Podcast
The Trial: Australia
Hosted by The Crime Desk · EN
The Trial goes behind the headlines of some of the biggest trials in the world. We take you into the courtroom, bringing you the detail as the evidence unfolds, examining key moments and carrying out exclusive interviews with detectives, victims, and experts.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
31episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Australia's Deadliest Serial Killer? - The Milat Inquiry
1w ago00:34:33Tap to summarizeIvan Milat is one of the most notorious serial killers in all of Australia. He was convicted in 1996 of the brutal murders of seven backpackers whose bodies were discovered in the Belanglo State Forest.His violent and disturbing crimes shocked the world, but that only be the tip of the iceberg.Now, with a new inquiry underway, investigators are revisiting more than 50 unsolved disappearances and murders that may be linked to Milat, potentially making him far more prolific than originally thought.In this episode, Wayne is joined by acclaimed journalist and author Mark Whittaker, co-author of Sins of the Brother, who explores Milat’s violent upbringing, the horrifying details of the backpacker murders, and why many believe the full truth may never be known. Later, Daily Mail crime reporter Candice Sutton shares her firsthand insights after meeting Milat in prison and reveals the latest developments in the inquiry that could finally bring answers to families who have waited decades for justice.The Trial Australia is part of The Crime Desk. Subscribe today for ad-free listening, early access to new shows, exclusive bonus episodes and complete access to our true-crime podcast collection. Visit thecrimedesk.com for more information.Follow us on Tiktok @DailyMailCrimeFollow us on instagram @TheTrialPodSubscribe to our YouTube channel @TheCrimeDeskClick here to sign up to The Crime Desk's weekly newsletter. It's free and packed with exclusive interviews, expert insight, and gripping deep dive investigations from across the world. Email us thetrial@dailymail.comWhatsapp us +447796657512 (start your message with ‘Trial’)Presenter: Wayne FlowerProducer: Sam MorrisCreative Director: Caroline CheethamProduction Manager: Vittoria CecchiniA Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular.Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.Help shape the Crime Desk by taking our quick, listener survey. It takes just five minutes, and you could win a £50 Amazon voucher.Terms and conditionsOpen to UK residents aged 18 or over.Enter between 00:01 BST on 23rd April 2026 and 23:59 BST on 23rd May 2026, inclusiveThe Promotion is free to enter by visiting, completing the online survey and providing your contact details (including email address).There will be one (1) winner.The winner will win £50 Amazon VoucherAmazon Vouchers are subject to Amazon’s T&Cs found here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Full T&Cs apply, click here to read them. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Jefferson Lewis: Murder Allegations and Mob Justice
2w ago00:23:13Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we examine the heartbreaking case of Kumanjayi Little Baby, the five-year-old girl whose disappearance and death shocked communities across the country.Wayne is joined by journalist Karleigh Smith to unpack the investigation, and the allegations against Jefferson Lewis, who has since been charged with murder. They also break down the extraordinary scenes of grief and anger which have broken out across Australia, with some locals trying to take matters into their own hands, attempting to carry out “mob justice”.The Trial Australia is part of The Crime Desk. Subscribe today for ad-free listening, early access to new shows, exclusive bonus episodes and complete access to our true-crime podcast collection. Visit thecrimedesk.com for more information.Follow us on Tiktok @DailyMailCrimeFollow us on instagram @TheTrialPodSubscribe to our YouTube channel @TheCrimeDeskClick here to sign up to The Crime Desk's weekly newsletter. It's free and packed with exclusive interviews, expert insight, and gripping deep dive investigations from across the world. Email us thetrial@dailymail.comWhatsapp us +447796657512 (start your message with ‘Trial’)Presenter: Wayne FlowerProducer: Sam MorrisCreative Director: Caroline CheethamProduction Manager: Vittoria CecchiniA Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular.Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.Help shape the Crime Desk by taking our quick, listener survey. It takes just five minutes, and you could win a £50 Amazon voucher.Terms and conditionsOpen to UK residents aged 18 or over.Enter between 00:01 BST on 23rd April 2026 and 23:59 BST on 23rd May 2026, inclusiveThe Promotion is free to enter by visiting, completing the online survey and providing your contact details (including email address).There will be one (1) winner.The winner will win £50 Amazon VoucherAmazon Vouchers are subject to Amazon’s T&Cs found here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Full T&Cs apply, click here to read them. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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The Ouyen Farm Murder Mystery
3w ago00:35:28Tap to summarizeOn Easter Sunday, 65 year old farmer Richard Wills said goodbye to his wife and left their home- but he never returned.Investigators later discovered his body, believing that he was shot, dragged by a vehicle on his own farm, and then buried in a shallow grave.But the mystery has sparked speculation; ranging from Fake AI images, talk of Merino Sheep Mafia, and speculation of someone known to Richard ambushing him.In this episode, Wayne speaks to journalist Steve Cook, to discuss their visit to the town where this murder took place and reveal what they learned.Afterwards, criminal psychologist Tim Watson-Munro joins the podcast, to break down some of the theories and shine a light on what may have happened in the small town of Ouyen.Help shape the Crime Desk by taking our quick, listener survey. It takes just five minutes, and you could win a £50 Amazon voucher.Terms and conditions Open to UK residents aged 18 or over.Enter between 00:01 BST on 23rd April 2026 and 23:59 BST on 23rd May 2026, inclusiveThe Promotion is free to enter by visiting, completing the online survey and providing your contact details (including email address).There will be one (1) winner.The winner will win £50 Amazon VoucherAmazon Vouchers are subject to Amazon’s T&Cs found here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Full T&Cs apply, click here to read them.The Trial Australia is part of The Crime Desk. Subscribe today for ad-free listening, early access to new shows, exclusive bonus episodes and complete access to our true-crime podcast collection. Visit thecrimedesk.com for more information.Follow us on Tiktok @DailyMailCrimeFollow us on instagram @TheTrialPodSubscribe to our YouTube channel @TheCrimeDeskClick here to sign up to The Crime Desk's weekly newsletter. It's free and packed with exclusive interviews, expert insight, and gripping deep dive investigations from across the world. Email us thetrial@dailymail.comWhatsapp us +447796657512 (start your message with ‘Trial’)Presenter: Wayne FlowerProducer: Sam MorrisCreative Director: Caroline CheethamProduction Manager: Vittoria CecchiniA Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular.Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Melbourne’s Meth Queen
4w ago00:23:01Tap to summarizeTess Rowlatt was once known as a successful marketing guru, but she’s now been dubbed as Melbourne’s Meth Queen.She pleaded guilty to trafficking meth and dealing with the proceeds of crime, her second drug related conviction, after a dramatic police chase led to the discovery of drugs, cash, and bank cards in other peoples’ names.She is due to be sentenced- however there is still a chance that she could walk free.This week Wayne is joined by reporter Paul Shapiro, who has been following Tess Rowlatt as she progresses through her court hearings. In this episode Wayne also speaks with Lucy Manly, who grew up around Rowlatt and has written features on the experience. Together, they try to answer the question; how did a young professional spiral to this point?Help shape the Crime Desk by taking our quick, listener survey. It takes just five minutes, and you could win a £50 Amazon voucher.Terms and conditions Open to UK residents aged 18 or over.Enter between 00:01 BST on 23rd April 2026 and 23:59 BST on 23rd May 2026, inclusiveThe Promotion is free to enter by visiting, completing the online survey and providing your contact details (including email address).There will be one (1) winner.The winner will win £50 Amazon VoucherAmazon Vouchers are subject to Amazon’s T&Cs found here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Full T&Cs apply, click here to read them.The Trial Australia is part of The Crime Desk. Subscribe today for ad-free listening, early access to new shows, exclusive bonus episodes and complete access to our true-crime podcast collection. Visit thecrimedesk.com for more information.Follow us on Tiktok @DailyMailCrimeFollow us on instagram @TheTrialPodSubscribe to our YouTube channel @TheCrimeDeskClick here to sign up to The Crime Desk's weekly newsletter. It's free and packed with exclusive interviews, expert insight, and gripping deep dive investigations from across the world. Email us thetrial@dailymail.comWhatsapp us +447796657512 (start your message with ‘Trial’)Presenter: Wayne FlowerProducer: Sam MorrisCreative Director: Caroline CheethamProduction Manager: Vittoria CecchiniA Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular.Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Ben Roberts-Smith: From Hero to Accused
Apr 1600:26:33Tap to summarizeFor years, Ben Roberts-Smith, Australia’s most decorated soldier, has been celebrated for his service in Afghanistan. But now, the man who was once considered a national hero is at the centre of serious criminal allegations.He has been charged with five counts of the war crime of murder, and is in custody in New South Wales' Silverwater Correctional Complex after arrest by the Australian Federal Police last week. But Ben Roberts-Smith has consistently denied any wrongdoing.In this episode, Wayne is joined by veteran court reporter Stephen Gibbs to unpack how we got here, from explosive media investigations and a bruising civil trial, to a complex and unprecedented criminal prosecution that could take years to resolve.Help shape the Crime Desk by taking our quick, listener survey. It takes just five minutes, and you could win a £50 Amazon voucher.Terms and conditions Open to UK residents aged 18 or over.Enter between 00:01 BST on 23rd April 2026 and 23:59 BST on 23rd May 2026, inclusiveThe Promotion is free to enter by visiting, completing the online survey and providing your contact details (including email address).There will be one (1) winner.The winner will win £50 Amazon VoucherAmazon Vouchers are subject to Amazon’s T&Cs found here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Full T&Cs apply, click here to read them.The Trial Australia is part of The Crime Desk. Subscribe today for ad-free listening, early access to new shows, exclusive bonus episodes and complete access to our true-crime podcast collection. Visit thecrimedesk.com for more information.Follow us on Tiktok @DailyMailCrimeFollow us on instagram @TheTrialPodSubscribe to our YouTube channel @TheCrimeDeskClick here to sign up to The Crime Desk's weekly newsletter. It's free and packed with exclusive interviews, expert insight, and gripping deep dive investigations from across the world. Email us thetrial@dailymail.comWhatsapp us +447796657512 (start your message with ‘Trial’)Presenter: Wayne FlowerProducer: Sam MorrisCreative Director: Caroline CheethamProduction Manager: Vittoria CecchiniA Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular.Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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The Story of Nikkita Azzopardi: Her Killer Found Dead in Custody
Apr 900:21:43Tap to summarizeIn 2024, Nikkita Azzopardi was killed by her partner, Joel Micallef, in a horrifying attack.He was charged with murder, but found not guilty due to mental impairment, after forensic psychiatrists told the court he was suffering acute psychosis at the time of the killing. The verdict devastated Nikita’s family, who felt like they had not had justice. Now, in a shocking turn of events, Micallef has been found dead in custody while awaiting transfer to a secure mental health facility. Rejoining Wayne on the podcast is Nikkita’s brothers, Sean and Darren Azzopardi. They discuss this unexpected development, their calls for legal reform, and their victim impact statement, which they will now never be able to deliver to Joel Micallef. Help shape the Crime Desk by taking our quick, listener survey. It takes just five minutes, and you could win a £50 Amazon voucher.Terms and conditions Open to UK residents aged 18 or over.Enter between 00:01 BST on 23rd April 2026 and 23:59 BST on 23rd May 2026, inclusiveThe Promotion is free to enter by visiting, completing the online survey and providing your contact details (including email address).There will be one (1) winner.The winner will win £50 Amazon VoucherAmazon Vouchers are subject to Amazon’s T&Cs found here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Full T&Cs apply, click here to read them.The Trial Australia is part of The Crime Desk. Subscribe today for ad-free listening, early access to new shows, exclusive bonus episodes and complete access to our true-crime podcast collection. Visit thecrimedesk.com for more information.Follow us on Tiktok @DailyMailCrimeFollow us on instagram @TheTrialPodSubscribe to our YouTube channel @TheCrimeDeskClick here to sign up to The Crime Desk's weekly newsletter. It's free and packed with exclusive interviews, expert insight, and gripping deep dive investigations from across the world. Email us thetrial@dailymail.comWhatsapp us +447796657512 (start your message with ‘Trial’)Presenter: Wayne FlowerProducer: Sam MorrisCreative Director: Caroline CheethamProduction Manager: Vittoria CecchiniA Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular.Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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The Manhunt for Dezi Freeman: Did someone assist the fugitive?
Apr 200:26:57Tap to summarizeAfter more than 200 days on the run, one of Australia’s largest and most intense manhunts has come to an end.Dezi Freeman had been on the run since he shot and killed two police officers last year. Despite a $1 million reward for information, police had no concrete leads as to his whereabouts. But a crucial tip-off led officers to a secluded property, where a tense three hour standoff unfolded, ending with Freeman being shot dead.In this episode, Wayne is joined by reporter Caitlin Powell to break down the final moments of the operation, as detectives investigate whether the self-described sovereign citizen had any help evading capture, and how he managed to stay hidden for so long.The Trial Australia is part of The Crime Desk. Subscribe today for ad-free listening, early access to new shows, exclusive bonus episodes and complete access to our true-crime podcast collection. Visit thecrimedesk.com for more information.Follow us on Tiktok @DailyMailCrimeFollow us on instagram @TheTrialPodSubscribe to our YouTube channel @TheCrimeDeskClick here to sign up to The Crime Desk's weekly newsletter. It's free and packed with exclusive interviews, expert insight, and gripping deep dive investigations from across the world. Email us thetrial@dailymail.comWhatsapp us +447796657512 (start your message with ‘Trial’)Presenter: Wayne FlowerProducer: Sam MorrisCreative Director: Caroline CheethamProduction Manager: Vittoria CecchiniA Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular.Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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The Bali Villa Shooting: Convicted Murderers Face Appeal
Mar 2600:19:27Tap to summarizeLast year a targeted attack at a luxury villa in Bali left one man dead and another seriously injured. Two Australian men were swiftly convicted of murder, and another for aiding and abetting premediated murder.In this episode Wayne is joined by journalist Paul Shapiro to break down the case, from the chaotic night of the attack, to claims it was a botched job ordered by a mysterious figure known only as “Mr. X.”But the case now heads to appeal, with Indonesian prosecutors demanding a tougher sentence- which could include the death penalty.The Trial Australia is part of The Crime Desk. Subscribe today for ad-free listening, early access to new shows, exclusive bonus episodes and complete access to our true-crime podcast collection. Visit thecrimedesk.com for more information.Follow us on Tiktok @DailyMailCrimeFollow us on instagram @TheTrialPodSubscribe to our YouTube channel @TheCrimeDeskClick here to sign up to The Crime Desk's weekly newsletter. It's free and packed with exclusive interviews, expert insight, and gripping deep dive investigations from across the world. Email us thetrial@dailymail.comWhatsapp us +447796657512 (start your message with ‘Trial’)Presenter: Wayne FlowerProducer: Sam MorrisCreative Director: Caroline CheethamProduction Manager: Vittoria CecchiniA Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular.Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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The Mystery of the Alsehli Sisters
Mar 1900:23:53Tap to summarizeIn 2022, sisters Asra and Amaal Alsehli were found dead inside their Sydney apartment, weeks after they had died, with no signs of forced entry and no clear cause. Having fled Saudi Arabia seeking asylum, the young women had been living in fear in the months leading up to their deaths. The mystery puzzled investigators for years.Now, after years of silence, new information has emerged about what police believe may have happened.In this episode, Wayne Flower is joined by veteran crime reporter Stephen Gibbs to break down the latest developments, the unanswered questions, and what could come next as the case heads toward a coronial inquest.The Trial Australia is part of The Crime Desk. Subscribe today for ad-free listening, early access to new shows, exclusive bonus episodes and complete access to our true-crime podcast collection. Visit thecrimedesk.com for more information.Follow us on Tiktok @DailyMailCrimeFollow us on instagram @TheTrialPodSubscribe to our YouTube channel @TheCrimeDeskClick here to sign up to The Crime Desk's weekly newsletter. It's free and packed with exclusive interviews, expert insight, and gripping deep dive investigations from across the world. Email us thetrial@dailymail.comWhatsapp us +447796657512 (start your message with ‘Trial’)Presenter: Wayne FlowerProducer: Sam MorrisCreative Director: Caroline CheethamProduction Manager: Vittoria CecchiniA Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular.Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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“They have the wrong man” - The Kidnapping of Chris Baghsarian
Mar 1200:18:33Tap to summarizeIn February, an 85 year old grandfather was abducted from his home in the Sydney suburb of North Ryde. But according to police, they had the wrong man.Chris Baghsarian, a widower and family man with no links to organised crime, was allegedly taken by a group of men who believed they had kidnapped someone else. Investigators say the offenders were trying to target the father of a wealthy property developer and allegedly demanded a ransom of $50 million. Eleven days after the alleged abduction, Baghsarian’s body was discovered. In this episode, Wayne is joined by Paul Shapiro, to discuss the timeline of this horrific case. Now that two men who have been charged with kidnapping and murder, we examine the disturbing allegations, the evidence police claim links the suspects to the crime, and how a fatal case of mistaken identity unfolded.The Trial Australia is part of The Crime Desk. Subscribe today for ad-free listening, early access to new shows, exclusive bonus episodes and complete access to our true-crime podcast collection. Visit thecrimedesk.com for more information.Follow us on Tiktok @DailyMailCrimeFollow us on instagram @TheTrialPodSubscribe to our YouTube channel @TheCrimeDeskClick here to sign up to The Crime Desk's weekly newsletter. It's free and packed with exclusive interviews, expert insight, and gripping deep dive investigations from across the world. Email us thetrial@dailymail.comWhatsapp us +447796657512 (start your message with ‘Trial’)Presenter: Wayne FlowerProducer: Sam MorrisCreative Director: Caroline CheethamProduction Manager: Vittoria CecchiniA Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular.Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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