“Introducing: The Surgeon Of St Helena”
Podcast: The Pitcairn Trials (Always True Crime)
Host: Luke Jones (implied)
Date: June 21, 2026
Episode Overview
This episode introduces a new investigative series from the creators of “The Pitcairn Trials.” Building on the previous season’s exploration of hidden abuse and systemic failures on the remote Pitcairn Island, the host pivots to another, equally isolated British territory: St. Helena. The main theme focuses on uncovering and exposing a fresh scandal involving a mysterious outsider who gains the community’s trust but ultimately causes immense harm. The tone is investigative, empathetic, and determined, aiming to draw parallels between Pitcairn’s historical abuses and similar, ongoing issues on St. Helena.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Reflecting on Pitcairn and Its Legacy (00:19–01:18)
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Recapping Last Season:
The host reminds listeners of the previous series, which unraveled systemic child sexual abuse within the “very, very remote” island community of Pitcairn, discovered by a police officer in the 1990s.
- "The first series in this feed was called the Pitcairn Trials. It was all about a very, very small, very, very remote British island in the South Pacific. We told the story of a police officer who went out there in 90s and slowly uncovered widespread child sexual abuse." (C, 00:19)
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New Influx of Stories:
After the series aired, the host received a slew of messages revealing other isolated communities with their own dark secrets:
- “In the wake of releasing that series, though, lots of people got in touch with me, with their own experiences, other stories about other communities.” (C, 00:40)
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Powerful Listener Email:
One particular message grabs the host’s attention for its familiar, troubling themes:
- "The subject line, more outrageous scandal... I know another story of extremely familiar themes that are occurring as I write on another British overseas territory, which similarly and very unfortunately has its roots and cores firmly founded in a shameful past and a coercive present. Well, I thought that needs investigating." (C, 00:54)
2. Introducing the St. Helena Story (01:19–02:10)
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A New Stranger Arrives:
The story centers on a mysterious newcomer—a “Walter Mitty character”—who ingratiates himself with the tight-knit community of St. Helena:
- "He just struck me as a kind of Walter Mitty character. This story revolves around a stranger who tips up on a remote old volcano of an island." (B/C, 01:28–01:32)
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Initial Community Perceptions:
Residents initially regard the stranger as competent, although perhaps eccentric—not immediately threatening:
- “I thought he was okay. Yeah...he’s not that kind of. He know what he’s doing.” (A, 01:38–01:42)
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Breach of Trust and Consequences:
The once-trusting community suffers serious harm as a result of this person’s actions:
- “A very trusting, isolated community accepts him, but ends up seriously harmed.” (C, 01:45)
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Comparing UK and St. Helena Reactions:
The disparity in response between the UK and St. Helena is stark:
- “If this was in the UK, people would be in uproar about it.” (D, 01:51)
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Institutional Response and Shock:
The host expresses deep shock over the mishandling of the resulting crisis:
- “And how the mess is handled really shocked me.” (C, 01:56)
3. The Fight for Accountability and Justice (02:00–02:10)
- Unyielding Pursuit of Justice:
One interviewee expresses unwavering resolve to expose wrongdoing:
- “I feel that we’re so obviously right and this situation is so obviously wrong. We’ll either win this or I’ll die trying.” (E, 02:00)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
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“They did the damage to him, you know, and make our life more harder than it used to be.” (A, 00:07)
— Highlights the personal toll of the outsider’s actions on local lives.
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“My first thought was, well, how did he get away with it for so long?” (B, 00:15)
— Sets up the central question of systemic failure and secrecy.
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“On Pitcairn, the problem was homegrown. [On St. Helena] this story revolves around a stranger who tips up on a remote old volcano of an island.” (C, 01:32)
— Contrasts internal versus external threats in isolated communities.
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“If this was in the UK, people would be in uproar about it.” (D, 01:51)
— Points to the lack of scrutiny and support for remote territories.
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“We’ll either win this or I’ll die trying.” (E, 02:08)
— Underscores the gravity and emotional stakes for those seeking justice.
Key Timestamps
- 00:07 – Testimony about harm to individuals
- 00:19 – Host recaps the Pitcairn series and received feedback
- 00:54 – The email that prompts the new investigation
- 01:28–01:41 – Introducing the outsider and early impressions
- 01:45–01:56 – The community is harmed; handling of situation
- 02:00–02:10 – Resolute quest for justice
Closing Summary
In this introductory episode, Always True Crime and host Luke Jones set the stage for “The Surgeon Of St Helena,” a new investigation exposing systemic abuse and institutional failure in another forgotten British outpost. By juxtaposing Pitcairn Island’s homegrown scandal with the threat posed by a manipulative outsider on St. Helena, the podcast explores how isolation, trust, and colonial legacies foster environments where abuse festers—and often goes unaddressed. The tone is urgent and compassionate, inviting listeners to witness the resilience of those fighting back, and promising an in-depth look at the forces protecting abusers on the world's remote edges.
Listen to the new series on your preferred podcast platform.
