Show Notes
He confessed to Shirley Banks. But what about Suzy Lamplugh?
In this gripping second episode of our two-part series, True Criminals uncovers the terrifying link between two young women and one of Britain’s most dangerous predators. Sky News crime correspondent Martin Brunt and journalist Helen Fospero trace how John Cannan, a convicted rapist and murderer, went from the shadows of Bristol to becoming the prime suspect in the disappearance of estate agent Suzy Lamplugh.
Joined by former Detective Chief Inspector Michael Barley, who spent over a decade investigating Suzy’s case, we explore the chilling evidence, tense interviews, and investigative breakthroughs that connected Cannan to the mystery that has haunted the UK for decades. From a hidden car, altered number plates, and forensic clues, to his brazen confession to Shirley Banks’ murder, every detail exposes a predator’s twisted mind and the painstaking detective work that followed.
This episode examines the heartbreaking consequences for Suzy’s family, the lessons learned for police and society, and why, nearly 40 years later, her fate remains a haunting unsolved puzzle. True Criminals reveals how one man’s crimes shaped national awareness of women’s safety and left an indelible mark on British criminal history.
.................................................
Shop Air Up here:
Treat yourself or someone special to a refreshing twist with Air Up!
Enjoy 10% off your order using the code TRUECRIMINALS at airup.link/truecriminals. Explore all their delicious flavours today.
Support the Show
Listen ad free and access our full catalogue, including a True Criminals coffee mug, on Patreon at www.patreon.com/truecriminals.
As an independent podcast, we rely on listener support. You can also donate via PayPal
https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=YQVFJR5766BJE
Follow True Criminals
Follow us on Instagram at @true.criminals and subscribe to our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@True-Criminals.
Connect with Martin Brunt
Follow Martin on Twitter at @skymartinbrunt. Discover more about his career and the cases he’s covered by reading his book, No One Got Cracked Over the Head for No Reason: Dispatches from a Crime Reporter, available here: https://amzn.eu/d/g1WisSY.
Connect with Helen Fospero
Follow Helen on Instagram at @helenfospero and check out her podcast, The Convex Conversation, here: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-convex-conversation/id1510209575.
Credits
True Criminals is produced by Audio Bleach Global.
Visit www.audiobleachglobal.com/truecriminals for more information.
Executive Producer: Lee Mann.
Producer: Russell Barnes.
Audio Production: Andrew Chappell.
Music Composition: Chap Mannequin.
Artwork: Bleached Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
More from True Criminals
After more than five decades behind bars, Charles Bronson is once again fighting for his freedom. With another crucial parole hearing approaching, True Criminals hosts Martin Brunt and Helen Fospero discuss the latest developments in the extraordinary case of one of Britain's most notorious prisoners.
In February 1990, seven-year-old Rachel Watts went out on her roller skates to buy sweets near her home in Brighton. On her way back, she encountered Russell Bishop — the man acquitted three years earlier of murdering Karen Hadaway and Nicola Fellows. Bishop abducted Rachel, drove her to Devil's Dyke, sexually assaulted and strangled her, and left her for dead.
Did you know True Criminals is on Patreon?
In October 1986, nine-year-old best friends Karen Hadaway and Nicola Fellows disappeared after going out to play near their homes on the Moulsecoomb estate in Brighton. The following afternoon, their bodies were discovered in Wild Park.
Did you know True Criminals is on Patreon? You can listen ad free and enjoy exclusive bonus content, just like the episode you’re listening to right now.