Untold: Britain’s murkiest murder cover-up fast becoming our most downloaded true crime podcast

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My podcast addiction drives Craig insane. With no fewer than 25 podcasts stored on my iPhone, it’s forever pinging alerts that someone has dropped a new episode. Usually they sit in a queue until I manage to extricate myself from the kids for an hour or two, but Untold: The Daniel Morgan Murder has me donning earphones the moment it lands every Thursday evening. Owing to the popularity of my post on the best podcasts for true crime addicts, it would be remiss not to highlight this one - particularly given us Brits are considered late adoptees of the podcast medium.

I’m in the 30s Club so this real-life murder happened when I was still wearing nappies, in the carpark of the Golden Lion pub in less than salubrious Sydenham, South East London. Daniel ran a private investigation company (Southern Investigations) with a seemingly iniquitous partner Jonathan Rees. The two had a volatile relationship and there exists a rumour that Daniel was engaging in secret meetings with the News of the World newspaper shortly before his death - with Daniel attempting to lift the lid on major corruption in the Metropolitan police force, perhaps implicating Rees in the process.

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Speculation-aside, Daniel was struck three times with an axe in the back of the head. His Rolex was taken, but £1000 was recovered in his jacket pocket. The pocket of his trousers had been torn open and notes he had earlier been seen writing were missing, the implication being that someone sought to silence Morgan.

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Writing about what follows next opens up the potential for spoilers. Instead I’ll simply say that the 10-part podcast series unabashedly calls out the murder suspects and lays bare their various links to the Met, detailing some 30 years of compromised investigations and intrigue. Years after the murder, Southern Investigations would become the “cradle of the dark arts”, as Guardian journalist Nick Davies has described them, and a seething hotbed of criminality.

This is not a whodunnit, it’s a story about the biggest cover-up in the history of British police, and how they got away with it. Peter Jukes, narrator of Untold: The Daniel Morgan Murder

Every episode opens with the epithet that Morgan’s is the most investigated murder in British history, and yet you probably haven’t heard of it, inviting you to ask yourself why. Rather than cover the Met in glory, it reveals a shitstorm of corruption with moonlighting detectives, “failed” prosecutions, phone-tapping and email-hacking. Acting as a kind of unofficial screenplay to the much publicised Leveson Inquiry, it contextualises the paradoxical relationship between big business and justice, Murdoch’s stranglehold on the British press and a rather telling lacklustre response from Government.

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It has been described by an assistant commissioner of the Met as “one of the most disgraceful episodes in the entire history of the Metropolitan police service” seemingly buried by its makers (the British Press). Yet this crowdfunded podcast (its biggest donor, Hugh Grant) puts paid to that - taking advantage of the public’s appetite for transparency and vigilante justice as exemplified by its American cousin Serial, and the activist group Anonymous.

The case remains unsolved, having been sifted through five inquiries (costing some £50m). Every time anyone is charged with the murder, their cases are promptly dropped.

With Jukes acting as an unofficial investigator, he narrates the ordeal with barely concealed contempt for its endless line of conspirators. Joined by Daniel Morgan’s brother Alastair Morgan, the two men’s quest for justice has not lessened over time. Alastair’s grief is visible beneath his frustration, serving to remind us that his brother’s death is still sat at the bottom of a very deep laundry basket. It is hoped their podcast will lead to a new judicial inquiry.

It’s a must-listen with episodes averaging around 40 minutes each. Binge-listen to the series on iTunes to catch up, or head to untoldmurder.com for a gallery of characters, press clippings and additional sources.


Fun Family Reunions - But Without The Stress!

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With everyday life busier than ever, it can be difficult to set time aside for leisure time. While we normally see our immediate families often, with meal times and lazy weekends, family reunions can be put off and repeatedly delayed.

It can be difficult to arrange something for a large number of people, especially if they all have different interests and personalities. Organising a day that will provide enough distractions, but still allow people to mingle and socialise can be stressful. But here are a few fun and simple ideas for next time it is your turn to plan a day out:

Home-cooked meal

Inviting everyone round to yours for a simple home-made meal is a cost-effective and simple way of spending time together. Prepare for the meal in advance, and choose a recipe that most people will like. A beef casserole or stew is an ideal choice, as it can be prepared in the morning and left to cook throughout the day; leaving you with plenty of time to speak to people and enjoy yourself. Serve with crusty bread and wine, and allow people to help themselves. Casseroles can be cooked in one big pot, so you won’t have a lot of washing up to do, and they are easily adaptable for fussy families and anyone with special dietary requirements.

A beach day or visit a park

Getting some fresh air outside is the best way to have a relaxed and non-confrontational day together. If you’re having a big reunion, going for a hike and spending time at the beach is ideal as there will be plenty of things to keep everyone interested. Socialising is much easier when people are busy and joining in together, so take some games and activities such as rounders and cricket.

Family

Pack a picnic for lunchtime, and ask everyone to contribute something. This will make everyone feel involved, and you won’t have as much work to do! There are loads of great picnic ideas online, such as cheese straws and stuffed loaves. Pack bottles of water and cordial to keep everyone hydrated, and make sure you’ve all got change for an ice cream on the way back to the cars!

Visit a farm or attraction

If there are a lot of kids, you’re going to need something to keep them entertained. Organising for everyone to meet up at an attraction provides lots of space and an educational aspect. Children and adults alike will find something to enjoy, and they are normally reasonably accessible for both wheelchair users and pushchairs. Most attractions will have a cafe, so break up the day with a lunch or coffee break. For a more cost effective option take a picnic and blankets, as long as the weather behaves!

Go on a hike

If your family is reasonably active, organising a hike or country walk for the day. Stock up on snacks and drinks, and get everyone in their sensible walking boots. Take dogs along to keep the kids entertained, and plan games and challenges along the way. Walking will banish any awkward silences between family members who aren’t as close, and allow them to make new memories and experiences.

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