Australian True Crime

This is a "Shortcut" episode. It’s a shortened version of this week’s more detailed full episode, which is also available on our feed.

Our guest today brings a refreshing perspective on what's possible within our justice system when it's approached with equal amounts of skill and human compassion.

George Newhouse is the CEO and the Principal Solicitor of the National Justice Project.

Its mission is to take strategic action to create a fair and equitable society that is free from discrimination.

When I first read that statement on their website, to be honest, I thought they were dreaming. But having now met George, my faith is revitalised and I'm very excited to introduce him and his work to you. 

Our guest today brings a refreshing perspective on what's possible within our justice system when it's approached with equal amounts of skill and human compassion.

George Newhouse is the CEO and the Principal Solicitor of the National Justice Project.

Its mission is to take strategic action to create a fair and equitable society that is free from discrimination.

When I first read that statement on their website, to be honest, I thought they were dreaming. But having now met George, my faith is revitalised and I'm very excited to introduce him and his work to you. 

This is a "Shortcut" episode. It’s a shortened version of this week’s more detailed full episode, which is also available on our feed.

On December 14, 2008, 37-year-old Mary Cook was found murdered in a burned down house on Darling Way, Narre Warren.

Victoria Police launched a months-long covert operation, gaining a confession from 35-year-old Glenn Weaven using the controversial "Mr Big" technique.

Weaven was convicted of Mary’s murder and sentenced to 20 years in prison, with a 16-year non-parole period. But the use of the Mr Big method has sparked intense scrutiny.

Our guest today on Australian True Crime, Professor Michele Ruyters, is here to explain what the Mr Big technique is, and how she believes it may have coerced a confession from Glenn Weaven, thus resulting in his wrongful conviction.

Today's conversation is also conducted by our guest host and resident criminologist, Dr. Xanthé Mallett.

Michele Ruyters is the director of the Bridge of Hope Innocence Initiative at RMIT University. 

On December 14, 2008, 37-year-old Mary Cook was found murdered in a burned down house on Darling Way, Narre Warren.

Victoria Police launched a months-long covert operation, gaining a confession from 35-year-old Glenn Weaven using the controversial "Mr Big" technique.

Weaven was convicted of Mary’s murder and sentenced to 20 years in prison, with a 16-year non-parole period. But the use of the Mr Big method has sparked intense scrutiny.

Our guest today on Australian True Crime, Professor Michele Ruyters, is here to explain what the Mr Big technique is, and how she believes it may have coerced a confession from Glenn Weaven, thus resulting in his wrongful conviction.

Today's conversation is also conducted by our guest host and resident criminologist, Dr. Xanthé Mallett.

Michele Ruyters is the director of the Bridge of Hope Innocence Initiative at RMIT University. 

This is a "Shortcut" episode. It’s a shortened version of this week’s more detailed full episode, which is also available on our feed.

Hannah was just 15 years old when her big sister, Emma Pawelski was murdered in 2005.

The crime remains unsolved, despite the fact that police have always had one main suspect.

We spoke to Hannah and Emma's mother, Sharon, in 2020. We've reissued that episode, in case you'd like to listen back to it after this one.

Hannah McKell joins us today on Australian True Crime to talk about living with her sister's homicide and to appeal again for anyone with information about her sister's death to please contact police.

There is a $200,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in this case. If you have any information, please contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.