Happy Holidays from HOTC.
In this festive episode we explore a series of bizarre Christmas-themed crimes. From the arrest of a man who legally changed his name to Santa Claus for a DUI incident, to the dangerous American tradition of mistletoe hunting, and the chaos of a Christmas parade gone wrong .We also recount a prank that nearly ruined the Canadian postal service's Letters to Santa program , and landed some teenagers on Santa's Naughty list.
References.
DUI:Christmas Float – Lowering the Bar
TheStory of the Speeding Float : NPR
Bondset for driver in Anderson Christmas parade charged with DUI
Cruelletters from Santa prompt Canada Post to take action | CBC News
Authorof nasty letters from Santa sought | Reuters
HuntOn For Grinch Writing Obscene 'Santa' Letters Through Canada Post
'RogueElf' sends nasty letters from Santa - ABC News
Policepick up Santa Claus for driving the wrong way | Ellington
SantaClaus arrested for drunk driving in US | Santa Claus gets arrested for drunkdriving
The uncouth episode!
In this episode of 'Hooked on True Crime', we delve into the life of Albert Pierrepoint, the chief executioner, while also sharing our personal anecdotes (maybe too personal this episode). We explore the rise of organized crime in London during the 1940s, culminating in the infamous Palm Beach Club incident. The episode highlights the complexities of crime, justice, and the human experience, all wrapped in a light-hearted yet, hopefully, informative narrative. We delve into the harrowing stories of Karel Richter's execution and the murder of Rachel Dobkin. We explore the complexities of the cases, including the challenges faced by executioner Albert Pierrepoint and the investigative efforts that led to the identification of Dobkin's remains. The discussion highlights the intricacies of the legal system, the emotional weight of the cases, and the historical context surrounding these events.
3 Scottish words of the week, and a debate over Jelly!
Use code 'hooked' for 10% off your Crimecon UK tickets
Join us on social media and be part of the HOTC family.
References
Books
Pierrepoint:A Family of Executioners,--(Steve Fielding)
TheExecutioner's Bible,--(Steve Fielding)
Executioner:Pierrepoint,--(Albert Pierrepoint)
TheHangman's tale,--(Syd Dernley and David Newman)
Web
The Murders At 10 Rillington PlaceAnd The Demise Of The Death Penalty
(5) Antonio Mancini - AlbertPierrepoint’s... - Capital Punishment UK | Facebook
04 Nov 1941 - Last British GangsterGoes To Gallows And Ends Reign Of Terror - Trove
Understanding Burden of Proof inCriminal Law | Coconote
Details of the mission - The NationalArchives
German Spy:Karel Richard Richter |WW2Talk
Harry Dobkin | Murderpedia, theencyclopedia of murderers
Youtube.
Tales from The Hangman's Record.Episode Five. Antonio Mancini - 31st October 1941, Pentonville.
Tales from The Hangman's Record.Episode Thirty Three. Harry Dobkin – 27th January 1943 Wandsworth
When Being a WW2 Spy Goes Wrong - ABrief Story about Karel Richter
Happy Holidays from HOTC!
In this festive episode, we delve into the lighter side of crime with stories of 'Bad Santa's' and holiday heists, including a KFC robbery and a helicopter theft. The conversation also touches on the chaotic SantaCon event and concludes with a briefly heart warming , yet shocking tale of a mother who staged a burglary to gain sympathy. The episode is filled with humour, holiday spirit, and intriguing crime stories.
References
Person dressed as the Grinchtaunts woman who allegedly faked Christmas burglary
Crooks crawl through windowof Lehigh Acres home, steal family’s Christmas gifts - YouTube
'Santa' robsDerbyshire KFC at knifepoint - BBC News
Floridamom arrested by The Grinch after allegedly lying about stolen gifts | New YorkPost
'Santa' robsDerbyshire KFC at knifepoint - BBC News
'SantaClaus’ in armed robbery of KFC drive-through in Derbyshire | The Independent |The Independent
The Red bull episode!
This episode of 'Hooked on True Crime' delves into the life and work of executioners, focusing on Albert Pierrepoint. The conversation begins with light-hearted domestic anecdotes before transitioning into serious discussions about historical crime cases, including the execution of Stanley Hobday and Alberts first female execution, Ethel Major. The hosts explore the economics of execution, the training and professionalism required, and the impact of World War II on the frequency of executions. The episode concludes with a look at Udam Singh's case and Albert's rise to chief executioner, setting the stage for future discussions on wrongful executions and notable cases.
Ali takes a cockney quiz and fails
Scottish word of the week : Filsket and Drooket
Use the code 'Hooked' for 10% off your CrimeCon UK tickets.
Sources:
Books
Pierrepoint:A Family of Executioners,--(Steve Fielding)
TheExecutioner's Bible,--(Steve Fielding)
Executioner:Pierrepoint,--(Albert Pierrepoint)
TheHangman's tale,--(Syd Dernley and David Newman)
Web
Ethel Major- Corned Beef Killer 1934- Crimes Through Time
Ethel Lillie Major – The Corned BeefKiller – Capital Punishment UK
Corned beef poisoner's tragic lettersto family before her execution | Lincolnshire Live
Results for 'ethel major' | BritishNewspaper Archive
Stanley Hobday | Murderpedia, theencyclopedia of murderers
Stanley Eric Hobday - a homeinvasion... - Capital Punishment UK | Facebook
Tales from The Hangman's Record.Episode Three. Stanley Eric Hobday - 28th December 1933 Birmingham
Results for 'stanley hobday' |British Newspaper Archive
1939-45 Espionage – The History Room
1939-45 Espionage – The History Room
Catch us wherever you get your true crime podcasts and join the HOTC family :)
The one where Ali embraces old age and not Sarah :)
In this episode of 'Hooked on True Crime', we begin to explore the early life and legacy of Albert Pierrepoint, a notable executioner in British history. We delve into the Pierrepoint family's history, Albert's upbringing, and his aspirations to follow in his father's footsteps as an executioner. We discuss the emotional weight of Albert's first execution, the complexities of justice as illustrated by the cases of Patrick McDermott and Jeremiah Hanbury, and reflect on the moral implications of capital punishment. The episode concludes with a teaser for future discussions on wrongful convictions and the societal attitudes towards execution.
Scottish word of the week: 'Unco' and 'Tammy Noorie'
*use the code 'Hooked' for 10% off your Crimecon UK Tickets*Sources:
Youtube
Tales from The Hangman's RecordEpisode Seventy Eight. Jerry Hanbury 2nd February 1933 Birmingham.
Web
Capital Crime: 1916 and Death PenaltyDiscourse in Independent Ireland | Century Ireland
Results for 'murder jessie payne' |British Newspaper Archive
Winson Green Prisonin Birmingham – Capital Punishment UK
Books
Pierrepoint:A Family of Executioners,--(Steve Fielding)
TheExecutioner's Bible,--(Steve Fielding)
Executioner:Pierrepoint,--(Albert Pierrepoint)
TheHangman's tale,--(Syd Dernley and David Newman)
The one where we get side tracked by a horny spider, there's a mini monster and a perpetrator is chased by a bus!
In this episode we continue to explore the life and career of Thomas Pierrepoint, the UK's second most prolific hangman. We delve into the history of capital punishment in the UK, discussing the abolition movement and notable cases, including that of Dorothea Nancy Waddingham and Max Mayer Haslam. The conversation highlights the complexities of crime, punishment, and societal attitudes towards execution, culminating in Pierrepoint's final execution in 1946.
*contested* Scottish word of the week : middling
Books
Pierrepoint:A Family of Executioners,--(Steve Fielding)
TheExecutioner's Bible,--(Steve Fielding)
Executioner:Pierrepoint,--(Albert Pierrepoint)
TheHangman's tale,--(Syd Dernley and David Newman)
Irene Munroand the Beach Murder of 1920,--(Dr Johnathan Oates)
Web.
Waddingham,Dorothea (1899–1936) | Encyclopedia.com
The Storyof Murderer Dorothea Nancy Waddingham | They Will Kill You
Nelsonmurder appeal - Red Rose Collections from Lancashire County Council
Talesfrom The Hangman's Record. Episode Thirty Seven. Max Haslam – 4th February 1937Manchester.
Thekiller dwarf who murdered a spinster and hung her beloved dog from the bedpost| Lancs Live
Barlinnie:The men who were hanged and their crimes: Carntyne cop killer John Caldwell |Glasgow Times
Walkingthe fateful eight steps | The Herald
Talesfrom The Hangman's Record Episode Eighty Two. John Caldwell 10th August 1946Glasgow.
In this episode, we continue our focus on the life and actions of executioner Thomas Pierrepoint. This week, we discuss the case of Louie Calvert (murdered her landlady), PC Power (who should never of had any power!) and the tragic murder of PC George William Gutteridge. The tale of these two very different policeman, lets us reflect on bad apples and heros. Thank you to Ali for superb (and difficult) research this week.
Shetland word of the week: Mirrie dancers
Mentioned : Crochet by Nids
Join our HOTC family on social media.
References
LouieCalvert – A Boot Fetishist? – Capital Punishment UK
LouieCalvert — The Convicted Murderer Who Cried Wolf | by Alexa | Medium
Frederick GuyBrowne | Murderpedia, the encyclopedia of murderers
Kenyon StreetPolice Station | The Hockley Flyer
James JosephPower | Murderpedia, the encyclopedia of murderers
PCGutteridge Killing – Liverpool City Police
Transcript
2015.173616.Trial-Of-Fredric-Guy-Browne-And-William-Henry-Kennedy.pdf
Article
: David M.Doyle & Ian O'Donnell (2012) The Death Penalty in Post-IndependenceIreland, The Journal of Legal History, 33:1, 65-91, DOI:10.1080/01440365.2012.661141
Books
Pierrepoint:A Family of Executioners,--(Steve Fielding)
TheExecutioner's Bible,--(Steve Fielding)
Executioner:Pierrepoint,--(Albert Pierrepoint)
TheHangman's tale,--(Syd Dernley and David Newman)
Irene Munroand the Beach Murder of 1920,--(Dr Johnathan Oates)
This week we share our recent adventures in Cornwall, including a visit to a vegan restaurant called Tiger Feet and the Craft Collective shop. We begin our deep dive into the life and career of executioner Thomas Pierrepoint. We discuss the crimes of John Coulson (murdered his wife and son), Frederick Seddon ( poisoned his lodger) and Robert Rosenthal (executed for treason). The conversation transitions into the chilling murder case of Irene Monroe, exploring the investigation, trial, and the eventual execution of her murderers.
Scottish word of the week: a peculiar pronunciation of 'girl'
Domestic misdemeanour : shopping with Ali! (just conform!!)
Our Recommendations :
https://www.instagram.com/tiger.feet25/
https://www.facebook.com/thecraftcollectiveshop/?locale=en_GB
https://janetgrayart.com/gallery
Sources:
Trial Transcript
t19120227-48 | TheProceedings of the Old Bailey
Web Sources
TheCrumbles Ghosts and Murders
World War One: Elevenshot at dawn in Tower of London - BBC News
Anomaliesin the Execution of Wartime Spies in Britain - Josef Jakobs - 1898-1941
1912:Frederick Seddon, for love of money | Executed Today
Frederick Seddon |Murderpedia, the encyclopedia of murderers
20th Century UKExecutions - Old British News
Books
Pierrepoint:A Family of Executioners,--(Steve Fielding)
TheExecutioner's Bible,--(Steve Fielding)
Executioner:Pierrepoint,--(Albert Pierrepoint)
TheHangman's tale,--(Syd Dernley and David Newman)
Irene Munroand the Beach Murder of 1920,--(Dr Johnathan Oates)
This episode of the podcast continues to delve into the life and career of Henry Pierrepoint, a chief executioner in the early 1900s. It explores various murder cases he handled, the prevalence of domestic violence at the time, and the personal struggles Henry faced. The discussion includes the execution of notable criminals, the historical context of capital punishment, and the legacy left behind by Pierrepoint and his family.
Scottish phrase of the week: A face like a dog licking piss off a nettle
Sources:
Books
Pierrepoint: A Family of Executioners,--(Steve Fielding)
The Executioner's Bible,--(Steve Fielding)
Executioner: Pierrepoint,--(Albert Pierrepoint)
The Hangman's tale,--(Syd Dernley and David Newman)
Web
Out of Time: The Pierrepoint Hangmen Dynasty - NottinghamCulture
20th Century UK Executions – Murder Research
Shadow of the Noose - A Higher Power | Cumnock Chronicle
Thomas Bone Jr 1880-1912 - Glenbuck Murderer
Onthis day in Jersey | Murder jury passes guilty verdict - On this day in Jersey
In this episode, we continue our deep dive into the life and executions of Henry Pierrepoint. Henry begins his era as chief executioner, but not without experiencing his first brush with a family member of the recently executed, and on the same day, a pub brawl. We look at the first use of fingerprints in the UK for a murder charge with the case of the Stratton brothers and their terrible crimes against a husband and wife. We delve into the case leading to the execution of Edgar Edwards, who killed a family (for their home and belongs) and buried their dismembered bodies in a house he rented for that purpose. He was only caught because he tried to repeat the act. Henry also travels to Ireland to hang Joseph Fee who killed a man to prevent having to payback a debt, before leaving the body under manure at his business address, or was he framed?
In his personal life, Henry relocates and starts a new business and his son Albert is born. We will discuss Albert's life as an executioner in a later episode.
Scottish phrase of the week: ye've got a face lit a melted welly'
Sources:
trial transcript
t19030209-262 | The Proceedings of the Old Bailey
t19050502-415 | The Proceedings of the Old Bailey
Web
Northern Ireland Executions 1900-1961 – Capital Punishment UK
26 Dec 1904 - THE CLONES MURDER. - Trove
Stratton Brothers: First Murder Case Solved by Fingerprints
The Stratton Brothers – The UK’s First Murder Case Solved by a Fingerprint – Capital Punishment UK
nationalarchives.gov.uk/state-secrets/crime-and-punishment/crim-1985/
Books
Pierrepoint: A Family of Executioners,--(Steve Fielding)
The Executioner's Bible,--(Steve Fielding)
Executioner: Pierrepoint,--(Albert Pierrepoint)
The Hangman's tale,--(Syd Dernley and David Newman)
In this episode of 'Hooked on True Crime', we follow Henry Pierrepoint's journey as he becomes chief executioner with the infamous case of Amelia Sach and Annie Walters 'the Finchley baby farmers' and Richard Wigley. The conversation explores the complexities of justice, societal stigma, and the moral implications of capital punishment, while also engaging listeners with personal anecdotes and reflections on the evolution of crime and punishment. We also ask whether the conviction of Louisa Masset for the murder of her son Manfred in 1900 was a miscarriage of justice and if Manfred could have been another victim of the Finchley baby farmers?
Scottish word of the week : Tan, or tanned
Sources:
Books;
Pierrepoint: A Family of Executioners,--(Steve Fielding)
The Executioner's Bible,--(Steve Fielding)
Executioner: Pierrepoint,--(Albert Pierrepoint)
The Hangman's tale,--(Syd Dernley and David Newman)
web;
Killer's chilling 14-word message to victim's family after brutal pub attack - The Mirror
Shrewsbury Prison – Capital Punishment UK07 Mar 1903 - THE FINCHLEY BABY FARM. - Trove
Louise Josephine Jemima Masset (1864-1900) Manfred Louis Masset (1896-1899) - Reffell Family History
Louisa Masset – For the Murder of Her Son – Capital Punishment UK
Trial transcriptst
18991211-77 | The Proceedings of the Old Bailey
t19030112-174 | The Proceedings of the Old Bailey
The one where Ali sets fire to the kitchen, we travel on Laguna Coaches and we start our deep dive into the Pierrepoint family.
In this episode, we delve into the intriguing and often dark history of the Pierrepoint family, a lineage of executioners in the UK, leading into a broader conversation about the morality of capital punishment and the historical context of executioners' roles. The episode highlights Henry Pierrepoint's journey from a young boy fascinated by execution to becoming an executioner himself, exploring the complexities of his motivations and the societal implications of his work. The conversation wraps up with reflections on the legacy of the Pierrepoint family and the historical significance of their profession.
Scottish phrase of the week: Gie it laldy
Sources:
The Pierrepoints - CLAYTON HISTORY GROUP
Great dynasties of the world: The Pierrepoints | Family | The Guardian
Century-old Pierrepoint journal shows hangman's spiral into alcoholism
YouTube
Britain's Hangmen The Pierrepoint Family
PIERREPOINT: A Family of Executioners PART ONE
PIERREPOINT: A Family of Executioners PART TWO
Books
Pierrepoint: A Family of Executioners,--(Steve Fielding)
The Executioner's Bible,--(Steve Fielding)
Executioner: Pierrepoint,--(Albert Pierrepoint)
The Hangman's tale,--(Syd Dernley and David Newman)
In this episode of 'Hooked on True Crime', we explore the fascinating lives of two notorious figures from American history: Jefferson Randolph Smith II, better known as Soapy Smith, and Poker Alice Ivers. We discuss Soapy's rise as a con artist in the Wild West, his infamous prize soap scam, and the organised crime he led in Denver. The conversation then shifts to Poker Alice, a skilled poker player and a strong independent woman who navigated the male-dominated gambling world. The episode highlights their legacies and the romanticised view of organised crime in American history. If you don't know their stories - you should!
Scottish word of the week : Chode
Sources:
Soapy
Who Was Soapy Smith? - The Days of 98 Show
Soapy Smith – Bunko Man of the Old West – Legends of America
Con Artist Soapy Smith Gets His Start in Leadville - Leadville, Colorado
Alice
Wild Women Of The West: Alice Ivers - COWGIRL Magazine
Poker Alice – Famous Frontier Gambler – Legends of America
Poker Alice Tubbs – Infamous Deadwood | Deadwood, SD
"Poker" Alice Tubbs (1851-1930) | Denver Public Library Special Collections and Archives
We Binge watched Monster: the Ed Gein Story and we have questions!
In this episode, we delve into the life and crimes of Ed Gein, a notorious American serial killer. We discuss the impact of his upbringing, the discovery of his gruesome collection of body parts, and the sensationalism surrounding his story in media and popular culture. The conversation also touches on the psychological aspects of Gein's actions, his relationships, and the myths that have developed around his life. Through humour and analysis, we aim to separate fact from fiction in the portrayal of Gein's life and crimes.
Scottish word of the week: 'bonnie'
Sources;
https://www.netflix.com/gb/title/81783093
https://www.marieclaire.com/culture/tv-shows/who-was-adeline-watkins-monster-the-ed-gein-story/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ed_Gein
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt27980902/
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ed-Gein
We had a fabulous time at Crimecon UK in Manchester! Thank you to all involved and attending, you made our day!
This week we discuss, the content and the people, and what to expect if you come along to a Crimecon event in the UK, what is on stage and the social element of the incredible community. Our listeners share their domestic misdemeanours and we recall Sarah's bedroom related misdemeanour!
https://www.crimecon.co.uk/
*A sad reminder of why we do what we do. Not much is known about our victim and her story has been mostly forgotten after all these years, although sadly, domestic violence and spouse on spouse murder continues to happen. Let us remember Lily Griffiths.*
In this episode of 'Hooked on True Crime', we delve into the tragic story of Lily Griffiths, a victim of domestic violence, and her relationship with a Canadian soldier. The conversation explores Lily's life, the abusive dynamics of her relationship, the night of her murder, and the subsequent trial of her partner. The hosts reflect on the societal attitudes towards domestic violence in the 1940s and emphasize the importance of remembering victims like Lily. The episode serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing issues surrounding domestic abuse and the need for awareness and justice. Also, Ali tells us about a semi-related incident of an epic escape from a prisoner of war camp.
Scottish phrase of the week (which isn't really Scottish) - ‘there’s mony a slip twixt the cup and the lip’
If you need help, please reach out to the National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000247
Sources:
PressReader.com - Digital Newspaper & Magazine Subscriptions
All the people executed in Wales in the 20th century | Wales Online
Results for 'howard grossley' | British Newspaper Archive
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Brookwood-Killers-Military-Murderers-WWII/dp/1399011820
When an elderly man shows incredible kindness to the wrong person...
In this episode of Hooked on True Crime, hosts Ali and Sarah delve into the tragic story of Mark Turner, an 82-year-old man who was brutally murdered by a Canadian soldier during World War II. The conversation explores Mark's life, his kindness, and the senseless nature of his death, as well as the subsequent investigation and trial of the soldier. The hosts reflect on themes of empathy, loss, and the impact of crime on communities, while also providing a historical context to the events discussed.
Scottish word of the week: Ghian and 'taps aff'
Book by Paul Johnson, Brookwood Killers
Mervin Clare McEwan - The Canadian Virtual War Memorial - Veterans Affairs Canada
Hangmen at War – Chapter 5 – Delinquent Soldiers – Capital Punishment UK
Malcolm Bull's Calderdale Companion : M
The one where Ali passes his driving test!
How do you catch a killer, a soldier in a city full of soldiers, without CCTV and DNA analysis?
With excellent police work, that's how!
In this episode of 'Hooked on True Crime', Ali tells Sarah the tragic story of Iris Miriam Deeley, a young woman whose life was cut short during World War II, when she was attacked, murdered and left in amongst the cabbages in a London allotment. Iris was a vibrant, intelligent woman and her life was full of potential - the same cannot not be said for the perpetrator of the crime against her. The investigation that followed was an example of great policing and has introduced us to new hero's.
Scottish phrase of the week: Lang may yer lum reek!
Use code 'hooked' for 10 percent off your CrimeconUK tickets (Manchester, September 27th 2025)
Sources:
Brookwood Killers by Paul Johnson (Book)
Ernest James Kemp | Murderpedia, the encyclopedia of murderers
MPIX00331746 - Topfoto Image Archive
Hangmen at War – Chapter 5 – Delinquent Soldiers – Capital Punishment UK
Funeral at Manor Park Cemetary, 18th February 1944. On Monday 14th... News Photo - Getty Images