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The Criminal Maze Podcast

The Criminal Maze Podcast

By B P Collins

The Criminal Maze Podcast aims to take our listeners through a journey of unravelling the criminal justice system's complicated puzzle.


Join our criminal solicitor hosts, James Constable and Olivia Duncan, as they get a chance to speak with a range of professionals working within different parts of the criminal justice system to find out more about them, their experiences and the day-to-day responsibilities that their role brings.
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Currently playing episode

Relationships in a workplace

The Criminal Maze PodcastFeb 29, 2024

00:00
08:54
Relationships in a workplace

Relationships in a workplace

The Criminal Maze Podcast aims to unravel the maze that is the justice system. Join our guests as they explore the various parts of the criminal justice system, and as they get a chance to talk to various professionals that make up the system, speaking about their roles and the part they play within it.


This week we speak with Alix Beese from our Employment team again who explains how relationships in the workplace and especially the policies around it may cross the line of legality.

Feb 29, 202408:54
Fraudulent expenses

Fraudulent expenses

The Criminal Maze Podcast aims to unravel the maze that is the justice system. Join our guests as they explore the various parts of the criminal justice system, and as they get a chance to talk to various professionals that make up the system, speaking about their roles and the part they play within it.


This week Alix Beese from our Employment team explains some common types of criminal cases that can be found within the employment law environment

Feb 15, 202412:60
A chat with John Marley

A chat with John Marley

John Marley had a successful 30-year career in television after which he made a leap into crime writing with his great thrillers with a 3rd book on its way, will attend the upcoming Chiltern Kills Festival and is this week's guest on the Criminal Maze Podcast.

The Criminal Maze Podcast sets out to unravel the complexities of the criminal justice system in the UK.

Join Olivia Duncan as she explores the various parts of the criminal justice system.

Throughout the series, alongside guests, she offers her own perspectives and the chance to meet and talk to different professionals that make up the criminal justice system, as they discuss their roles and the part they play within it.

Oct 06, 202321:24
A chat with Tony Kent

A chat with Tony Kent

Tony Kent is a top-ranked barrister, a former champion heavy-weight boxer, and a great author who brings personal insight to his literary work, and this weeks guest on the Criminal Maze Podcast.

The Criminal Maze Podcast sets out to unravel the complexities of the criminal justice system in the UK.

Join Olivia Duncan as she explores the various parts of the criminal justice system.

Throughout the series, alongside guests, she offers her own perspectives and the chance to meet and talk to different professionals that make up the criminal justice system, as they discuss their roles and the part they play within it.

Oct 03, 202321:31
A chat with Denise Beddows

A chat with Denise Beddows

Denise Beddows, an award-winning crime author and co-organiser of the upcoming Chiltern Kills festival, joins Olivia on the podcast this week!

The Criminal Maze Podcast sets out to unravel the complexities of the criminal justice system in the UK.

Join Olivia Duncan as she explores the various parts of the criminal justice system.

Throughout the series, alongside guests, she offers her own perspectives and the chance to meet and talk to different professionals that make up the criminal justice system, as they discuss their roles and the part they play within it.

Sep 26, 202316:03
A chat with Paul Waters

A chat with Paul Waters

Paul Waters, the author of Blackwatertown and a producer at the BBC joins Olivia on this week's episode of the Criminal Maze Podcast.

Paul has gained a wealth of experience and stories to tell throughout his life, as besides being an award-winning producer, he covered elections in the USA, created an alternative G8 summit in a South African Township, went undercover in Zimbabwe, smuggled a satellite dish into Cuba, has been a nigh club cook in New York and many other things.

The Criminal Maze Podcast sets out to unravel the complexities of the criminal justice system in the UK.

Join Olivia Duncan as she explores the various parts of the criminal justice system.

Throughout the series, alongside guests, she offers her own perspectives and the chance to meet and talk to different professionals that make up the criminal justice system, as they discuss their roles and the part they play within it.

Sep 18, 202329:21
Driving Offences: Exceptional Hardship

Driving Offences: Exceptional Hardship

If a driver with 9 points already on his licence is caught speeding and earns another 3 points, do they automatically face disqualification? Jonothan Moss a Principal Solicitor at B P Collins LLP explains.

The Criminal Maze Podcast sets out to unravel the complexities of the criminal justice system in the UK.

Join James Constable and Olivia Duncan as they explore the various parts of the criminal justice system.

Throughout the series, they offer their own perspectives and the chance to meet and talk to different professionals that make up the criminal justice system, as they discuss their roles and the part they play within it.

Sep 12, 202315:41
Challenging a university decision

Challenging a university decision

Cases, where students have allegadely breached the University's code of conduct, are becoming more common. The impact of these investigations can have a drastic effect on the student's future. But where do solicitors fit in such a situation?

The Criminal Maze Podcast sets out to unravel the complexities of the criminal justice system in the UK.

Join James Constable and Olivia Duncan as they explore the various parts of the criminal justice system.

Throughout the series, they offer their own perspectives and the chance to meet and talk to different professionals that make up the criminal justice system, as they discuss their roles and the part they play within it.

Jul 25, 202312:18
Online trolling

Online trolling

Online trolling is an issue that many individuals may face in their day-to-day life. Many people almost expect to come across mean comments directed towards them while using social media or playing video games, but did you know that they may actually be a criminal offence?

The Criminal Maze Podcast sets out to unravel the complexities of the criminal justice system in the UK.

Join James Constable and Olivia Duncan as they explore the various parts of the criminal justice system.

Throughout the series, they offer their own perspectives and the chance to meet and talk to different professionals that make up the criminal justice system, as they discuss their roles and the part they play within it.

Jul 18, 202306:47
Victim's rights pt.3

Victim's rights pt.3

On this episode of the Criminal Maze Podcast, our hosts discuss Victim's rights, focusing on victim rights and breaking down exactly why we need them.

The aim of the Criminal Maze Podcast is to unravel the maze that is the justice system. Join James Constable and Olivia Duncan as they explore the various parts of the criminal justice system, and as they get a chance to talk about and to different professionals that make up the system, discuss their roles and the part they play within it.

Jul 11, 202309:47
Victim's rights pt.2

Victim's rights pt.2

On this episode of the Criminal Maze Podcast, our hosts discuss Victim's rights, focusing on a brief background of victim rights and a glimpse at their future.

The aim of the Criminal Maze Podcast is to unravel the maze that is the justice system. Join James Constable and Olivia Duncan as they explore the various parts of the criminal justice system, and as they get a chance to talk about and to different professionals that make up the system, discuss their roles and the part they play within it.

Jul 04, 202306:38
Victim's rights pt.1

Victim's rights pt.1

On this episode of the Criminal Maze Podcast our hosts discuss Victim's rights, focusing on what rights and protections are currently available to you as a victim of crime.

The aim of the Criminal Maze Podcast is to unravel the maze that is the justice system. Join James Constable and Olivia Duncan as they explore the various parts of the criminal justice system, and as they get a chance to talk about and to different professionals that make up the system, discuss their roles and the part they play within it.

Jun 27, 202310:10
Drug Driving

Drug Driving

Have you ever wondered how the prosecution of drug driving works, since it is now said to be more widespread than drunk driving? James and Liv break down the whole procedure.

The aim of the Criminal Maze Podcast is to unravel the maze that is the justice system. Join James Constable and Olivia Duncan as they explore the various parts of the criminal justice system, and as they get a chance to talk about and to different professionals that make up the system, discuss their roles and the part they play within it.

Jun 20, 202309:60
Stop and Search - Common Questions & Answers

Stop and Search - Common Questions & Answers

Join James as he answers some of the most commonly asked questions about being pulled over by a police officer.

The aim of the Criminal Maze Podcast is to unravel the maze that is the justice system. Join James Constable and Olivia Duncan as they explore the various parts of the criminal justice system, and as they get a chance to talk about and to various professionals that make up the system, discussing about their roles and the part they play within it.

Jun 13, 202305:23
Sentencing Guidelines

Sentencing Guidelines

Sentencing guidelines help to ensure that judges and magistrates in courts across England and Wales take a consistent approach to sentencing and its severity depending on offences. James and Olivia discuss the general guidelines on this episode.

The aim of the Criminal Maze Podcast is to unravel the maze that is the justice system. Join James Constable and Olivia Duncan as they explore the various parts of the criminal justice system, and as they get a chance to talk to various professionals that make up the system, speaking about their roles and the part they play within it.

Jun 06, 202307:24
What is a hung jury?

What is a hung jury?

A hung jury is a judicial jury that cannot agree upon a verdict after extended deliberation and is unable to reach the required unanimity or supermajority.

The aim of the Criminal Maze Podcast is to unravel the maze that is the justice system. Join James Constable and Olivia Duncan as they explore the various parts of the criminal justice system, and as they get a chance to talk to various professionals that make up the system, speaking about their roles and the part they play within it.

May 30, 202314:02
What Happens In Court?

What Happens In Court?

Have you ever wondered what actually happens in court and how the whole process fits into the criminal justice system in the UK?

The aim of the Criminal Maze Podcast is to unravel the maze that is the justice system. Join James Constable and Olivia Duncan as they explore the various parts of the criminal justice system, and as they get a chance to talk to various professionals that make up the system, speaking about their roles and the part they play within it.

May 23, 202312:05
What Happens In A Police Station?

What Happens In A Police Station?

The aim of the Criminal Maze Podcast is to unravel the maze that is the justice system. Join James Constable and Olivia Duncan as they explore the various parts of the criminal justice system, and as they get a chance to talk to various professionals that make up the system, speaking about their roles and the part they play within it.

May 16, 202319:30
The role of a jury

The role of a jury

The aim of the Criminal Maze Podcast is to unravel the maze that is the justice system. Join James Constable and Olivia Duncan as they explore the various parts of the criminal justice system, and as they get a chance to talk to various professionals that make up the system, speaking about their roles and the part they play within it.

May 09, 202316:01
The Old Bailey Judge (Part 2)

The Old Bailey Judge (Part 2)

The aim of the Criminal Maze Podcast is to unravel the maze that is the justice system. Join James Constable and Olivia Duncan as they get a chance to talk to various professionals that make up the justice system, speaking about their roles and the part they play within it.

This is part 2 of the Old Bailey Judge episode where James and Olivia get a chance to speak with her Honour Wendy Joseph KC, who practised as a barrister, made silk and sat on the bench as a judge at the Old Bailey, where at the time she was the only female judge, and only 3rd ever in its history.

Tune in to find out what made her pick her career path, and specialise in the field she did.


Nov 17, 202225:46
The Old Bailey Judge (Part 1)

The Old Bailey Judge (Part 1)

The aim of the Criminal Maze Podcast is to unravel the maze that is the justice system. Join James Constable and Olivia Duncan as they get a chance to talk to various professionals that make up the justice system, speaking about their roles and the part they play within it.

This week James and Olivia get a chance to speak with Her Honour Wendy Joseph KC, who practised as a barrister, took silk and sat on the bench as a judge at the Old Bailey, where at the time she was the only female judge, and only 3rd ever in its history. 

Tune in to find out what made her pick her career path, and specialise in the field she did.

Nov 10, 202234:27
The Forensic Anthropologist (Part 2)

The Forensic Anthropologist (Part 2)

Please note that this episode of the Criminal Maze Podcast contains descriptions of violence, death and sexual acts that some listeners may find disturbing.

The aim of the Criminal Maze Podcast is to unravel the maze that is the justice system. Join James Constable and Olivia Duncan as they get a chance to talk to a variety of professionals that make up the justice system, speaking about their roles and the part that they play within it.

This is part 2 of the episode where our hosts are joined by Professor Sue Black, one of the worlds leading Forensic Anthropologists, as she takes us through her experiences in her role, the sort of cases she worked on, and what inspired her to choose her career path.

Nov 03, 202242:42
The Forensic Anthropologist (Part 1)

The Forensic Anthropologist (Part 1)

Please note that this episode of the Criminal Maze Podcast contains descriptions of violence, death and sexual acts that some listeners may find disturbing.

The aim of the Criminal Maze Podcast is to unravel the maze that is the justice system. Join James Constable and Olivia Duncan as they get a chance to talk to a variety of professionals that make up the justice system, speaking about their roles and the part that they play within it.

On this episode, our hosts are joined by Professor Sue Black, one of the worlds leading Forensic Anthropologists, as she takes us through her experiences in her role, the sort of cases she worked on, and what inspired her to choose her career path.

Oct 27, 202237:30
The Prison Governor (Part 2)

The Prison Governor (Part 2)

The aim of the Criminal Maze Podcast is to unravel the maze that is the justice system. Join James Constable and Olivia Duncan as they get a chance to talk to a variety of professionals that make up the justice system, speaking about their roles and the part that they play within it.

On this week's episode, our hosts continue the previous episode, where they get a chance to talk to Vanessa Frake, who presents her point of view and experience in having worked for over 27 years as a prison officer in HMPs Holloway and Wormwood Scrubs.

Oct 20, 202240:22
The Prison Governor (Part 1)

The Prison Governor (Part 1)

The aim of the Criminal Maze Podcast is to unravel the maze that is the justice system. Join James Constable and Olivia Duncan as they get a chance to talk to a variety of professionals that make up the justice system, speaking about their roles and the part that they play within it.

On this week's episode, our hosts get a chance to talk to Vanessa Frake, where she presents her point of view and experience in having worked for over 27 years as a prison officer in HMPs Holloway and Wormwood Scrubs. 

Tune in next week for part 2.

Oct 13, 202229:54
The Prison Officer

The Prison Officer

The criminal justice system can seem like a maze for those looking in from the outside. Even individuals working within the system may not be fully aware of what others within it are actually responsible for.

In The Criminal Maze Podcast, we delve into the criminal justice system, untangle the web of its roles, and uncover how each person would interact with someone unfortunate to find themselves being processed through the system.

In this episode, our hosts, James Constable and Olivia Duncan have the pleasure of talking to Sunday Times bestselling author, Sam Samworth. 

Having worked as a prison officer for over 11 years, he provides us with an insight into the criminal justice system, and the effect it has not only on those that are inside it but those working to support it.

Mar 03, 202201:13:21
The Prison Doctor

The Prison Doctor

The criminal justice system can seem like a maze for those looking in from the outside. Even individuals working within the system may not be fully aware of what others within it are actually responsible for.

In The Criminal Maze Podcast, we delve into the criminal justice system, untangle the web of its roles, and uncover how each person would interact with someone unfortunate to find themselves being processed through the system.

In this episode, our hosts, James Constable and Olivia Duncan have the pleasure of talking to Sunday Times bestselling author, Dr Amanda Brown. Known as the Prison Doctor, Amanda will take you inside the walls of Bronzefield prison as we hear her perspective on the criminal justice system.

Feb 24, 202201:01:35
The Judge

The Judge

The criminal justice system can seem like a maze for those looking in from the outside. Even individuals working within the system may not be fully aware of what others within it are actually responsible for.

In The Criminal Maze Podcast, we delve into the criminal justice system, untangle the web of its roles, and uncover how each person would interact with someone unfortunate to find themselves being processed through the system.

In this episode, our hosts, James Constable and Olivia Duncan have the pleasure of talking to Tan Ikram, a judge working in the local area. He takes us through his experience of the criminal justice system, from the moment he dreams of becoming a solicitor, to becoming one, and eventually his decision to become a judge.

Feb 17, 202201:06:31
The Essex Barrister

The Essex Barrister

The criminal justice system can seem like a maze for those looking in from the outside. Even individuals working within the system may not be fully aware of what others within it are actually responsible for.

In The Criminal Maze Podcast, we delve into the criminal justice system, untangle the web of its roles, and uncover how each person would interact with someone unfortunate to find themselves being processed through the system.

In this episode, our hosts, James Constable and Olivia Duncan have the pleasure of talking to Alexandra Wilson, the author of "In Black a White: A Young Barrister's Story of Race and Class in a Broken Justice System" and a barrister working at 5 St Andrews Hill, who will explain what inspired her to become a barrister, her day to day role, and how what she does fits into the Criminal Justice System.

Feb 10, 202238:20
The Barrister

The Barrister

The criminal justice system can seem like a maze for those looking in from the outside. Even individuals working within the system may not be fully aware of what others within it are actually responsible for.

In The Criminal Maze Podcast, we delve into the criminal justice system, untangle the web of its roles, and uncover how each person would interact with someone unfortunate to find themselves being processed through the system.

In this episode, our hosts, James Constable and Olivia Duncan have the pleasure of talking to Oliver Kirk, a barrister working at 5 St Andrews Hill, who explains his day to day role, and how what he does fits into the Criminal Justice System.

Feb 03, 202201:08:16
The Police Officer

The Police Officer

The criminal justice system can seem like a maze for those looking in from the outside. Even individuals working within the system may not be fully aware of what others within it are actually responsible for. 

In The Criminal Maze Podcast, we delve into the criminal justice system, untangle the web of its roles, and uncover how each person would interact with someone unfortunate to find themselves being processed through the system.

Our hosts, James Constable and Olivia Duncan have the pleasure of talking to Iain Watkinson, a police officer, who explains his day to day role, and how what he does fits into the Criminal Justice System.

Jan 27, 202201:02:42