Australian True Crime

Alan Leek is a retired member of the New South Wales Police Service, in which he served for 34 years. In the early 1990s, Alan was rewarded for his excellence in management. When he was made the head police officer in Cabramatta, it was at the time the largest heroin distribution point in the country, a growing political flashpoint and spiraling ever faster, out of control.The unique set of challenges that beset Cabramatta from the late 1980s created a criminal and cultural misery unlike anything else Australia had seen at the time. And it was up to Alan to rally his troops and to pull the divided and traumatized community together behind them. Alan is now the author of several books, with his latest being "Rendezvous with Death". All of his titles can be found at Big Sky Publishing.For Support: Lifeline  on 13 11 1413 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732CREDITS:Host: Meshel Laurie. You can find her on

This is a "Shortcut" episode. It’s a shortened version of this week’s more detailed full episode, which is also available on our feed. In October 2019, Natalie Sands, her children and her mother suffered an unthinkably brutal attack at the hands of her father. Natalie was doused in petrol and set alight by her father. Despite being able to escape her burning house with burns to 75 percent of her body, she watched helplessly as her five year old son, Orlando, and mother Antoinette, perished.After leaving the scene, her father drove to the local Tamworth police station and handed himself in.It was decided in 2021 that Natalie's father wouldn’t face trial over the crime due to the Judge accepting that he was likely suffering a neurodegenerative disease resulting is psychotic symptoms.Natalie has been campaigning online to get a lawyer to reopen the case and hold her father “properly accountable”.You can keep up to date with Natalie's campaign on TikTok. Her account is @natz_armyofficialWe reached out to the

In October 2019, Natalie Sands, her children and her mother suffered an unthinkably brutal attack at the hands of her father. Natalie was doused in petrol and set alight by her father. Despite being able to escape her burning house with burns to 75 percent of her body, she watched helplessly as her five year old son, Orlando, and mother Antoinette, perished.After leaving the scene, her father drove to the local Tamworth police station and handed himself in.It was decided in 2021 that Natalie's father wouldn’t face trial over the crime due to the Judge accepting that he was likely suffering a neurodegenerative disease resulting is psychotic symptoms.Natalie has been campaigning online to get a lawyer to reopen the case and hold her father “properly accountable”.You can keep up to date with Natalie's campaign on TikTok. Her account is @natz_armyofficialWe reached out to the NSW ODPP for comment regarding this case. You can read their response on our social media pages.For Support: Lifeline  on 13 11 1

This is a "Shortcut" episode. It’s a shortened version of this week’s more detailed full episode, which is also available on our feed. In 1995, Adrian Pendergast accepted an exciting job opportunity in South Africa. Less than a week after he got there, he was found dead in a jail cell.For almost 30 years, his family have been trying to understand what happened and how he died. But it seems that everything new that they learn, it only leads to more questions.Our guest today is Adrian's younger sister, Courtney. Courtney only got to know her older brother until she was 15. She has asked for our listener's to reach out if anyone knows anything about Adrian. If that's you, please contact us at team@smartfella.com.auFor Support: Lifeline  on 13 11 1413 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732CREDITS:Host: Meshel Laurie. You can find her on Instagram Guest: Courtney PendergastExecutive Producer/Editor: Matthew Ta

In 1995, Adrian Pendergast accepted an exciting job opportunity in South Africa. Less than a week after he got there, he was found dead in a jail cell.For almost 30 years, his family have been trying to understand what happened and how he died. But it seems that everything new that they learn, it only leads to more questions.Our guest today is Adrian's younger sister, Courtney. Courtney only got to know her older brother until she was 15. She has asked for our listener's to reach out if anyone knows anything about Adrian. If that's you, please contact us at team@smartfella.com.auFor Support: Lifeline  on 13 11 1413 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732CREDITS:Host: Meshel Laurie. You can find her on Instagram Guest: Courtney PendergastExecutive Producer/Editor: Matthew TankardGET IN TOUCH:Follow the show on Instagram @australiantruecrimepodcast and Facebook  Email the show at team@smartfella.com.auS

This is a "Shortcut" episode. It’s a shortened version of this week’s more detailed full episode, which is also available on our feed. Our guest today, Nathan Crisfield, embodies a story of duality like no other.From Albury, He was born into a tumultuous home life, with his father taking him under his wing at an early age to steal whatever they could off the back of trucks.From ages 15 to 19, Nathan was out of school, using and dealing any drugs he could get his hands on. Remarkably though, he was also very capable and ambitious in his career as a truck mechanic. He quickly became foreman, then workshop manager at more than half the age of his fellow workmates.This is all while selling and smoking copious amounts of ice. As you'll hear, this kind of dichotomy can only last for so long. Nathan's life soon becomes one of unbelievable chaos.He descends so deep into a life of crime, that the fact that he has become who he is today is a true testament to the human capacity for change.For Suppor

This is a "Shortcut" episode. It’s a shortened version of this week’s more detailed full episode, which is also available on our feed. Our guest today, Nathan Crisfield, embodies a story of duality like no other.From Albury, He was born into a tumultuous home life, with his father taking him under his wing at an early age to steal whatever they could off the back of trucks.From ages 15 to 19, Nathan was out of school, using and dealing any drugs he could get his hands on. Remarkably though, he was also very capable and ambitious in his career as a truck mechanic. He quickly became foreman, then workshop manager at more than half the age of his fellow workmates.This is all while selling and smoking copious amounts of ice. As you'll hear, this kind of dichotomy can only last for so long. Nathan's life soon becomes one of unbelievable chaos.He descends so deep into a life of crime, that the fact that he has become who he is today is a true testament to the human capacity for change.For Suppor

This is a "Shortcut" episode. It’s a shortened version of this week’s more detailed full episode, which is also available on our feed. Anna is a fabulous, vivacious woman who seems to have lived many lifetimes. But the deeper we get into the business of why she joins us on Australian True Crime, the darker forces that drives people like Anna and their fast paced lives becomes more apparent.For many years, Anna was trying to cope with the fact that she'd been preyed upon by a teacher, Trenton John Wickers, and the matter had never felt resolved in any way. An unbelievable chance encounter changed Anna's life and led her to confront the situation and her attacker. This is Anna's story.For Support: Lifeline  on 13 11 1413 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732CREDITS:Host: Meshel Laurie. You can find her on Instagram Guest: AnnaExecutive Producer/Editor: Matthew TankardThis episode contains extra content fro

Anna is a fabulous, vivacious woman who seems to have lived many lifetimes. But the deeper we get into the business of why she joins us on Australian True Crime, the darker forces that drives people like Anna and their fast paced lives becomes more apparent.For many years, Anna was trying to cope with the fact that she'd been preyed upon by a teacher, Trenton John Wickers, and the matter had never felt resolved in any way. An unbelievable chance encounter changed Anna's life and led her to confront the situation and her attacker. This is Anna's story.For Support: Lifeline  on 13 11 1413 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732CREDITS:Host: Meshel Laurie. You can find her on Instagram Guest: AnnaExecutive Producer/Editor: Matthew TankardThis episode contains extra content from Channel 10 News.GET IN TOUCH:Follow the show on Instagram @australiantruecrimepodcast and Facebook  Email the show at team@smart

This is a "Shortcut" episode. It’s a shortened version of this week’s more detailed full episode, which is also available on our feed. Mary (not her real name) is a recently retired Victoria Police officer.Mary's husband and father of her two children committed serious family violence for many years. He was also a Victoria Police officer - a very high ranking one.Mary joins us to tell us about the attempts she and her children have made to have their allegations of family violence fully investigated by Victoria Police.In 2021, Victoria Police announced the formation of a specialist unit to investigate cases of family violence involving its own employees. It was placed within the existing Ethical Standards Command, which investigates complaints against police.Despite this, as you'll hear in this episode, there are still serious concerns in the way that Victoria Police handles their offending members.We are also joined by Jeremy King, the Principal Lawyer and head of the Police Misconduct team at Robinson

Mary (not her real name) is a recently retired Victoria Police officer.Mary's husband and father of her two children committed serious family violence for many years. He was also a Victoria Police officer - a very high ranking one.Mary joins us to tell us about the attempts she and her children have made to have their allegations of family violence fully investigated by Victoria Police. In 2021, Victoria Police announced the formation of a specialist unit to investigate cases of family violence involving its own employees. It was placed within the existing Ethical Standards Command, which investigates complaints against police.Despite this, as you'll hear in this episode, there are still serious concerns in the way that Victoria Police handles their offending members.We are also joined by Jeremy King, the Principal Lawyer and head of the Police Misconduct team at Robinson Gill. Victoria Police have issued a statement in response to this episode's conversation. It can be viewed on the Australian True Crime Fac

This is a "Shortcut" episode. It’s a shortened version of this week’s more detailed full episode, which is also available on our feed. Sex trafficking of overseas women to Australia is far more widespread than you may believe.The Sex Work industry can be one of empowerment and autonomy for many workers. On this episode however, we discuss its dark corner controlled my organised crime and exploitation.Investigative journalist Nick McKenzie joins us to discuss the major sex trafficking rings he exposes in his documentary "Revealed: Trafficked"."Revealed: Trafficked" can be streamed now only on Stan. Nick Mckenzie's book "Crossing the Line", the explosive inside story behind the Ben Roberts-Smith headlines, is also now available. You can purchase it here.For Support: If you or someone you know is in, or at risk of human trafficking or slavery, you can contact the Australian Federal Police (AFP) on 131 237 (131AFP) or go to the AFP website at www.afp.gov.auLifeline &nb

Sex trafficking of overseas women to Australia is far more widespread than you may believe.The Sex Work industry can be one of empowerment and autonomy for many workers. On this episode however, we discuss its dark corner controlled my organised crime and exploitation.Investigative journalist Nick McKenzie joins us to discuss the major sex trafficking rings he exposes in his documentary "Revealed: Trafficked"."Revealed: Trafficked" can be streamed now only on Stan. Nick Mckenzie's book "Crossing the Line", the explosive inside story behind the Ben Roberts-Smith headlines, is also now available. You can purchase it here.For Support: If you or someone you know is in, or at risk of human trafficking or slavery, you can contact the Australian Federal Police (AFP) on 131 237 (131AFP) or go to the AFP website at www.afp.gov.auLifeline  on 13 11 1413 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)1800RESPECT: 1800 737 73

This is a "Shortcut" episode. It’s a shortened version of this week’s more detailed full episode, which is also available on our feed. Ray and Jennie Kehlet's much loved Great Dane, Ella, wandered alone and dehydrated into a caravan park in Sandstone, WA in March 2015.The phone calls that resulted from local police scanning Ella's microchip alerted both Ray and Jennie's families to the fact that something had gone terribly wrong during their latest adventure.Eight years and one inquest later, many questions still remain.Ray's brother Dave joins us on this episode of Australian True Crime to tell us the story of the last eight years from his perspective.There is currently a two million dollar reward for information on Ray's death and Jennie's disappearance. If you have any information, you can contact Crime Stoppers at their website, or on 1800 333 000 You can keep up to date with the case of Ray and Jennie Kehlet in Dave Kehlet's blog: The Man in the HoleFor Support: Lifeline  on 13 11 1413 YAR

Ray and Jennie Kehlet's much loved Great Dane, Ella, wandered alone and dehydrated into a caravan park in Sandstone, WA in March 2015.The phone calls that resulted from local police scanning Ella's microchip alerted both Ray and Jennie's families to the fact that something had gone terribly wrong during their latest adventure.Eight years and one inquest later, many questions still remain.Ray's brother Dave joins us on this episode of Australian True Crime to tell us the story of the last eight years from his perspective.There is currently a two million dollar reward for information on Ray's death and Jennie's disappearance. If you have any information, you can contact Crime Stoppers at their website, or on 1800 333 000 You can keep up to date with the case of Ray and Jennie Kehlet in Dave Kehlet's blog: The Man in the HoleFor Support: Lifeline  on 13 11 1413 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732CREDITS:Host: Meshe

This is the story of the unlikely killer who hid in plain sight in the tiny and terrified community of Camberley for two years. This is an unlocked episode of Australian True Crime Plus. To access all ATC Plus episodes, plus ad free and early listening of all Australian True Crime episodes, you can subscribe on Apple Podcasts.If you have been affected by anything discussed in this episode you can contact: Lifeline on 13 11 14 13 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) GET IN TOUCH:Send us a question or comment on this episode to be used in our "Episode Download" series: https://www.speakpipe.com/ATC Follow the show on Instagram @australiantruecrimepodcast and Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/AustralianTrueCrimePod/ Email the show at team@smartfella.com.au Australian True Crime is a podcast by Smart Fella Media. Your story matters and how you tell it matters even more.Support this show http://supporter.ac

This is a "Just The Facts" episode. It’s a shortened version of this week’s more detailed full episode, which is also available on our feed. This is episode 2 of a 2 part series on the murder of Cecilia Haddad, and the multinational effort to bring her killer to justice.Journalist Ashlea Hansen joins us again to discuss the trial of Mario Marcelo Santoro, the unusual witnesses called to testify, and his shocking confession.For Support: Lifeline  on 13 11 1413 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732CREDITS:Host: Meshel Laurie. You can find her on Instagram Guests: Ashlea Hansen: www.ashleahansen.com.auExecutive Producer/Editor: Matthew TankardThis episode contains extra content from Channel 7 NewsGET IN TOUCH: Send us a question or comment on this episode to be used in our "Episode Download" series: https://www.speakpipe.com/ATCFollow the show on Instagram @australiantruecrimepodcast and Facebook 

This is episode 2 of a 2 part series on the murder of Cecilia Haddad, and the multinational effort to bring her killer to justice.Journalist Ashlea Hansen joins us again to discuss the trial of Mario Marcelo Santoro, the unusual witnesses called to testify, and his shocking confession.For Support: Lifeline  on 13 11 1413 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732CREDITS:Host: Meshel Laurie. You can find her on Instagram Guests: Ashlea Hansen: www.ashleahansen.com.auExecutive Producer/Editor: Matthew TankardThis episode contains extra content from Channel 7 NewsGET IN TOUCH: Send us a question or comment on this episode to be used in our "Episode Download" series: https://www.speakpipe.com/ATCFollow the show on Instagram @australiantruecrimepodcast and Facebook  Email the show at team@smartfella.com.auSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/australiantruecrime. Become a subscriber to Australian

This is a "Just The Facts" episode. It’s a shortened version of this week’s more detailed full episode, which is also available on our feed. On the day Cecilia Haddad's body was discovered Sydney's Lane Cove River, her ex partner Mario Marcelo Santoro was on a flight home to Brazil.Our guest for today's episode, journalist Ashlea Hansen, has been following this story for the very beginning. This episode is part 1 of a 2 part series on the murder of Cecilia Haddad, and the multinational effort to bring her killer to justice.For Support: Lifeline  on 13 11 1413 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732CREDITS:Host: Meshel Laurie. You can find her on Instagram Guests: Ashlea Hansen: www.ashleahansen.com.auExecutive Producer/Editor: Matthew TankardGET IN TOUCH: Send us a question or comment on this episode to be used in our "Episode Download" series: https://www.speakpipe.com/ATCFollow the show on Instagram

On the day Cecilia Haddad's body was discovered Sydney's Lane Cove River, her ex partner Mario Marcelo Santoro was on a flight home to Brazil.Our guest for today's episode, journalist Ashlea Hansen, has been following this story for the very beginning. This episode is part 1 of a 2 part series on the murder of Cecilia Haddad, and the multinational effort to bring her killer to justice.For Support: Lifeline  on 13 11 1413 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732CREDITS:Host: Meshel Laurie. You can find her on Instagram Guests: Ashlea Hansen: www.ashleahansen.com.auExecutive Producer/Editor: Matthew TankardGET IN TOUCH: Send us a question or comment on this episode to be used in our "Episode Download" series: https://www.speakpipe.com/ATCFollow the show on Instagram @australiantruecrimepodcast and Facebook  Email the show at team@smartfella.com.auSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/australi