Crime World

Sandra visits home every Sunday evening to see her family, however, they know little about her day-to-day existence in Killala. They are shocked when she reveals her pregnancy in the late 90s but are also completely supportive.Sandra makes the difficult decision to give her baby daughter up for adoption. The Collins family are deeply saddened by the move but understand it. A short time later, they experience a huge tragedy when their brother James is killed in a horrific workplace accident. It takes a toll on all of them, and Sandra must deal with her grief without them close by.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s coming on two decades since a garda crackdown on Limerick promised to break the gangs that had turned the city into a warzone.So, where are the players now and why are so many still involved in drug dealing and organised criminality?Nicola speaks with Eamon Dillon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode was originally published by our sister podcast, The BelTel on May 29, 2026.Jeffrey Donaldson’s wife planted a listening device in his car after becoming suspicious he was having affair with a constituent, a court in Newry has been told.  The 63-year-old former MP in on trial in relation to 18 alleged historical sex offence charges, dating from 1985 to 2008 – including a charge of rape. He denies all of the charges against him.  His wife Eleanor Donaldson, of Dublinhill Road, Dromore in Co Down, is charged with aiding and abetting. She denies the charges.  She will not be in court and is facing a trial of the facts as she has been ruled medically unfit to stand trial.  Allison Morris was in court. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Blood bonds between organised crime groups have a long history in the underworld and in the efforts by law enforcement to get to the root of what holds outfits together.Now a familial bond between the Gucci Gang and the Kinahan Organisation have featured in Criminal Assets Bureau affidavits which give an insight into a troubled period of restructure in both groups in the aftermath of a garda crackdown.Nicola speaks to Eamon Dillon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Garda Inspector Tom Quinn has told of the effects of a dog attack on his career, reputation and promotional ability in an extraordinary court case involving criminal Edward 'Blondie' Stokes and an altered video about an incident at his property.In a case that took eight years to come to court, Stokes pleaded guilty to a range of charges after evidence proved he set his dog on the Garda.Nicola speaks with Crime World's Eamon Dillon about Stokes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tattle Life is a self-described “commentary website”. Supporters of the site say it’s free speech, protects consumers, and that influencers are fair game, with the website saying it has a zero-tolerance policy to any abusive, hateful or harmful content. But critics claim users have published private documents, that the site facilitates vile and cruel trolling – even stalking.  Last year, it was revealed County Antrim couple Neil and Donna Sands seemed to have taken the so-called ‘king of the trolls’, alleged owner of the site, Sebastian Bond, down. But now court has ruled he didn’t even know his crown was being seized - and the couple have to pay back £300,000 in damages.   The Bel Tel's Olivia Peden is joined by Belfast Telegraph reporter Kurtis Reid.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

 The life and death of Katie Simpson was steeped in horses - it is the equestrian industry that has come in for much criticism in the shocking review of her death conducted by Northern Ireland's Justice Department. The review paints a bleak picture of what her world was like from the moment she first met Jonathan Creswell. Nicola talks to Jenny Friel about the failings of the equestrian industry to safeguard kids and to demand vetting of those working within it.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The wife of crystal meth smuggler Nathan McDonnell is alleged to have been six times over the legal limit when she was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of cocaine last August.Jackie O’Duffy McDonnell is set to appear in court early next month charged with driving while under the influence of cocaine.Nicola speaks with Niall Donald about Jackie O'Duffy McDonnell and the charge against her. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Dungannon, a young woman suffering repeated miscarriages was targeted with cruel congratulations cards sent after every loss from an anonymous person.But in February 2024 this harassment escalated, a parcel arrived at her workplace and inside the box was a baby doll with its eyes cut out, packaged to look like a coffin.At the centre of it all is Patricia Quinn - a woman whose campaign of psychological torment spanned years.Chloë McPolin speaks with Crime World journalist Roisin Gorman to discuss this bizarre harassment case and how Quinn’s sick campaign of torment came undone. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gerry ‘The Monk’ Hutch put up a decent performance in his latest election outing but has failed to make it to the Dáil. However, he has already vowed to try again. What is it that is driving the man known as the Godfather of the Hutch family and even a criminal outfit connected to it. Why does he really want to be a politician and will he focus next on a bid for Council instead? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An arrest has been made in relation to the murder inquiry into missing boy Kyran Durnin who was last seen in the summer of 2022.The 50 year old woman is the third suspect to be arrested in the shocking case of the little boy who would have celebrated his 10th birthday earlier this month.A new search was underway at a domestic property in Drogheda. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hailed as one of the oldest settlements in Ireland, Killala has a long and chequered history. St Patrick is rumoured to have brought a dead woman back to life in the centre of the village, while a French general landed there with more than 1,000 troops to kick off the 1798 Rebellion against English rule. In the late 80s, Ann O’Grady gets a small council flat on Courthouse Street in the village and brings her niece Sandra Collins to live with her. Shy and quiet, the locals know little about the teenager, apart from that she’s very young to be taking care of a disabled aunt. Her siblings try to persuade her to come home to them, but for some reason, Sandra insists on staying in Killala. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The widow of Jason Hennessy Sr has appealed a High Court order directing the destruction of her XL Bully pitbulls.Veronica Maher has claimed the dogs are all she has left after her husband was murdered in Browne's Steakhouse on Christmas Eve 2023.Niall speaks to Crime World's Eimear Rabbitt about why the State believe the dogs are too dangerous Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jonathan Creswell was associating with other dangerous sex offenders before his death and had befriended a dangerous young paedophile in the years between the brutal attack on Abi Lyle and the murder of Katie Simpson.Nicola speaks with Jenny Friel about the sinister friendships that Creswell had nurtured. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The alleged Dublin crime figure Jonathan Gill who is wanted for the murder of Robbie Lawlor in Belfast in April 2020 discussed ‘stabbing a barrister’ on an Encrochat phone handle the PSNI say was his.The High Court heard further details of the case against him when he applied for bail today. His mother Catherine and father John Snr gave evidence in relation to surety and bail conditions.The application was adjourned due to issues with a CAB bill and tax payments and will be decided upon in two weeks. Meanwhile, his challenge to extradition is expected to be heard.Nicola talks with Robin Schiller who was in court today for the hearing.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Glamour model Katie Price is back in the headlines after her intriguing latest marriage with a businessman Lee Andrews and his stint in a Dubai prison.Andrews, who spent weeks in the same Al Awir prison where Daniel kinahan is currently being held, has gone to ground after missing an interview with his celebrity wife.Nicola speaks to journalist Aoife Rooney for the latest on the Katie Price saga. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Crime has become a central focal point of the upcoming by-election where Gerry 'The Monk' Hutch is vying for former Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe's seat.So what other colourful characters are in the mix? What role does crime pay in their back story?Nicola talks to Niall Donald about the upcoming by-election. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Despite early tragedy and straitened circumstances, the Collins family enjoy a loving and stable childhood in the townland of Fotish, near Crossmolina. They may have little in the way of material wealth, but the six children are doted on by their parents, and two aunts, Bridie and Ann. However, when Ann develops a painful degenerative condition, and her marriage breaks up, one of the Collins children is expected to go stay with her. In the end it’s Sandra who moves in. It’s supposed to be for just a few weeks, but turns into months, and then years.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

While clearing out their aunt and uncle’s house in Liverpool, the Collins family find a tape recording of their eldest sister, Sandra, reading out a poem she learned in school. It has been more than two decades since they last heard her voice. The 28-year-old disappeared on a bitterly cold winter’s night in 2000 from Killala, a fishing village on Mayo’s north coast. For years her family hold out hope that she has simply run away from her domineering aunt and would one day return to them. But as time goes on it becomes clear that something much more sinister has happened to Sandra, and there is much about her life in Killala they have never known.  Subscribe on crimeworld.com to hear the full series now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

 More than 20 gardaí are now working on an investigation into the death of a man in his mid-thirties who became unresponsive after being restrained on the ground for a number of minutes on Henry Street in Dublin City Center last week. Disturbing video footage has emerged of the incident and it shows alleged shoplifter Yves Sakila becoming unresponsive as he's restrained on the ground on Friday evening. Nicola speaks with Niall Donald about the death of Mr Sakila. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The disappearance of Sandra Collins remains one of the most frustrating murder cases on the books of An Garda Síochána.Aged 28, she was pregnant and planning an abortion when she disappeared on a bitterly cold December night in 2000 from the fishing village of Killala in County Mayo.Ten years later, her case was upgraded to a murder inquiry and a subsequent trial heard she had been having a relationship with a local married man Martin Earley.A jury at his trial were ordered to acquit him after five weeks of evidence yet the hunt goes on for the remains of a beloved sister, daughter, and friend.Nicola speaks with Jenny Friel about our new nine-part subscriber only podcast special Ghost: The Disappearance of Sandra Collins, available now on crimeworld.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dubliner Jonathan Gill, who's wanted by the PSNI over the murder of hitman Robbie Lawlor, has halted his bid for bail over what was described as 'highly contested' documents on his dealings with state agencies over the course of two decades. A barrister for Gill informed the High Court last week that they needed time to seek instructions from him over the document, which outlines every interaction he's had with the state body in the past 20 years.Gill, of the Malahide Road in Dublin 3, is currently in Portlaoise Prison and is due before the courts in June. Nicola talks to Niall Donald about Gill. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Irish Prison Service, the Department of Justice, and the Irish Defence Forces are considering the reintroduction of army officers at Portlaoise Prison as part of a security upgrade ahead of Daniel Kinahan’s return.So what are the plans for the arrival of the head of the Kinahan Cartel back to Ireland later this year and what headaches is it causing?Nicola speaks to Niall Donald about Kinahan and the State's plans for his incarceration. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Singer Tommy Fleming's private recordings go public causing him to complain to Gardai. A mother and daughter fall foul of their shoplifting spree at top department store Brown Thomas and paedophile hunters are using dating apps to track their prey.This is a Crime World weekly roundup with Nicola Tallant and guests Eimear Rabbitt and Niall Donald. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A well-known Sligo property tycoon has been jailed for two years for savagely beating three teenage boys he wrongly blamed for breaking a window.Cathal O’Connor choked one boy until he lost consciousness, threatened another with a saw, and used an iron bar to hit one in the face.Niall talks to Crime World's Alan Sherry about O'Connor's violent attack and how an ex-TD gave him a character reference.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A romance scammer impersonating Hollywood heartthrob Jason Momoa is targeting lonely Irish fans online. The scammer is part of a wave of so-called romance-fraudsters who are making million of euros off vulnerable Irish people.Niall talks to Crime World's Denise Smith about how she was love-bombed by a fake Jason Momoa. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

 Four homes were damaged after a hand grenade was thrown in Ballymun on Tuesday morning in an escalating feud in the area. The bitter gang war has seen two factions, most of whom are still in their teens, repeatedly target each other in gun and arson attacks. Niall speaks to Crime World's Ken Foy about how the feud has already cost one man his life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the 9th of March 2026, John Cullen died at the age of 75 in St James's Hospital, where he had been treated for cancer for the last year. A notorious pimp in the 1970s and 80s, he was jailed in 1983 for the murder of former sex worker Dolores Lynch, her mother Kathleen, and aunt Hannah.Cullen controlled prostitution in Dublin for almost a decade. His cruelty, depravity, and violence were notorious. There were few, apart from his close family, who mourned his death. Jenny Friel talks to Crime World's Caoimhe Young about the life and death of John Cullen and the women who finally put him behind bars. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A “baby-faced” Gucci Gang boss threatened a woman, claiming he would send “junkies” to rape her son over a drug debt he claimed he was owed.Mark Salmon’s campaign of terror was outlined in court after he pleaded guilty to making threats to kill, drug trafficking, and money laundering.Niall talks to Crime World's Eamon Dillon about how Salmon's life of crime began, as a pal of feud murder victims Sean Little and Zachary Parker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A criminal from a small town in Co Offaly is suspected of acting as a 'logistical operator in Spain' for Ireland’s biggest drug dealing gang ‘The Family'. Keelan Hand is currently under investigation in Spain after he was arrested in August 2024 when police seized 110kg of cocaine valued at €7.71 million from a warehouse.Niall talks to Crime World's Ken Foy about Hand's unlikely rise from being a out-of-control thug in Offaly to Spain's Costa Del Crime. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A mother-of-eight who went on the run with her husband who was wanted for a gun murder has avoided jail.Jennifer Devine hid out in a hotel with her ‘cocaine-shovelling’ husband after he murdered her brother-in-law.Niall speaks to Crime World’s Eimear Rabbitt about why she was allowed walk free from court despite being convicted of withholding information.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

 Tracking devices and so-called infidelity kits are being used to coercively control women without their knowledge. These tests, available on an Irish website for as little as €62, claim to detect traces of semen hours after sex and provide proof of infidelity. Chloe McPolin speaks with Denise Smith about these testing kits and the dangers posed by tracking devices that are increasingly being used as tools of coercive control. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A local politician who is a mentor and friend to Conor McGregor had a truck gifted to him by the MMA star damaged in an arson attack outside his home.Councillor Philip Sutcliffe had to resign from the Independent Ireland party after standing shoulder to shoulder with McGregor during the civil rape trial taken by Nikita Hand.But the former coach and mentor to McGregor has continued in his support for the sportsman and happily accepted a gift emblazoned with the Black Forge Inn logo.Nicola and Niall talk about the arson attack and the garda investigation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Flashy gang enforcer Scott Capper caught again with a phone in jail, Barbie Kardashian’s porn ambitions, the world’s biggest cocaine haul and the Chawke siblings assault case.Niall Donald speaks to Crime World’s Eimear Rabbitt and Neil Fetherstonhaugh about the stories that caught our readers' eyes this week.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

 This week, the Katie Simpson review was published on behalf of the Department of Justice in Northern Ireland. It's a damning report on the police's handling of the investigation into Katie's death in August 2020. The 21-year-old showjumper from Armagh was murdered by her sister's partner, Jonathan Creswell. He staged her death to make it look like a suicide, a story that was accepted by the PSNI officers. Jenny Friel speaks to Nuala Lappin, a former domestic abuse officer who dealt with Creswell back in 2010 when he was found guilty of attacking his then-girlfriend, Abi Lyle. After reading the entire 203-page report, she's happy with much of the findings and recommendations but still believes more needs to be done to tackle domestic abuse across the island of Ireland. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jailed Devon Hennessy has had a steel cage fitted to the front of his home in Corduff, which he is turning into somewhat of a fortress.Hennessy a member of the notorious Hennessy Organised Crime Group, will be one the first of the torture mob due out of jail in two years time despite their incarceration incidents of graffiti and arson attacks continue to torment the community.Nicola talks to Niall Donald about the latest from the Hennessy mob and our subscriber-only deep dive podcast 'Blood Brothers’ on what turned them into an enemy of their own community. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gerry Hutch is on the campaign trail and already sparking controversy with remarks about illegal immigrants which have been called ‘racist’ and Trump-like.Nicola talks with Niall Donald about 'The Monk' and a rocky start to his bid for the Dáil. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Colombia’s president Gustavo Petro has claimed that Daniel Kinahan sits on a ‘Board of Directors’ of international narco traffickers who control the world’s cocaine trade.Nicola speaks with Niall Donald about the remarks which suggest that Dubai in the headquarters of what he calls the Junta Directiva Del Narcotráfico. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former UFC fighter Darren Till extended his support to his “friend” Daniel Kinahan during a recent podcast appearance.Till, who was previously represented by the cartel boss, spoke out following Daniel's arrest in Dubai last month.Nicola speaks to Niall Donald about Daniel Kinahan and how his crimes have seeped into the world of boxing.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A review into the murder of 21-year-old showjumper Katie Simpson has exposed ‘institutional misogyny’ within the PSNI and total failure to follow policing procedures in the case of her death.Killer Jonathan Creswell almost got away with murder when he presented Katie to hospital in Derry saying he had found her hanging. But months later, a second investigation team arrested and charged him before the courts.Nicola speaks with Jenny Friel about the 200-page report and its damning conclusions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In May 2018,14-year-old Ana Kriegel was reported missing by her parents to the Gardai. After an intensive three-day search, her battered and naked body was found in a derelict farmhouse, a short walk from her home in Lucan, West Dublin.Thirteen months later, two 14-year-old boys, only ever known as Boy A and Boy B, were found guilty of Ana's murder. They remain the youngest people in Ireland to have ever been convicted of murder. Jenny Friel speaks with Crime World's Caoimhe Young about what could have led these children to commit such a heinous crime. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Journalist Pavel Barter could have never imagined the tale he would uncover when he started looking into one of the FBI's coldest cases.But the story of killer Joseph Maloney took him from the US right into the heart of Ireland and its fledgling movie industry to an unlikely love story and into the mind of a cold killer who poisoned his wife then reinvented himself.Nicola speaks to Pavel about his new book Runaway Joe and the podcast that has proceeded it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sean McGovern carried a Sudoku puzzle book and a copy of George Orwell's 1984 as he appeared in court and made his case for a reduced sentence.The Kinahan lieutenant was described as 'a caring and generous' father in court as he was allowed introduce references on his behalf.Niall speaks to Eamon Dillon about McGovern's demeanor in court and the sentence he is likely to receive.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

They were the gang of young men who started off as street dealers but went on to become key figures in the Kinahan Cartel's transnational crime operation.Forged in the Crumlin/Drimnagh feud, the crew which included infamous criminals like Liam Byrne and Sean McGovern would experience the highs and lows of life as a gangster.Niall speaks to Eimear Rabbitt about Crime World’s new three-part subscriber only series, The Brat Pack, tracing how eight young men from Dublin's south inner-city rose to the top of the criminal underworld. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sean McGovern is now the fifth person to be convicted for a role in the brutal murder of Noel ‘Duck Egg' Kirwan. The innocent grandfather was gunned down in 2016 as the Kinahan Cartel was gripped with bloodlust as they sought soft target linked to the Hutches.Niall talks to Crime World’s Eamon Dillon about McGovern’s role and the four others who have already pleaded guilty in court. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Real IRA hardman Nathan Kinsella named socialite Marcus Sweeney and accused him of informing on him when Criminal Assets Bureau officers came to search his plush Blackrock home.A proceeds of crime case heard that Kinsella threatened to ‘fold’ Sweeney after three high value cars were discovered in an underground car park by officers.Nicola speaks with Eamon Dillon about Kinsella and the CAB case against him. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Spanish detectives have seized more than 100 photos showing torture and beatings at a Costa del Sol apartment used by suspected members of the Scots gang allied with the Kinahans. The gruesome pictures were discovered at the flat in Fuengirola during one of the 18 raids targeting the Lyons gang carried out by cops late last month. Nicola speaks to Niall Donald about what the gory findings will mean for the Lyons gang and the Kinahan cartel.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On a spring morning in June 2001, an eight-year-old girl gathers moss for her grandmother’s hanging baskets in a forest near Ballinamore in Co Leitrim. The child lets out a scream, she had discovered a body. The remains belonged to Enniskillen businessman Gerry McGinley and it was clear that he been murdered. He had been killed by his own wife Julie and her lover - in fact, they were already in custody over it. But it wasn’t a simple tale of adultery. It involved hotel sex with strangers, lies, blackmail and videotape – and included many prominent people in Fermanagh. Andrew Madden researched this sordid story for the Belfast Telegraph.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sean McGovern was on a mission to kill as a senior lieutenant in the Kinahan Cartel when he organised to use tracker devices in the plan to murder Noel ‘Duck Egg’ Kirwan. Later as he and his cell targeted James ‘Mago’ Gately they had no idea they were under surveillance and that their murder plot would lead to their downfall.Yesterday McGovern was confronted by a victim impact statement from the children of Kirwan, Donna and Christopher, who told him they would never get over their Dad’s death.Nicola talks to Eamon Dillon about the sensational evidence that give us a window into the blood lust of the Kinahan Cartel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sean McGovern was on a mission to kill as a senior lieutenant in the Kinahan Cartel when he organised to use tracker devices in the plan to murder Noel ‘Duck Egg’ Kirwan. Later as he and his cell targeted James ‘Mago’ Gately they had no idea they were under surveillance and that their murder plot would lead to their downfall.Yesterday McGovern was confronted by a victim impact statement from the children of Kirwan, Donna and Christopher, who told him they would never get over their Dad’s death.Nicola talks to Eamon Dillon about the sensational evidence that give us a window into the blood lust of the Kinahan Cartel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.