The Trials of the Vampire

The story you weren't allowed to hear is finally out in the open. It's a silent epidemic— and it's coming for our kids. Australian documentary-maker Akhim Dev follows the Queensland Police investigation of a notorious child exploitation website. ‘The Love Zone' hosts thousands of members around the world creating, uploading, and sharing videos and photographic material of unimaginable acts against children. This dark web network is infiltrated by an elite team of Australian investigators— Taskforce Argos. Argos use their global connections and controversial undercover strategies to take down hands-on abusers in order to save The Children in the Pictures.  This 8 part series is a powerful examination into how child abuse has become endemic online, and what we can all do to fight it. Search for 'The Children in the Pictures' wherever you get your podcasts.  Warning: what you're about to hear involves crimes against children. Listener discretion is advised.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Melbourne Gangland War took a toll on a lot of people, and as a prison guard for Barwon Prison, Ash Langsworth handled some of Melbourne's most notorious criminals, including Carl Williams. He gained an insight into how they act in prison. Real Crime Investigative Journalist Adam Shand chats with Ash about 2 major events during Ash's time their, the death of Carl Williams and the fateful night that turned his whole world upside down.  For more episodes download the LiSTNR app now and listen for free See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2013 Renae Marsden sadly took her own life after years of emotional manipulation, abuse and catfishing by her best friend Camila Zeidan. Camila was not charged, as catfishing is not a law in Australia and years later, her parents, Mark and Teresa Marsden are still fighting for catfishing to be punishable by law in Australia. Real Crime investigator Adam Shand chats with Mark and Teresa about those events back in 2013 and what it's been like living in limbo 8 years on. Sign the petition here: https://www.change.org/p/dominic-perrottet-driven-to-suicide-but-renae-s-abuser-in-the-clear-criminalising-catfishing Join the Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/139558685012372 Warning: This episode contains details of suicide. For more episodes download the LiSTNR app now and listen for free See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia's war in Afghanistan has had a devastating influence on suicide and depression among our veterans upon their return. Real Crime investigator Adam Shand is joined by guest Dr Dan Mealey, who fought for a Royal Commission into veteran suicide. He says some Australians have turned on our soldiers while the Taliban continue to commit atrocities against innocent people. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hear the story of Chopper Read's comeback from near-destruction from drugs. Real Crime investigator Adam Shand reports on how a new manager, Andrew Parisi, plots a course for Chopper's revival including books, documentaries and a stupendous TV deal for a tell-all interview weeks before his death. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark Brandon "Chopper" Read is a name that is a by-word for crime and violence in Australian society. Real Crime investigator Adam Shand delves into the world of the foul deeds he confessed to, but how much of it was true? His first manager Andrew Roper explains how he took the Chopper show on the road. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Melbourne gangster Mario Condello was brutally slain in Melbourne 2006. Real Crime investigator Adam Shand interviews Enzo Condello, the brother of Mario. Enzo could have followed a similar path of his brother but chose to become a writer. He reflects on his brother's role as Australia's ambassador to the mafia and the circumstances that led to Mario's murder. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Domestic violence victims are more likely to speak to police these days. Real Crime investigator Adam Shand speaks to senior police who claim an increase in domestic violence reports is not a new epidemic. Experienced domestic violence officers and prosecutors explain why some victims are still reluctant to engage.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cassie extricates herself from Connor's control but the abuser moves on to a new victim, Kylie. The same pattern resumes, only broken when Kylie reaches out to police and stops protecting her assailant. Real Crime investigator Adam Shand shows how Kylie and Cassie then join forces to ensure that Connor's hold is broken forever. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Domestic abuse is almost impossible to foresee in a relationship that starts online. Real crime investigator Adam Shand reports on the case of Cassie who meets an American named Connor online and, after a whirlwind romance, invites him to live in Australia with her. Soon, the violence begins but Cassie is ashamed to admit she has allowed an abusive man into her life.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With evidence of police corruption, the Jailhouse Lawyer's determination to give it over is silenced by an old adversary. Real Crime investigator Adam Shand reports on the arrest of  David McCulloch and how he was deported to a home he left 50 years ago. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jailhouse Lawyer David McCulloch formed key alliances with powerful inmates and prison staff to bring peace to Barwon Prison. Real Crime investigator Adam Shand explains how despite this, McCulloch faced new charges after a former friend Carl Williams betrayed him with false evidence. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How would you survive time in prison? Real Crime investigator Adam Shand tells the story of an ex-criminal who walked the line between warring gangs before being wrongly imprisoned. He reveals how he survived in a jail by helping others to fight for freedom. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Real Crime investigator Adam Shand invites you into his 20-year career reporting on Australia's underworld, a unique insight into Australia's most important and iconic crime stories.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fourteen years after the murder of Shane Chartres-Abbott, the vampire gigolo is still making waves. Hosted by Adam Shand.  For additional information, case evidence, unheard audio & more: www.thetrialsofthevampire.com

Shane Chartres-Abbott's father and grandfather had a history of bogus religion, violence and sexual freedom that leads Shane into the sex industry. Hosted by Adam Shand.  For additional information, case evidence, unheard audio & more: www.thetrialsofthevampire.com

When the Thai-born Penny is found in a pool of blood in her hotel room, the only suspect is Shane Chartres-Abbott but from the beginning there are unanswered questions that linger until this day. Hosted by Adam Shand.  For additional information, case evidence, unheard audio & more: www.thetrialsofthevampire.com

Police track Shane from Penny's hotel room to a brothel where more bizarre practices unfold but this time Shane is on the receiving end. More questions emerge about the events in Room 307 and whether the victim is telling the whole truth. Hosted by Adam Shand.  For additional information, case evidence, unheard audio & more: www.thetrialsofthevampire.com

On the day he is due to give evidence in his trial, Shane is intercepted outside his house and shot down in cold blood. The murder investigation begins. Hosted by Adam Shand.  For additional information, case evidence, unheard audio & more: www.thetrialsofthevampire.com

Three years after the murder, an inmate "The Author" confesses that he killed Shane and begins to name his accomplices. Hosted by Adam Shand.  For additional information, case evidence, unheard audio & more: www.thetrialsofthevampire.com

The Author claimed a former policeman David Waters and a serving cop Peter Lalor and others helped to plan the murder of Shane. Under political pressure, police try to prove the allegations which are stoutly denied. One of the main suspects, Mark Perry, disappears. Hosted by Adam Shand.  For additional information, case evidence, unheard audio & more: www.thetrialsofthevampire.com

A $1 million bounty is placed on Mark Perry's head amid a global manhunt. Police trawl through Shane's client list and find some new clues. Hosted by Adam Shand.  For additional information, case evidence, unheard audio & more: www.thetrialsofthevampire.com

Mark Perry is captured after seven years on the run and faces trial with Ange Goussis and Warren Shea. Prosecutors try to fit Perry's alleged role in the murder with the Author's evidence and end up with two different and conflicting stories. Hosted by Adam Shand.  For additional information, case evidence, unheard audio & more: www.thetrialsofthevampire.com

The most expensive police investigation in Victoria's history ends in failure. The trauma of the events of 2002/3 continues to play out in 2017. Hosted by Adam Shand.  For additional information, case evidence, unheard audio & more: www.thetrialsofthevampire.com