Episode Six – Michael O’Higgins The Defence Barrister

Joan Deane joins Marie and Paul for the last episode in this series, telling them how she founded AdVIC after losing her son, Russell, to murder in 2003, having felt lost during and after the court process at the trial. AdVIC supports the families – also the victims of homicide, through this time and is an advocate for fairer treatment of families of victims of homicide throughout the legal process . Please note that this podcast contains discussions related to death, suicide, and overdose. These topics are approached with sensitivity and may include narratives, insights, or discussions that some listeners may find distressing or triggering. For help or support contact Samaritans – day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.ie, or visit www.samaritans.ie to find your nearest branch.

Ciara talks to Marie and Paul about the fascinating role of the criminal psychologist – looking into the minds of murderers, trying to discover what makes a killer, and therefore how future crimes might be prevented.  Please note that this podcast contains discussions related to death, suicide, and overdose. These topics are approached with sensitivity and may include narratives, insights, or discussions that some listeners may find distressing or triggering. For help or support contact Samaritans – day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.ie, or visit www.samaritans.ie to find your nearest branch.

James Donovan was the Senior Forensic Scientist in the Guarda Tech Bureau, and set up the first forensic laboratory in Ireland, now Forensic Science, Ireland.   He talks about his work there to Marie and Paul, as well as the major advances he has seen over the years on forensic science. Please note that this podcast contains discussions related to death, suicide, and overdose. These topics are approached with sensitivity and may include narratives, insights, or discussions that some listeners may find distressing or triggering. For help or support contact Samaritans – day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.ie, or visit www.samaritans.ie to find your nearest branch.

Robert was one of Marie’s Anatomical Pathology Technicians -or APTs.  They worked together in Glasgow and Ireland, and then in Bosnia where they witnessed the horror of mass graves and grieving families trying to find the remains of their loved ones.  Robert retired in 2009 and now uses his art as form of therapy for the PTSD caused by what he experienced over the years. He is an ambassador of Remembering Srebrenica. You can learn more about both his art and the charity at www.robertmcneil.co.uk Please note that this podcast contains discussions related to death, suicide, and overdose. These topics are approached with sensitivity and may include narratives, insights, or discussions that some listeners may find distressing or triggering. For help or support contact Samaritans – day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.ie, or visit www.samaritans.ie to find your nearest branch.

Brian was one of the first people Marie met on the job in Ireland, and the first person informed of a suspicious death.  They discuss cases they worked on together and the changing face of the science of death in Ireland. Please note that this podcast contains discussions related to death, suicide, and overdose. These topics are approached with sensitivity and may include narratives, insights, or discussions that some listeners may find distressing or triggering. For help or support contact Samaritans – day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.ie, or visit www.samaritans.ie to find your nearest branch.