Episódios

  • In August 2014 Connor Morris was fatally injured during a street fight in West Auckland. He was struck in the head with a sickle-like tool and died instantly.

    Morris, 27, was a patched gang member, the son of a senior leader and was in a relationship with the daughter of one of New Zealand's most prominent broadcasters.

    His murder and the trial for the man responsible, was high profile. A Moment In Crime writer and host Anna Leask covered the trial and sentencing for the Herald and looks back a the case 10 years on, as the killer becomes eligible for parole.

    Michael Thrift Murry admitted he killed Connor. But, he claimed there was no murderous intent, that he was trying to defend his younger brother from being attacked.

    After a two-week trial a jury of eight men and four women found him guilty. He was jailed for life with a minimum non-parole period of 10 years.

    The Morris family were contacted before the podcast aired. They did not want to comment publicly but wanted to ensure people knew how much their son, brother and partner was loved by them.

    For more on this case, visit nzherald.co.nz or click in the links above.

    If you have a case you'd like us to consider covering - email [email protected]

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • It is not a rare occurrence for teachers to be investigated or charged with sexual offending against the children and young people they are supposed to be educating, guiding and nurturing.

    But some cases are significantly worse than other and in this episode of A Moment In Crime host Anna Leask recalls the three sex offending teachers who have caused New Zealand kids the most harm.

    The cases of Jaime Cooney, Paul Herrick and James Robertson are among the wrost offenders - in terms of how the abuse played out, the number of victims and how long the offending was taking place.

    And in all three cases, these predators could have been stopped much earlier.

    There were glaring red flags and concerns were raised both formally and informally with police and other authorities.

    But for various reasons these offenders remained free and able to continue violating and abusing innocent children.

    In today’s episode of A Moment In Crime Leask outlines how the sexual predators were caught, how they were dealt with by the justice system and where they are now.

    You will also hear from Parker - what he told the Parole Board in 2024 about his disgusting offending.

    This episode of A Moment In Crime tells the story of significant sexual offending and abuse and is intended for a mature audience. See below information on where to get help or advice.

    READ MORE:

    Blenheim sex abuse teacher: Anatomy of a scandal

    Predator principal's career of sex crimes and silencing

    Kaitāia’s paedophile teacher James Parker refused parole

    DO YOU NEED HELP?

    If you've ever experienced sexual assault or abuse and need to talk to someone, contact Safe to Talk confidentially, any time 24/7:

    Call 0800 044 334
    Text 4334
    Email [email protected]
    For more information visit safetotalk.nz

    If you have been sexually assaulted, remember it's not your fault.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  • This is the second in a two-part episode.

    In 2023 South African doctor Lauren Anne Dickason was found guilty of murdering her daughters Liane, 6, and 2-year-old twins Maya and Karla at their Timaru home.

    She and her husband Graham - an ortopaedic surgeon - had emigrated to New Zealand just weeks earlier seeking a better, safer life for their young children.

    Dickason killed the little girls 20 minutes after her husband left for a work function. He found the siblings dead in their beds when he arrived home.

    Dickason admitted smothering the children but claimed she was so mentally unwell she could not be held criminally responsible for their deaths.

    After an exhaustive five-week trial last year, a jury rejected her defence of insanity or infanticide and convicted the woman of murder.

    In this episode of A Moment In Crime senior journalist Anna Leask looks back at the murders and the aftermath. Leask covered the story from the day the girls died, attending every day of Dickasons high profile trial and her later sentencing.

    The Dickason Family Tragedy is told in two parts. In part one Leask explained the family's background and what brought them to New Zealand, as well as what happened that awful day in 2021.

    In this episode Leask focuses on Dickason's trial - what the jury heard, the verdict, sentencing and what it was like inside the courtroom at pivotal moments.

    The double episode contains descriptions of the Dickason children's deaths and also refer to mental health, self harm, pregnancy loss and fertility issues. Both parts of A Moment In Crime - The Dickason Family Tragedy are intended for mature audiences.

    To read Leask's full coverage of the case click here.

    To read Justice Cameron Mander's full sentencing remarks via the Ministry of Justice website, click here.

    DO YOU NEED HELP OR ADVICE?

    • Lifeline: Call 0800 543 354 or text 4357 (HELP) (available 24/7)
    • Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)
    • Depression helpline: Call 0800 111 757 or text 4202 (available 24/7)
    • Helpline: Need to talk? Call or text 1737

    If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • In 2023 South African doctor Lauren Anne Dickason was found guilty of murdering her daughters Liane, 6, and 2-year-old twins Maya and Karla at their Timaru home.

    She and her husband Graham - an ortopaedic surgeon - had emigrated to New Zealand just weeks earlier seeking a better, safer life for their young children.

    Dickason killed the little girls 20 minutes after her husband left for a work function. He found the siblings dead in their beds when he arrived home.

    Dickason admitted smothering the children but claimed she was so mentally unwell she could not be held criminally responsible for their deaths.

    After an exhaustive five-week trial last year, a jury rejected her defence of insanity or infanticide and convicted the woman of murder.

    In this episode of A Moment In Crime senior journalist Anna Leask looks back at the murders and the aftermath. Leask covered the story from the day the girls died, attending every day of Dickasons high profile trial and her later sentencing.

    The Dickason Family Tragedy is told in two parts. In part one Leask goes into the family's background and what brought them to New Zealand, as well as what happened that awful day in 2021.

    Part two will focus on Dickason's trial, sentencing and what it was like inside the courtroom at pivotal moments. It will be release a week after part one.

    The double episode contains descriptions of the Dickason children's deaths and also refer to mental health, self harm, pregnancy loss and fertility issues. Both parts of A Moment In Crime - The Dickason Family Tragedy are intended for mature audiences.

    To read Leask's full coverage of the case click here.

    DO YOU NEED HELP OR ADVICE?

    • Lifeline: Call 0800 543 354 or text 4357 (HELP) (available 24/7)
    • Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)
    • Depression helpline: Call 0800 111 757 or text 4202 (available 24/7)
    • Helpline: Need to talk? Call or text 1737

    If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • On Easter Monday 2021, Paulina Hanna was found dead at the Remuera home she shared with her husband of 30 years, Philip Polkinghorne.

    For 16 months, her death was treated as “unexplained”. That’s until it emerged Polkinghorne had been charged with murder. He pleaded not guilty in August 2022.

    From the team behind The Front Page, the New Zealand Herald's daily news podcast, comes Accused: The Polkinghorne Trial.

    Listen to Accused: The Polkinghorne Trial on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts, or in The Front Page podcast feed.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • Cynric Temple-Camp is one of New Zealand's top pathologists - and he has just published his third book about his work.

    The Final Diagnosis is a collection of stranger-than-fiction stories of death, disease and murder - as well as Temple-Camp sharing new perspectives on high-profile cases, including the disappearance of Ben Smart and Olivia Hope and the trial of Mark Lundy.

    A Moment In Crime host Anna Leask spoke with Temple-Camp about the book, his career and why he is sure beyond reasonable doubt that Lundy is guilty.

    Episodes of A Moment In Crime - written and hosted by Leask - usually focus on old cases, cold cases or recent cases of national and international significance involving Kiwi offenders or victims.

    But this episode comes from the other side of the cordon - from a person often charged with determining how and why a person died and, who is responsible.

    To read more about Temple-Camp, the Lundy case and other crimes covered by Leask for the Herald, click here.

    Episodes of A Moment In Crime are usually released monthly and, so far, Leask has covered more than 55 cases including the murders of Grace Millane, Scott Guy, Austin Hemmings, Carmen Thomas, Karen Aim; the deaths of the Kahui Twins, the Edgeware Rd murders, the Bain family murders, the Christchurch House of Horrors and the massacres at Raurimu and Aramoana.

    Last year, a three-part special covered the case of rich lister and philanthropist James Wallace who was convicted of sexually assaulting three men and was jailed and had his knighthood stripped from him as a result.

    A Moment In Crime has topped the overall and true crime charts on numerous occasions, and has listeners in more than 80 countries.

    The podcast was a finalist at the 2024 NZ Radio & Podcast Awards and won a silver award in the true crime category at the inaugural New Zealand Podcast Awards in 2021.

    If you have a crime or case you’d like to hear more about, email [email protected]

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • To mark the 30 year anniversary of the mass killing A Moment In Crime presents The House of Bain, a two-part telling of the case.

    On June 20 1994 Margaret and Robin Bain, their teenage daughters Arawa and Laniet and son Stephen were all shot dead in the family home at 65 Every Street, Dunedin.

    Just after 7am David Bain - Margaret and Robin's oldest child - called emergency services to report the ghastly scene. He said he had come home from his morning paper run and found them all dead.

    Days later Bain was charged with five counts of murder and after a high-profile trial a jury found him guilty.

    He maintained his innocence and fought for decades for a retrial, which finally went ahead in 2007.

    A second jury acquitted Bain, finding him not guilty of the five murders.

    The case is arguably New Zealand's most talked about massacre and over the years has become morbidly iconic.

    In the second part of House of Bain, you will hear more from Bain in his own words on his legal battle. The lawyer who represented him most recently also speaks about the case and its aftermath.

    Host Anna Leask speaks to people involved in the case and those with expert opinions on why Bain and the grisly event have become embedded in New Zealand culture.

    CLICK HERE for further New Zealand Herald coverage of this case

    A Moment In Crime is an NZME podcast written and hosted by Anna Leask, senior crime and justice reporter for the New Zealand Herald.

    The podcast is written and hosted by Leask. It is produced by Leask, NZME audio engineer James Irwin and podcast production manager Ethan Sills.

    A number of key players in the case had their words voiced by actors - Glenn Dwight as David Bain and Tory McArthur as the juror from the second trial. NZME audio engineer Tash Chittock assisted with recording.

    In this episode television news reports that featured on various iterations of 6pm news bulletins on TVNZ and NewsHub have been referenced..These are mostly taken from court coverage, which can still be found on YouTube.

    If you have a crime or case you’d like to hear more about, email [email protected]

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • On June 20 1994 five members of the Bain family were found shot dead in their home at 65 Every Street, Dunedin.

    Margaret and Robin Bain, their teenage daughter Arawa and Laniet and their son Stephen were all shot at close range.

    Just after 7am David Bain - Margaret and Robin's oldest child - called emergency services to report the ghastly scene. He said he had come home from his morning paper run and found them all dead.

    Days later Bain was charged with five counts of murder and after a high-profile trial a jury found him guilty.

    He maintained his innocence and fought for decades for a retrial, which finally went ahead in 2007.

    A second jury acquitted Bain, finding him not guilty of the five murders.

    The case is arguably New Zealand's most talked about massacre and over the years has become morbidly iconic.

    To mark the 30-year anniversary of the mass killing A Moment In Crime presents The House of Bain, a two-part telling of the case.

    CLICK HERE for further New Zealand Herald coverage of this case

    For David Fisher's interview with the juror from the first trial click here

    A Moment In Crime is an NZME podcast written and hosted by Anna Leask, senior crime and justice reporter for the New Zealand Herald.

    The podcast is produced by Leask, NZME audio engineer James Irwin and podcast production manager Ethan Sills.

    A number of key players in the case had their words voiced by actors - Glenn Dwight as David Bain, George Heard as Dean Cottle and Kurt Bayer as the juror from the first trial. NZME audio engineer Tash Chittock assisted with recording.

    This episode features references to television news reports from various iterations of 6pm news bulletins on TVNZ1 and Three. These are mostly taken from court coverage, which can still be found on YouTube.

    Part two of A Moment In Crime - The House of Bain will be released in June.

    If you have a crime or case you’d like me to consider covering, email [email protected]

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • In 1954 Christchurch woman Honorah Parker was murdered while on a walk in the Port Hills.

    The culprits? Her daughter Pauline, 15 and best friend Juliet Hulme, 16.

    With “animal ferocity” they hit her over and over again with a brick inside a stocking. Police would later say the 46-year-old had been “battered to pieces”.

    After a controversial trial, the teens were found guilty of murder - a jury rejecting their claims of insanity.

    In this episode of A Moment In Crime host Anna Leask looks back at the crime, the trial, the aftermath and speaks exclusively to Juliet Hulme's brother about why he wants the convictions amended to reflect his sister's lifetime of insanity.

    This episode is accompanied by a full feature about the case - click here to read the story.

    This episode references Canterbury crime author Peter Graham's book about the case, So Brilliantly Clever, the documentary Anne Perry Interiors which is available to rent or buy in New Zealand on AppleTV and author Ian Rankin's documentary Evil Thoughts, which aired in 2002 and can be found in part on YouTube.

    A Moment In Crime is written and hosted by Anna Leask, senior crime and justice journalist for the New Zealand Herald.

    It is produced by Leask, NZME audio engineer James Irwin and podcast production manager Ethan Stills.

    South Island head of news Kurt Bayer oversaw this project, the voice of Pauline Parker's diary was provided by NewstalkZB reporter Emily Ansell and some of the audio recording was undertaken by NZME video journalist George Heard.

    Special thanks to Jonathan Hulme, Nigel Hampton KC and Professor Warren Brookbanks for their insight and in put into this episode.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • In 2011 Dean Richard Mulligan was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of his girlfriend Marice McGregor.

    Marice was reported missing by her family in April 2010 and it emerged she had not been seen or heard from in the 10 days before they approached police.

    For weeks police searched and appealed for information - as did Marice's family.

    What happened to Marice? How did she die? And what was her killer's explanation?

    In this episode of A Moment In Crime host Anna Leask - a senior journalist for the NZ Herald - tells the story of Marice McGregor and the callous man who killed her.

    To read more on this case click on the links below.

    New twist in Marice hunt

    Alleged killer's road to court

    Mulligan gets life for murder

    DO YOU NEED HELP?

    If you are being abused - in any way -remember, it’s not your fault.

    For help and information contact:

    Women’s Refuge: 0800 REFUGE or 0800 733 843 www.womensrefuge.org.nz Shine: 0508 744 633 www.2shine.org.nz Shakti: Providing specialist cultural services for African, Asian and Middle Eastern women and their children. 0800 742 584

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • George Gwaze was tried and acquitted in 2008 and 2012 after the death of his adopted daughter 10-year-old Charlene Makaza.

    Charlene was rushed to hospital in a terrible state in January 2007 and died after her little body effectively shut down due to massive infection - doctors and experts unable to do anything to save her.

    Her family - who had moved to New Zealand from Zimbabwe for a better life - were scrutinised by police and the public.

    George Gwaze was then charged with sexually violating and suffocating Charlene to death.

    He maintained his innocence and after a trial - where the Crown argued murder and the defence argued death by HIV-related symptoms - was found not guilty by a jury.

    In an unprecedented move the Crown appealed the acquittal to New Zealand's highest court and won. A retrial was ordered.

    This episode of A Moment In Crime I cover Charlenes death, the sad aftermath and the trials.

    This episode refers to child sexual abuse and violence and may be upsetting - it is intended for a mature audience.

    If the content raises any issues for you - please see below for a list of help and crisis agencies.

    READ MORE:

    Acquitted uncle tells his story

    Gwaze relieved by not guilty verdict

    Retrial ordered for murder accused

    Gwaze trial miscarriage of justice - Solicitor General

    George Gwaze on trial for rape, murder of his niece

    Gwaze trial - medical staff feared child had meningitis

    Gwaze trial: police describe detailed scene exam

    For more on Felicity Goodyear-Smith and her book The Murder That Wasn't, published in 2015 - visit goodyearsmith.com or click here.

    DO YOU NEED HELP?

    If you've ever experienced sexual assault or abuse and need to talk to someone, contact Safe to Talk confidentially, any time 24/7:

    Call 0800 044 334
    Text 4334
    Email [email protected]
    For more information visit safetotalk.nz

    If you have been sexually assaulted, remember it's not your fault.</strong>

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • Jane Furlong was 17 when she went missing from Auckland's Karangahape Rd in May 1993.

    Her partner Dani Norsworthy reported her missing two days after she was last seen.

    She was a new mum and a part time sex worker and while she'd had a troubled and turbulent life, was doing her best to carve out a future for herself.

    For almost two decades - despite extensive police investigations - there was no sign of Jane, no clues to what happened to her or who was responsible.

    In remains were finally discovered in 2012, buried in the dunes at Sunset Beach, Port Waikato.

    The next year police announced a $50,000 reward for anyone who provided information or evidence that would lead to the conviction of Furlong's killer.

    Despite the cash offer, and a major police investigation spanning more than 26 years - dubbed Operation Darlia - an arrest is yet to be made.

    To date, police have not arrested anyone in connection with Jane's disappearance or death and her case remains one of the most enduring mysteries in New Zealand.

    CAN YOU HELP?

    If you know what happened to Jane Furlong or have information that could help the Operation Darlia police team - please come forward.

    Contact police on 0800 2653 2273 (0800 COLD CASE) or click here to submit information online.

    You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or click here to offer information online.

    READ MORE ABOUT OPERATION DARLIA HERE:

    1998 Flashback: Teenage dreams cut short in K Rd

    Skeleton found on beach identified

    Jane Furlong gets a final farewell

    Murder victim's son speaks out

    Jane Furlong murder: Police revisiting 'crucial' period, killer's silence 'pathetic'

    Person of interest in 26-year-long Jane Furlong murder cold case

    Editorial: The death of Jane Furlong - someone knows something. It's time to come forward

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • In this episode of A Moment In Crime - the last for 2023 - senior journalist Anna Leask looks back at some of the country’s most brazen prison escapes, and speaks to one of the most high-profile escapees in history.

    Arthur Taylor spent almost a month on the run with two murderers and a robber after masterminding an escape from New Zealand’s toughest prison at Paremoremo near Auckland.

    You’ll also hear from others who escaped multiple times including Dean Wickliffe, and, about why inmates go on the lam.

    To date, no one has ever escaped prison in New Zealand and managed to stay away forever - they are all caught and hauled back eventually.

    But over the years many a man - and a couple of women - have tried.

    Leask has covered a number of these escapes for the Herald and canvassed many more in her book Behind Bars, published in 2017.

    A full spread that further details the escapes is also available on nzherald.co.nz.

    This episode contains strong language and is suited to a mature audience.

    For more on Leask's book Behind Bars click here.

    Read more:

    Exclusive: Dean Wickliffe, the life and times of New Zealand's most 'notorious' crim

    Exclusive: Notorious criminal Dean Wickliffe pens book about 41 years behind bars

    Rimutaka Prison escapee guilty of rape, assault with a weapon and abduction, name suppression lapses for Damon John Exley

    Phillip Smith's long history of terrifying and abusive behaviour

    Whereabouts up in air

    Greed the downfall of New Zealand's 'Godfather'

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • In 2000 Ronald Van Der Plaat became one of the country’s most infamous sex offenders when he was jailed for a litany of horrific abuse against his daughter spanning 23 years.

    He started raping, sexually violating and indecently assaulting his daughter Tanjas when she was just 9 when the family were living in Vanuatu.

    For the next 23 years, he would keep her as a sex slave, subjecting her to “bizarre and depraved” abuse which only ended when she became pregnant to him - not for the first time - and suffered a miscarriage.

    Van Der Plaat would use handcuffs, chains and clamps on Tanjas during sadistic sex sessions.

    He would ply her with alcohol and sedatives before sex - once resulting in an overdose that left her with a permanent heart problem.

    In the latest episode of Herald podcast A Moment In Crime journalist Anna Leask looks back at the ghastly offending.

    The episode also features first-hand accounts of the abuse from Tanjas, from her book Flight of the Dancing Bird which she released after her father was imprisoned.

    This episode contains references to physical and sexual abuse - and child abuse. It is suitable for a mature audience and may be upsetting.

    The episode also contains brief extracts from the book Flight Of The Dancing Bird, published by Tanjas Darke published in 2001 by HarperCollins. The book is available at local libraries and can be purchased online.

    READ MORE:

    'Cruel, degrading' sex offender back in court: But released from charge due to dementia

    Sadistic, depraved, cruel: Ronald Van Der Plaat's litany of 'bizarre' sexual abuse

    Ronald Van Der Plaat, the man who raped and enslaved his daughter, to be released from prison


    SEXUAL HARM - WHERE TO GET HELPIf it's an emergency and you feel that you or someone else is at risk, call 111.

    If you've ever experienced sexual assault or abuse and need to talk to someone, contact Safe to Talk confidentially, any time 24/7:


    • Call 0800 044 334
    • Text 4334
    • Email [email protected]
    • For more info or to web chat visit safetotalk.nz

    Alternatively contact your local police station - click here for a list.


    If you have been sexually assaulted, remember it's not your fault.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • This episode of A Moment In Crime is a follow-up from the very first episode I produced about the Christchurch terror attack.

    As the Coronial inquest into the mass murder begins, it's important to remember what happened and who was responsible. It's important to remember who was killed, wounded and impacted. And it's important to understand the inquest.

    In this episode of A Moment In Crime you will hear from the judge who sentenced the terrorist in 2020 and from those closest to the attack - survivors, witnesses and those who lost loved ones that day.

    Brenton Tarrant was the first person in New Zealand history to be jailed for life without parole and will spend the rest of his days in a prison cell - unable to hurt another person.

    The episode refers to an act of terrorism, mass murder and the wounding of many people. It is graphic in parts and is intended for a mature audience.

    Many people are against the name of the terrorist being published, but in this podcast episode he is named at times. His case was heard in an open court and is well known and I do not want to create any sense of drama around his abhorrent actions by painting him as a nameless villain.

    At the outset of this episode of A Moment In Crime I would like to acknowledge the 51 people who died in the Christchruch terror attack and their families - and those injured on that terrible day.

    For more on the attack, the prosecution, sentencing and investigations visit nzherald.co.nz

    I also recommend reading these articles for a deeper understanding of the attack on March 15 and the aftermath.

    The Ripple Effect Christchurch mosque attack : terrorist sentenced Christchurch mosque shooter sentencing: Tales of heartache, grief, terror fill courtroom Christchurch mosque shooter sentencing: Gunshot wounds and grief only the start of pain, suffering for terror attack families Christchurch mosque attack sentencing: Victim's father tells Brenton Tarrant he will never forgive him Christchurch mosque shootings: Royal Commission report revealed Christchurch mosque terror attack: Coronial scope hearing to examine Muslim community's unanswered questions

    If you need support or help please reach out to one of the following services for advice:

    Lifeline

    Depression helpline

    Youthline

    What's Up

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • A Moment In Crime - The Patron - looks back at the life and crimes of disgraced knight and serial sex attacker James Hay Wallace.

    Behind his money, philanthropy and resplendence, Wallace was a serial sex offender who lured men to his mansion on the premise of discussing funding proposals or helping with projects or careers and abused them when they least expected it.

    Wallace’s case took years to resolve with multiple trial dates - one delayed, one aborted and the case then moved to the High Court at Auckland.

    After he was sentenced he continued to fight to clear his name, mounting various appeals to keep his identity suppressed and himself out of prison.

    A Moment In Crime - The Patron tells the story of Wallace’s life, crimes, court case and the impact it had on the victims and wider community across three episodes.

    This episode looks at the victims experiences of the abuse and court, and the aftermath for the arts community.

    Part One and Part Two are also live if you have yet to listen to those.

    Thanks to the NZ Herald senior journalist Sam Hurley for his contributions to this episode.

    For more on the case visit nzherald.co.nz or click:

    Sir James Wallace named as former rich-lister convicted of indecently assaulting three men and attempting to pervert the course of justice 'I do not forgive you': Victims of prominent businessman speak out as influential figure jailed Sir James Wallace unmasked: The inside story of a rich-lister, arts philanthropist and criminal James Wallace: Disgraced arts patron continues to deny offending, refused parole

    SEXUAL HARM - DO YOU NEED HELP?

    If you've ever experienced sexual assault or abuse and need to talk to someone, contact Safe to Talk confidentially, any time 24/7:

    Call 0800 044 334 Text 4334 Email [email protected]

    Alternatively contact your local police station click here for a list.

    If you have been sexually assaulted, remember it's not your fault.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • A Moment In Crime - The Patron - looks back at the life and crimes of disgraced knight and serial sex attacker James Hay Wallace.

    Behind his money, philanthropy and resplendence, Wallace was a serial sex offender who lured men to his mansion on the premise of discussing funding proposals or helping with projects or careers and abused them when they least expected it.

    Wallace’s case took years to resolve with multiple trial dates - one delayed, one aborted and the case then moved to the High Court at Auckland.

    After he was sentenced he continued to fight to clear his name, mounting various appeals to keep his identity suppressed and himself out of prison.

    A Moment In Crime - The Patron tells the story of Wallace’s life, crimes, court case and the impact it had on the victims and wider community across three episodes.

    This episode looks at how the chaotic court cases unfolded, and the lengthy battle between media and Wallace's legal team to get him named.

    Part one is live and part three will be out next week.

    Thanks to the NZ Herald senior journalist Sam Hurley for his contributions to this episode.

    For more on the case visit nzherald.co.nz or click:

    Sir James Wallace named as former rich-lister convicted of indecently assaulting three men and attempting to pervert the course of justice 'I do not forgive you': Victims of prominent businessman speak out as influential figure jailed Sir James Wallace unmasked: The inside story of a rich-lister, arts philanthropist and criminal James Wallace: Disgraced arts patron continues to deny offending, refused parole

    SEXUAL HARM - DO YOU NEED HELP?

    If you've ever experienced sexual assault or abuse and need to talk to someone, contact Safe to Talk confidentially, any time 24/7:

    Call 0800 044 334 Text 4334 Email [email protected]

    Alternatively contact your local police station click here for a list.

    If you have been sexually assaulted, remember it's not your fault.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • A Moment In Crime is presenting a three part episode - The Patron - which looks back at the life and crimes of disgraced knight and serial sex attacker James Hay Wallace.

    Until his spectacular fall from grace, the Auckland rich lister was considered one of the biggest supporters of New Zealand film and art.

    Wallace was respected, revered and his help, guidance and money was sought after by many in the arts world.

    But behind the money and resplendence, Wallace was a serial sex offender who lured men to his mansion on the premise of discussing funding proposals or helping with projects or careers and abused them when they least expected it.

    Wallace’s case took years to resolve with multiple trial dates - one delayed, one aborted and the case then moved to the High Court at Auckland.

    A Moment In Crime - The Patron tells the story of Wallace’s life, crimes, court case and the impact it had on the victims and wider community across three episodes.

    Thanks to NZ Herald' senior journalist Sam Hurley for his contributions to this episode.

    For more on the case visit nzherald.co.nz or click:

    Sir James Wallace named as former rich-lister convicted of indecently assaulting three men and attempting to pervert the course of justice 'I do not forgive you': Victims of prominent businessman speak out as influential figure jailed Sir James Wallace unmasked: The inside story of a rich-lister, arts philanthropist and criminal James Wallace: Disgraced arts patron continues to deny offending, refused parole

    SEXUAL HARM - DO YOU NEED HELP?

    If you've ever experienced sexual assault or abuse and need to talk to someone, contact Safe to Talk confidentially, any time 24/7:

    Call 0800 044 334 Text 4334 Email [email protected]

    Alternatively contact your local police station click here for a list.

    If you have been sexually assaulted, remember it's not your fault.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • In September 2021, Lauren Dickason killed her three daughters, six year old Liane, and two year old twins Maya and Karla, shortly after the family moved to Timaru from South Africa.

    For the last five weeks, Anna has been covering the trial, which this week saw a guilty verdict delivered on all three charges. As the trial has taken up a lot of Anna's time, there's no new episode of A Moment in Crime this month, but listen as she talks to The Front Page's Damien Venuto about the case.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • In 2011 an incomplete skeleton was found at a derelict property in Auckland by a demolition crew tasked with dismantling the buildings on site.

    It took police months to work out who the remains belonged to - and then they had to work out who had killed the young man, and why.

    In this episode of A Moment In Crime, journalist and host Anna Leask looks back at the grisly case and how the police finally got the man responsible.

    For more on this case click the links below.

    Dead man's last months with 'goth' mates

    Police say defendant posed as dead man

    Javed Mills manslaughter - 'frustrated' killer denied parole

    A Moment In Crime is an NZME podcast produced monthly by Leask, who has been a specialist crime and justice reporter for almost two decades.

    This episode was written and produced by Anna Leask and edited by NZME audio engineer James Irwin and NZME podcast production manager Ethan Sills.

    If there is a case you would like Leask to consider covering please email [email protected]

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.