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. For ad-free listening to The Trial, exclusive bonus episodes every week, and complete access to previous series of the show, subscribe to The Crime Desk now. Visit www.thecrimedesk.com to become a member. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Latest episodes

Lucy Letby: The Facts

October 6, 2026 · 1 hr 10 min

In this special video episode Caroline and Liz are back to discuss Lucy Letby - focusing on the facts and context of the case. Joining them in the studio is Press Association Reporter, Kim Pilling, who covered every day of the trial and…
Kenneth Law: Poison In The Post

September 29, 2026 · 48 min

In October 2021, David Parfett tragically found his son, Tom, dead in a hotel room in Surrey. Tom was just 22 years old. David was determined to find the truth behind his son’s death. He followed Tom’s digital footprint and made a shocking…
Rape Courts: Will They Make A Difference?

September 22, 2026 · 32 min

Can new government measures really improve the experience of rape victims in the criminal justice system? With thousands of rape and sexual assault cases waiting to reach court, ministers are promising dedicated courtrooms, fixed trial…
Lucy Letby, The Inquiry: Babies Should Not Have Died

September 15, 2026 · 54 min

We now know for certain, babies should not have died at the Countess of Chester Hospital. In her scathing report into the failings which allowed Lucy Letby to harm babies for months, Lady Justice Thirlwall said three babies should not have…
Lucy Letby, The Inquiry: The Hospital’s Day of Reckoning

September 15, 2026 · 1 hr 0 min

Could Lucy Letby have been stopped sooner? Could babies have been saved? Was there an orchestrated hospital cover up? Were parents consistently lied to? Did a toxic hospital culture allow a serial killer to remain undetected for…
Chris Brain: The Priest, The Cult, The Trial

September 8, 2026 · 42 min

Today on the podcast Caroline and Ryan have the extraordinary allegations against a Church of England Priest, who ran what's been called a "cult" service to abuse his female "disciples". Chris Brain admits having sexual relations with…
Who cares about the Jury?

September 1, 2026 · 35 min

Does the law need to change in order to better protect jurors? That is what the House of Lords is now considering. Long-established laws means members of a jury are not allowed to discuss a case with anyone during a trial. And even after…
Christopher Phillips: Did a Grief Disorder lead to a Prison Sentence?

August 25, 2026 · 27 min

60-year-old Christopher Phillips kept his mother’s body in a freezer for almost three years, talking to her about her favourite television programmes and holding her hand as if she were still alive. A court heard that he was suffering from…