Shaun Attwoods True Crime Podcast EX COPS INSANE STORY & JIMMY SAVILE STANDOWN ORDERS - Sharon Birch | True Crime Podcast 805
Mar 8, 2026
Sharon Birch, former UK police officer with 20+ years in the London Met and child protection, turned author. She recalls child post-mortems and the emotional toll. She describes investigating shaken babies, stranger attacks on children, missing and groomed teens, and early warnings about Jimmy Savile. She also shares nightshift policing, riots, undercover instincts, and why she wrote her memoir.
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First Postmortems Shaped Her Policing Career
- Sharon Birch witnessed dozens of child post-mortems and can recall the unique smell and the pathologist's procedures during examinations.
- Her first post-mortem experiences taught her to read organs' evidence and galvanized her commitment to investigate child deaths thoroughly.
Failed Prosecution After Repeated Choking Warnings
- Sharon described investigating an eight-month-old who later died after prior choking incidents linked to one caregiver.
- Despite a coroner finding guilt, the CPS said insufficient evidence for criminal prosecution and the perpetrator avoided prison.
Market Bust Led To Big Designer Theft Case
- Sharon's first big arrest involved spotting stolen designer clothing being sold at Roman Road market and handing the case to CID.
- The incident became notable locally and marked her early exposure to complex fraud and burglary work.
