That's Just Criminal

Annabel Cresswell and Sumudu Thode

Powered by LexisNexis & The Criminal Bar Association NZ Inc. Barristers Annabel Cresswell and Sumudu Thode will bring you insight from some of the most highly regarded criminal minds across both New Zealand and the globe - as they discuss the criminal law issues of the day, and the clients and cases they defend. Criminal law is interesting, diverse, and challenging. The role of criminal lawyers is to uphold our justice system by ensuring that every defendant is delivered the right to legal representation and a fair trial. In addition to providing insight for the public, the podcast aims to create a community for those working in criminal law - one that recognises just how isolating it is to be the person standing up in court alone.

  1. Oct 18

    The Unsexy Side of Criminal Justice with Asher Emanuel, Author of The Valley

    Asher Emanuel joins Annabel Cresswell and Sumudu Thode to talk about his first book, The Valley, that has had Steve Braunias raving. Together they dig into the parts of the justice system that rarely make the headlines. About Asher Asher Emanuel is a writer and lawyer based in Wellington. He has worked in various legal and investigative roles, and his writing on justice and policy issues has been published in mainstream and specialist publications. The Valley is his first book. Asher now works as a legal aid lawyer focusing on public law and human rights cases. He grew up in Auckland before moving to Wellington, where he studied law and English literature. Links: Website: https://bwb.co.nz/books/the-valley Instagram: @asheremanuel Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this podcast are our own views and views of our guests. Nothing in this podcast is to be taken as legal advice. Website: https://thats-just-criminal.captivate.fm/ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thats-just-criminal/id1760434280 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/64vXKFxggrKAKB2j6Zld67 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThatsJustCriminal

    The Unsexy Side of Criminal Justice with Asher Emanuel, Author of The Valley

  2. Aug 23

    Keep Going with Kirsten Gray

    This episode is brought to you by LexisNexis and the Criminal Bar Association NZ Annabel Cresswell and Sumudu Thode sit down with Christchurch Barrister, Kirsten Gray. It’s a conversation about grit, perspective, vulnerability and the people and moments that help us get through the tough times. Because sometimes there isn’t a magic answer. Sometimes, you just have to… keep going. About Kirsten: Kirsten specialises in all aspects of criminal law but has a particular expertise in unravelling criminal charges and trial work. She has undertaken over one hundred jury trials. Kirsten has practised criminal law for over twenty years. She regularly undertakes trials in the District and High Court and appears on appeals in the High Court and Court of Appeal. She frequently represents clients on bail, discharge without conviction and name suppression applications and on parole hearings. Links: Kirsten Gray: https://www.kirstengray.co.nz/ Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this podcast are our own views and views of our guests. Nothing in this podcast is to be taken as legal advice. LexisNexis: https://www.lexisnexis.com/en-nz Website: https://thats-just-criminal.captivate.fm/ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thats-just-criminal/id1760434280 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/64vXKFxggrKAKB2j6Zld67 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThatsJustCriminal

    Keep Going with Kirsten Gray

  3. Jun 3

    Steve Braunias: The Polkinghorne Trial and Are Defence Lawyers Rock Stars?

    This episode is brought to you by LexisNexis and the Criminal Bar Association NZ Annabel Cresswell and Sumudu Thode speak with award winning writer and journalist, Steve Braunias About Steve: Steve Braunias is a multiple award-winning author, columnist, journalist and editor. He writes for the New Zealand Listener, serves as the literary editor of Newsroom, and is the author of 14 books. Steve was part of The New Zealand Herald reporting team who won Best Coverage of a Major News Event at the 2025 Voyager Media Awards for their coverage of the Polkinghorne trial. Links: Polkinghorne: Inside the Trial of the Century https://www.allenandunwin.co.nz/browse/book/Steve-Braunias-Polkinghorne-9781991142405 The Valley by Asher Emmanuel: https://www.bwb.co.nz/books/the-valley Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this podcast are our own views and views of our guests. Nothing in this podcast is to be taken as legal advice. Website: https://thats-just-criminal.captivate.fm/ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thats-just-criminal/id1760434280 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/64vXKFxggrKAKB2j6Zld67 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThatsJustCriminal

    Steve Braunias: The Polkinghorne Trial and Are Defence Lawyers Rock Stars?

  4. Apr 19

    Making Sentencing Sexy with Robin McCoubrey

    This podcast is brought to you by LexisNexis and the Criminal Bar Association NZ Annabel Cresswell and Sumudu Thode discuss the sentencing process in Aotearoa New Zealand with Robin McCoubrey. Some topics covered in this episode include: Misconceptions about sentencingParity & tariff cases explainedSentencing from a prosecutor's perspectiveSentencing from a defence perspectiveHow defence lawyers prepare for sentencingChanges to the Sentencing Act Rehabilitation over punishment & the limits of deterrenceAdvising clients after sentencing & appeals About Robin: Robin is one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most experienced and respected trial lawyers, enjoying the trust and confidence of the senior judiciary and his colleagues in the profession. He was a Partner at Meredith Connell (MC) for nine years. In the past few years, he has prosecuted some of the most high-profile, evidentially complex and emotionally charged cases to come before the courts. He is known as a technically excellent lawyer and advocate, but also someone who is approachable, collaborative and easy to work with. Robin accepts instructions in many areas of litigation including regulatory and civil matters, inquests and inquiries, proceeds of crime proceedings and criminal investigations and prosecutions. Links: Robin McCoubrey: https://richmondchambers.co.nz/ Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this podcast are our own views and views of our guests. Nothing in this podcast is to be taken as legal advice. Website: https://thats-just-criminal.captivate.fm/ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thats-just-criminal/id1760434280 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/64vXKFxggrKAKB2j6Zld67 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThatsJustCriminal

    Making Sentencing Sexy with Robin McCoubrey

  5. 12/10/2025

    Legal Insights: Nick Chisnall KC on the appeal process

    This podcast is brought to you by LexisNexis and the Criminal Bar Association NZ Annabel Cresswell and Sumudu Thode discuss the appeal process in Aotearoa New Zealand with Nick Chisnall KC. Nick specialises in criminal appellate litigation. He has appeared on many of New Zealand’s leading and reported cases in the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal.  He joined the independent bar in 2017. Before that, he was the Public Defence Service’s General Counsel and oversaw its appellate practice. Prior to joining the PDS, Nick was Crown Counsel at the Crown Law Office. Nick took silk in 2022. Links: nickchisnall.co.nz  augustachambers.co.nz Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this podcast are our own views and views of our guests. Nothing in this podcast is to be taken as legal advice. Website: https://thats-just-criminal.captivate.fm/ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thats-just-criminal/id1760434280  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/64vXKFxggrKAKB2j6Zld67 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThatsJustCriminal

    Legal Insights: Nick Chisnall KC on the appeal process

  6. 10/23/2025

    Name Suppression in Aotearoa: fairness or favouritism

    This podcast is brought to you by LexisNexis and the Criminal Bar Association NZ Annabel and Sumudu sit down with journalist Edward Gay to talk about name suppression. Eddie has spent 20 years covering high-profile cases from the Kahui twins to Philip Polkinghorne. They discuss the criteria for name suppression and balancing that with open reporting About Eddie: Edward Gay has worked as a journalist for the past 20 years, at the New Zealand Herald, Radio New Zealand and Stuff. He is currently a member of Stuff's In-depth national team. Eddie has covered many of the high-profile trials in the past 20 years including the Kahui case, David Bain's retrial, Jesse Kempson -- Grace Millane's killer -- and the trial of Philip Polkinghorne. He regularly opposes applications for name suppression. You can read his stories on Stuff.co.nz Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this podcast are our own views and views of our guests. Nothing in this podcast is to be taken as legal advice. Website: https://thats-just-criminal.captivate.fm/ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thats-just-criminal/id1760434280  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/64vXKFxggrKAKB2j6Zld67 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThatsJustCriminal

    Name Suppression in Aotearoa: fairness or favouritism

  7. 09/11/2025

    Do we have serial killers in Aotearoa New Zealand? Featuring Detective Inspector Scott Beard

    That's Just Criminal is sponsored by LexisNexis and the Criminal Bar Association NZ Detective Inspector Scott Beard is one of the most experienced and recognised police officers in Aotearoa New Zealand and has been involved in a number of high profile investigations. Annabel and Sumudu spoke to Scott about if there have been serial killers in Aotearoa New Zealand and about people disappearing from Piha. About Scott: Scott Beard joined NZ Police in 1980. He qualified as a Detective in 1988 and has been a Detective Inspector since 2008. He has worked on and lead countless homicide and other major investigations. His most notable cases include the Operation Stockholm investigation involving missing Swedish tourists Heidi Paakkonen and Urban Hoglin. In 2018 he ran the investigation into the missing English girl Grace Millane, who was ultimately found murdered and was the face of Police in the media for this case. Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this podcast are our own views and views of our guests. Nothing in this podcast is to be taken as legal advice. Website: https://thats-just-criminal.captivate.fm/ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thats-just-criminal/id1760434280  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/64vXKFxggrKAKB2j6Zld67 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThatsJustCriminal

    Do we have serial killers in Aotearoa New Zealand? Featuring Detective Inspector Scott Beard

  8. 07/27/2025

    The Secret Barrister: A Candid Conversation on a Broken System

    That's Just Criminal is sponsored by LexisNexis and the Criminal Bar Association NZ In this podcast episode of 'That's Just Criminal,' hosts Annabel Cresswell and Sumudu Thode welcome the acclaimed yet anonymous 'Secret Barrister' as their special guest*. Known for highlighting the intricate issues within the UK criminal justice system through blogs, books, and articles in renowned newspapers, the Secret Barrister shares their views and experiences.  *These are real answers from the Secret Barrister, to maintain anonymity this episode features an AI voice  Links: The Secret Barrister: https://thesecretbarrister.com/  Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this podcast are our own views and views of our guests. Nothing in this podcast is to be taken as legal advice. LexisNexis: https://www.lexisnexis.com/en-nz  Website: https://thats-just-criminal.captivate.fm/ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thats-just-criminal/id1760434280  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/64vXKFxggrKAKB2j6Zld67 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThatsJustCriminal

    The Secret Barrister: A Candid Conversation on a Broken System
See All (15)

About

Powered by LexisNexis & The Criminal Bar Association NZ Inc. Barristers Annabel Cresswell and Sumudu Thode will bring you insight from some of the most highly regarded criminal minds across both New Zealand and the globe - as they discuss the criminal law issues of the day, and the clients and cases they defend. Criminal law is interesting, diverse, and challenging. The role of criminal lawyers is to uphold our justice system by ensuring that every defendant is delivered the right to legal representation and a fair trial. In addition to providing insight for the public, the podcast aims to create a community for those working in criminal law - one that recognises just how isolating it is to be the person standing up in court alone.

Information

  • Creator
    Annabel Cresswell and Sumudu Thode
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Annabel Cresswell and Sumudu Thode
  • Show Website
    That's Just Criminal

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