was a twice-bankrupt double-glazing salesman from Basildon with dreams of building a Caribbean property empire. His company, Harlequin, promised ordinary investors luxury resort properties at bargain prices – their slice of paradise and financial security. Over nearly a decade, more than 8,000 people handed over £400 million. Many bet their entire pension pots on Ames' vision. But behind Ames’ slick marketing pitch lay financial chaos and systematic deception. While investors waited for dream properties, their money funded pirate ships, imported sand that washed away with the tide, and eye-watering sales commissions. From a local newspaper investigation that exposed the scheme to the Serious Fraud Office's decade-long pursuit of justice, this is the story of how thousands lost everything betting on one man’s vision. Featuring exclusive interviews with victims, investigators, and industry insiders, The Lost Caribbean Millions reveals the human cost of one of Britain's biggest investment frauds. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

5.0 (1)

True Crime
To access episodes from previous series of The Trial, subscribe to The Crime Desk. Join today at thecrimedesk.com. Click here to sign up for The Crime Desk's weekly newsletter. It's free and packed with exclusive interviews, expert insight, and gripping deep dive investigations from across the world. Lucy Letby is a child killer. Last year she was convicted of murdering seven babies and trying to murder six more while working as a neo-natal nurse at the Countess of Chester Hospital, in the NW of England and was sentenced to spend her life in jail. She also went back in court to face a retrial on one charge the jury could not reach a verdict on - the alleged Attempted Murder of a premature baby girl, known as Baby K. She was found guilty once again. Follow the trial's evidence just as the jury do, with reports from Daily Mail northern correspondent Liz Hull and broadcast journalist Caroline Cheetham. In this podcast, they bring you far more detail about what the jury heard, examine key moments of the trial, and conduct exclusive interviews with investigative detectives, victims, and experts. The Trial goes behind the headlines of some of the biggest trials in the world. We take you into the courtroom, bringing you the detail as the evidence unfolds, examining key moments and carrying out exclusive interviews with detectives, victims, and experts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

3.4 (9)

True Crime
Launched in the UK in 2022, The Trial is an award-winning, chart-topping podcast that goes behind the headlines of some of the biggest trials in the world. We take you into the courtroom, bringing you the detail as the evidence unfolds, examining key moments and carrying out exclusive interviews with detectives, victims, and experts. The Trial series occasionally uses actors and some voices generated by AI. Their words are taken as verbatim from the official court transcript. For ad-free listening to all of our shows, exclusive bonus episodes of The Trial every week, and complete access to our show archives, subscribe to The Crime Desk now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

3.8 (20)

True Crime
Welcome to On The Case. From the team that brought you the chart-topping, award-winning series The Trial, On The Case is the home for the Daily Mail’s stellar crime reporting beyond the courtroom… now in audio for the very first time. Each series, a Daily Mail journalist takes us to the heart of a story they’ve been covering, featuring new details, exclusive interviews and behind the scenes insights from the biggest crime stories making headlines around the world. Early in the morning of November 13, 2022, four University of Idaho students were found brutally stabbed to death in their off-campus rental home in Moscow, Idaho. The victims were Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin. Maddie and Kaylee, both asleep in Maddie’s bed, were killed first. It was just after 4am but Xana was still up having ordered a food delivery; he stabbed her next before moving onto kill Ethan where he slept. There were no signs of forced entry - the lock of the door he slipped through was broken - and two other roommates inside the house survived. Weeks later, after an investigation shrouded in secrecy, authorities arrested the then 28-year-old Washington State University criminology Ph.D. student Bryan Kohberger at his family home in Pennsylvania. On July 2nd, Kohberger pled guilty to the murders, as part of a plea deal to avoid the death penalty. His sentencing has been set for Wednesday July 23rd, and he will spend the rest of his life in prison. In On The Case, Laura Collins, an editor and investigative reporter at the Daily Mail in New York, and who has covered the story since the beginning, goes behind the headlines on the story that has gripped and horrified audiences on both sides of the Atlantic since it first broke in November 2022. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

5.0 (1)

True Crime

View Subscription FAQs

Candice Sutton

Guest
Donna Stolzenberg

Guest
Charlie Bezzina

Guest
Paul Shapiro

Guest
George Balot

Guest
Mark Whittaker

Guest
Karleigh Smith

Guest
Tim Watson-Munro

Guest
Steve Cook

Guest
Stephen Gibbs

Guest

5

out of 5

2 Ratings

The Trial goes behind the headlines of some of the biggest trials in the world. We take you into the courtroom, bringing you the detail as the evidence unfolds, examining key moments and carrying out exclusive interviews with detectives, victims, and experts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.