John Palmer: 6. The Hitman

Livvy Haydock travels from the streets of post-war Birmingham to the sun-kissed beaches of Tenerife - following the rise and fall of one of Britain’s richest, and most wanted, serious organised criminals.It’s a story of violence, mystery, murder and police corruption - of how an illiterate lad from a broken home went on to become as rich as the Queen - leaving a trail of destruction in his wake.Palmer owned a Learjet, a yacht, helicopters, a collection of fast cars and a chateau in France. A wheeler-dealer jeweller who started by selling paraffin from the back of a lorry and was catapulted to the top of the criminal world after the Brink’s-Mat heist in 1983 - the largest armed robbery in British history. He smelted millions of pounds worth of the gold, earning himself the moniker ‘Goldfinger.’ He then went on to mastermind a multi-million-pound timeshare fraud on Tenerife, scamming thousands of innocent victims who lost their life savings.In a series of exclusive interviews, Livvy hears from his associates and his victims - many of whom have never spoken before. And she meets the detectives who were tasked with bringing him to justice.This podcast includes strong language and descriptions of violence.Presenter: Livvy HaydockSeries producer: Mick TuckerProducer: Patrick KiteleyTechnical production and sound design: Nicky Edwards and Richard HannafordJournalism Assistant: Tim FernleyProduction Manager: Sarah PaytonCommissioning editors: Richard Maddock and Dylan HaskinsEditor and executive producer: Carl Johnston

1 Helmi 20234min

From the streets of post-war Birmingham, a young John Palmer - unable to read or write - starts to make a name for himself in the criminal underworld, wheeler-dealing jewellery and smelting gold. But it’s the Brink’s-Mat gold heist - the biggest armed robbery of all time - that provides him with the opportunity of a lifetime.This podcast includes strong language and descriptions of violence. Presenter: Livvy Haydock Series producer: Mick Tucker Producer: Patrick Kiteley Technical production and sound design: Nicky Edwards Additional technical production: Richard Hannaford Journalism Assistant: Tim Fernley Production Manager: Sarah Payton Commissioning editors: Richard Maddock and Dylan Haskins Editor and executive producer: Carl Johnston.

1 Helmi 202335min

Just weeks after being released from jail, Warren finds himself back inside after his latest million pound drug deal is busted by police. He indulges in illicit sexual encounters behind bars.This podcast includes strong language and some descriptions of violence.Presenter: Livvy Haydock. Series producer: Paul Grant Producer: Scott Hesketh Technical production and sound design: Matthew Dempsey and Richard Hannaford. Journalism Assistant: Tim Fernley Production Manager: Cathy Clark Commissioning editor: Richard Maddock. Editor and executive producer: Carl Johnston

10 Elo 202226min

Curtis Warren looks to bribe a corrupt police officer to get a mate off the hook. But he’s got major troubles of his own as police finally catch up with their target number one.This podcast includes strong language and some descriptions of violence.Presenter: Livvy Haydock. Series producer: Paul Grant Producer: Scott Hesketh Technical production and sound design: Matthew Dempsey and Richard Hannaford. Journalism Assistant: Tim Fernley Production Manager: Cathy Clark Commissioning editor: Richard Maddock. Editor and executive producer: Carl Johnston

3 Elo 202230min

A bloody gang war breaks out on the streets of Liverpool. Curtis Warren is in the firing line. He moves his operation to Holland, but the police are closing in.This podcast includes strong language and descriptions of violence.Presenter: Livvy Haydock. Series producer: Paul Grant Producer: Scott Hesketh Technical production and sound design: Matthew Dempsey and Richard Hannaford. Journalism Assistant: Tim Fernley Production Manager: Cathy Clark Commissioning editor: Richard Maddock. Editor and executive producer: Carl Johnston

27 Heinä 202229min

After walking free from a major drugs trial, Curtis Warren steps up his international drug dealing operation. He’s introduced to world of unimaginable wealth, excess and extravagance.This podcast includes strong language and descriptions of violence.Presenter: Livvy Haydock. Series producer: Paul Grant Producer: Scott Hesketh Technical production and sound design: Matthew Dempsey and Richard Hannaford. Journalism Assistant: Tim Fernley Production Manager: Cathy Clark Commissioning editor: Richard Maddock. Editor and executive producer: Carl Johnston

20 Heinä 202227min

Curtis Warren begins his remarkable rise from lowly street dealer to dealing directly with the notorious Colombian cocaine cartels. His first £100m shipment gets through - right under the noses of customs.This podcast includes strong language and descriptions of violence.Presenter: Livvy Haydock Series producer: Paul Grant Producer: Scott Hesketh Technical production and sound design: Matthew Dempsey and Richard Hannaford. Journalism Assistant: Tim Fernley Production Manager: Cathy Clark Commissioning editor: Richard Maddock. Editor and executive producer: Carl Johnston

13 Heinä 202222min

Against a backdrop of unemployment and racism, Curtis Warren starts to make his mark on the streets of Toxteth. But a botched robbery lands him in prison for the first time.This podcast includes strong language and descriptions of violence.Presenter: Livvy Haydock. Series producer: Paul Grant Producer: Scott Hesketh Technical production and sound design: Matthew Dempsey and Richard Hannaford. Journalism Assistant: Tim Fernley Production Manager: Cathy Clark Commissioning editor: Richard Maddock. Editor and executive producer: Carl Johnston

6 Heinä 202228min