Crime World

Siblings Bridie and Patrick Collins have spent 26 years trying to find their missing sister Sandra who vanished on a December night in 2000 from the small fishing village of Killala in County Mayo.Over the past year, the Crime World team has been delving into the story of Sandra in the hopes of unearthing information that might lead gardai to her remains.Nicola talks with Bridie and Patrick about Ghost: The Disappearance of Sandra Collins and their ongoing efforts to find her. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Troubles with wedding dress shopping in an electronic tag, sports stars finding themselves on the wrong side of the law, and the week’s most bizarre story.This is a Crime World weekly round up from crimeworld.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The heartbroken family of murdered computer science student Qayyum Balogun believe he was chased down and murdered for trying to protect a girl from an assault during a music event.The 21-year-old was stabbed to death in the early hours of Monday morning just off Grafton Street in Dublin. Nicola talks to Eimear Rabbitt about what happened to Qayyum and who the Gardai suspect in his murder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen McCullagh will do at least 31 years of jail time before he is even considered for release. 32-year-old Natalie McNally had been 15 weeks pregnant when she was subjected to a violent attack and murdered at her home in Lurgan in December 2022.  The judge, Mr Justice Kinney, told McCullagh that he committed a “brutal senseless murder and planned it in remorseless detail.” “The killing was cold blooded and calculated.”  McCullagh tried to pin the murder on Lewis Jones, Natalie’s ex-partner, after having set up a false alibi. But the jury rejected that and found McCullagh guilty of the murder at Belfast Crown Court earlier this year.  Our Bel Tel colleagues Ciaran Dunbar and Kurtis Reid discuss what happened in court for the tariff hearing.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A new movie about the events of Bloody Sunday and the fight for justice in its aftermath is touring across the UK with huge interest from the United States and even Dubai.Made with images and footage taken on the day, interviews with those who were there in January 1972 when British army paratroopers fired on unarmed civilians, and contributions from those who have fought for justice, The Day Innocence Died has likened events in Derry with those in Palestine.Nicola speaks with Adrian Kerr of the Bloody Sunday Trust and filmmaker Hannan Majid on their collaboration which has created the box office hit. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A jury has heard a police interview recording of a woman who claims she was raped as a child by Jeffrey Donaldson. Jurors at Newry Crown Court heard allegations against the former DUP leader by a woman who claims it happened when she was at primary school. She also alleged that Donaldson arranged for her to be sent to a Christian Rehabilitation Centre and apologised to her there. Sixty-three-year-old Jeffrey Donaldson has pleaded not guilty to 18 alleged offences said to have taken place between 1985 and 2008 involving two complainants known as Witness A and B. His wife Eleanor Donaldson faces a trial of the facts on aiding and abetting allegations after the trial judge ruled her medically unfit to stand trial. Allison Morris is covering the trial for the Belfast Telegraph. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eleanor Donaldson “did nothing” when told of an allegation of abuse by her husband, Jeffrey Donaldson, a court has heard. The claim from one of the alleged victims came during week two of the former DUP leader’s trial. 63-year-old Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has pleaded not guilty to 18 alleged offences. The charges include one count of rape and allegations of indecent assault and gross indecency. Donaldson’s wife Lady Eleanor Donaldson, from Dublinhill Road, Dromore, Co Down, denies several charges of aiding and abetting her husband’s alleged offending. The 60-year-old is facing a trial of the facts, not a criminal trial, after judge Paul Ramsey ruled her unfit to stand trial on mental health grounds. Allison Morris was in court for day four of evidence.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Frank McCann murdered his wife, Esther, and her daughter, Jessica, on the 4th of September 1992. The moment Marian Leonard heard the news that her sister and niece had perished in a house fire, she suspected that McCann had somehow been involved. McCann received two life sentences in 1996. In recent weeks, Marian has once again had to meet with the parole board to ask them not to release McCann. Jenny Friel speaks to Marian Leonard to ask her why it's so important to her that McCann stays behind bars. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 by0election 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 pimps in the 1970's 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 reader’s eye’s 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.